Development of an employee call center for healthcare workers with symptoms and exposures to COVID-19

Coronavirus disease 2019 placed unprecedented challenges on the modern healthcare system. In addition to caring for patients directly affected by virus, hospitals and clinics had quickly mobilize forces in order protect manage employees with symptoms and/or exposures COVID-19. Interventions are needed efficiently diagnose quarantine workers while returning those without expediently maintain a workforce capable of dealing pandemic surge. This article describes Johns Hopkins system-wide occupational health response coronavirus outbreak. Specifically, steps taken develop implement an employee covid call center that fielded 9,000 calls during 2½ month initial surge virus outlined. The 24/7 availability rapid triage led ultimate decline volume despite increasing exposure rising hospitalizations.