Testing Positive in Tampa (Patreon)

A memo went out to the staff at Tegna's Tampa station WTSP informing them that two employees have tested positive for COVID-19. 

The memo does not name who the staff members are, but at least some employees think that one of those that tested positive is an Anchor at the station. 

Insiders say that the Anchor "has not been careful at all" when it comes to the coronavirus and continued to go out to bars and do other activities that are deemed high risk. 

"Anchors of the station and should set the example," says one newsroom staffer to FTVLive. 

"I’m just tired of people acting like COVID-19 doesn’t exist.  I’m tired of explaining to people that this is serious," says one WTSP employee. 

This isn't just a problem at this Tampa station, it is happening in other newsrooms across the country. 

Many are following the guidelines of health officials and being careful. Others, just thumb their nose at the guidelines, continue to risk exposure, and then bring the virus into the station. 

I'm sorry, but those of you doing that are selfish assholes that only care about yourself and not your co-workers, friends, or family. It is well past time that you act responsibly, try catching up. 

Also, Anchors are de facto newsroom leaders, maybe it is time to start acting like one. 

Lastly, if you have tested positive, you should reach out to your co-workers and inform them. The station is not allowed under the HIPAA law to identify you. But, there are people at the station that have to wonder who it is that tested positive? It adds to an already stressful time and by you at least telling them, they can decide on their next course of action.

Not coming forward is, again, a selfish act.  

Here is the internal email sent to the WTSP staff from GM Kari Jacobs and obtained by FTVLive: 

Today, we learned that 2 station employee have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). The employees are working with local health officials and, in line with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are self-quarantining at home.  Ensuring the anonymity of employees who test positive for COVID-19 is important. If you are aware of their identity, please respect their privacy so they can focus on their health. It is our priority to support them as much as possible.

It is also our priority to ensure that 10 Tampa Bay employees stay healthy and safe.

Here are the details:

We have confirmed that the last time that the first employee was in the building was June 23rd (16 days ago). While their results came back positive recently, given the time frame between the test and the results, they are already in the process of getting a second test to hopefully confirm a negative result now.

We have confirmed that the last time the second employee was in the building was July 2nd.

We have reached out to all station employees who may have had close contact with these co-workers and possibly indirect contact so they can take necessary precautions. The list was compiled with the help of our co-workers and cross referenced with badge swipes to ensure we know who else might have had direct or indirect contact.

We deep cleaned the building once on 6/29 and we are having the crew return tonight for another deep clean including all surfaces, common areas, control room, newsroom and more.

We can confirm the cleaning crew has also been in the building 6 times between today and July 2nd completing thorough cleaning of bathrooms, surfaces and common areas.

The employees who have had direct contact are seeking testing options right now to err on the side of caution. Many have been moved out of the building until we can confirm a negative result.

We have recommended testing for employees who may have had indirect contact as well.  Again, they have been notified.

Once again – the cleaning crew will be coming in the building at 7pm tonight for another deep clean to ensure a healthy work environment.

If you feel sick, please stay home. Symptoms of COVID-19 include a fever (above 100.4 degrees), coughing and difficulty breathing. If you have flu-like symptoms and are worried you might have COVID-19, please immediately contact your local healthcare provider and contact your manager as soon as possible. At the bottom we have listed some resources that provide rapid test results and an option from LabCorp that can be overnighted to you that gets results back within a couple of days.

Thank you for your flexibility in scheduling and movement in and out of the building as we work through this. Know that we are committed to keeping you informed and updated. Finally, stay strong, stay masked and take good care of yourselves, your families, and your co-workers. Please reach out to Jody, me, or your department head with any specific questions.

Thank you,

Kari