Inspection Detail

Inspection: 1535489.015 - Lifeshare Blood Centers

Inspection Information - Office: Baton Rouge Area Office

Investigation Summary

An employee was working as a clinical lab technologist or technician at a blood and organ bank. She was a senior hospital services technician. Her job duties included working in the lab and collecting blood samples from several health carfacilities for separation and analysis. During the week of May 3, 2021, through May 7, 2021, she worked in proximity with her supervisor. On Sunday, May 2, 2021, before reporting to his first day on the job at the worksite, the supervisor had attended a birthday party. On May 4, 2021, the supervisor notified the director of human resources that a niece of his who had also attended the birthday party had tested positive for COVID-19. The supervisor was advised to continue working if he did not present any symptoms. He did just that. Other members of his family became ill following the party, including his wife, cousin, wife's niece, and mother-in-law; all members he was in close contact with at the party. The supervisor stated that he notified the director of human resources via telephone that his niece tested positive for COVID-19 approximately one to two days after the party. He could not remember the exact date. He stated that he was told that as long as he was not showing any symptoms, he could continue working. He also stated he was not given any quarantine orders, but was told to monitor himself and follow the COVID-19 procedures. During this time, employees were not directed to wear facemasks after recent exposure to COVID-19 as required by the company's policy. On May 8, 2021, the supervisor began experiencing symptoms, so he purchased an at-home COVID-19 test. He tested positive for COVID-19. On May 9, 2021, he went to urgent care, where his positive results were confirmed. On May 13, 2021, the employee began exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms. She left work early that day. On May 16, 2021, she was hospitalized at a regional medical center. She remained there until she died from COVID-19 at 4:45 p.m. on June 9, 2021.

Keywords: Infectious Disease