Coronavirus: South Shore Hospital Physician Tests Positive

WEYMOUTH, MA — South Shore Hospital confirmed a staff physician is at home under quarantine after a positive test for the new coronavirus. South Shore Health also announced all elective surgeries are being postponed and visitations severely restricted as it prepares an expected influx in positive tests on the South Shore.

South Shore Hospital said in a statement to WHDH-TV that those who came in contact with the physician have been notified and the positive test comes despite infection prevention protocols being in place.

"But the reality is that healthcare professionals here at South Shore and across the nation will likely have some level of exposure as COVID-19 continues to spread," the hospital said.

South Shore Health said that beginning Wednesday scheduled elective surgical procedures will be postponed indefinitely.

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"This decision is in line with guidance from the American College of Surgeons and the Centers for Disease Control, and mirrors changes that have been adopted by major academic medical centers around the country," South Shore Health officials said.

South Shore Health defines elective surgeries as procedures where a delay will not adversely affect patient outcomes: "For example, cancer surgeries will proceed in most cases, while hernia surgeries may be postponed."

All visitors are also now being restricted at South Shore Hospital unless preapproved by each patient's care team. Pediatric patients will be allowed one parent or guardian to visit during the duration of their visit, special care nursery and nursery intensive care unit patients will be allowed to have both parents present, while labor and delivery patients will be allowed to have their significant other allowed for the duration of their stay.

All visitors are directed to enter or exit the hospital through the Main entrance between the hours of 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. After hours, visitors will need to enter through the Emergency Room entrance.