Oregon nurse put on administrative leave after boasting about ignoring Covid restrictions on TikTok

Be careful what you put on social media, folks

A nurse in the American state of Oregon has been put on leave after boasting about ignoring coronavirus restrictions and health advice on TikTok. The nurse, who works in the oncology department of a hospital in Salem, shared a video to her personal TikTok account claiming to be ignoring local Covid-19 guidelines involving travel and the wearing of face masks. "When my co-workers find out I still travel, don't wear a mask when I am out, and let my kids have play dates," the video's caption read. The viral video was deleted from the nurse's account but by that stage had already been shared by other TikTok users.

@amandabutcher2To each their own, but why would you brag about it to others? ??‍♀️ I guess we could ask Loveiskind05 ##nurse ##covid ##health ##pandemic ##fyp ##foryou♬ original sound - Amanda Butcher

A spokesperson from Salem Hospital has since released a statement conforming that the nurse has been placed on administrative leave. They wrote: "Yesterday, a nurse employed with Salem Health posted a video on social media which displayed cavalier disregard for the seriousness of this pandemic and her indifference towards physical distancing and masking outside of work. "This video has prompted an outcry from concerned community members. We want to thank those of you who brought this to our attention and assure you that we are taking this very seriously. This individual does not speak for Salem Health and has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation." The spokesperson went on to say that the nurse's actions do not reflect the position of the hospital or other members of staff. "Salem Health believes we all need to do our part to protect the vulnerable and stop the rapid spread of Covid-19," they said. "This includes requiring staff, patients and visitors to follow guidance from the CDC and others about mask wearing and social distancing. The Covid pandemic is serious and requires a serious response. And at Salem Health we are very serious about our approach to Covid." According to Oregon's coronavirus website, the state is currently in the middle of a two-week "freeze" involving the closure of all non-essential retail in a bid to stop the spread of the virus.