Update April 1, 2020: Since this post’s public date, a total of 18 nurses have tested positive.

The INA today learned and announced in a press release that twelve nurses at the University of Illinois Hospital have tested positive for COVID-19. This comes after several weeks of INA urging hospitals and clinics to provide PPE and safer working conditions.

“These nurses served patients on the frontline of the fight to contain the coronavirus pandemic and risked their lives to make sure patients received proper care,” said Alice Johnson, INA Executive Director. “We hoped their hospital and their government would protect them, but they failed,” Johnson said.

Johnson stated that nurses have had to work on the COVID Care Unit without personal protective equipment.

“They do not know day to day if they will have masks, gowns, gloves or goggles for that shift. One nurse said their unit manager scolded them for wearing a mask in a room where a COVID19 positive patient was being intubated.”

INA reiterated its call for more personal protective equipment from March 16:

“… The INA demands that nurses receive personal protective equipment that is best suited to keep them safe. Now, as much as ever, our government must take every possible available measure to keep nurses safe and healthy. “

Please continue reaching out to your stewards and staff specialists with your concerns and questions. Also, please sign and share INA’s petition demanding Congress take action to ensure nurses and healthcare professionals have the PPE they need, access to testing and support during this crisis.