US: Over 700 workers of Detroit hospital virus-infected

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

ANKARA (AA) - More than 700 employees of a hospital in the Detroit metropolitan area of Michigan state of the U.S. have tested positive for coronavirus, according to a report.

The chief clinical officer of Henry Ford Health System said on Monday that the infection has been found in a total of 734 health workers out of nearly 2,500 employees who have been tested -- accounting for 2% of the hospital system's 31,600 employees, news site BridgeMI reported.

"If we are to test the whole population, you are going to see large numbers of people who are testing positive," Dr. Adnan Munkarah said at a conference call with reporters. "Testing positive is just a measure of how contagious this virus is."

Henry Ford officials declined to say how many employees have died of the epidemic or further details about workers who have tested positive.

"Our team members are our greatest asset and their health and safety is a top priority as we continue to respond to this pandemic," Munkarah said in a separate statement. "We know we are not immune to potential exposure and we remain grateful for the courage and dedication of our entire team."

Beaumont, another hospital system in the Detroit area, also reported 1,500 workers with coronavirus symptoms, including 500 nurses, but no confirmation of cases has been done yet.

According to figures the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released Monday Metro Detroit is the epicenter of the virus in Michigan state with over 5,000 cases and nearly 200 fatalities so far. In Michigan, above 17,200 coronavirus-related cases were reported with nearly 730 deaths.

With nearly 370,000 cases, the U.S. has become the country with the most confirmed coronavirus infections. The death toll neared the 11,000 mark, while recoveries are approaching 20,000.