DURBAN - Visiting your loved ones at hospitals is still not allowed, according to new protocols released by some hospitals and provinces.
As hospitals return to doing elective surgeries and treating chronic conditions, which were neglected in the earlier days of the pandemic, visits to health facilities are still subject to strict adherence to health protocols during the Covid-19 pandemics under level 2.
According to Netcare hospital visitations for end of life situations will continue to be arranged by hospital general managers to ensure a compassionate approach, regardless of a patient's Covid-19 status.
“Restrictions applicable to the general visitation of patients in hospital, implemented at the start of lockdown, remain in place, with certain exceptions. Requests for visitation beyond the exceptions can be made to hospital management and will be accommodated as far as possible,” said Jacques du Plessis, MD of Netcare’s Hospital division
In the paediatrics, nursery and neonatal intensive care unit, one parent will be allowed at a time after having undergone strict Covid-19 risk assessments and digital screenings. Siblings and grandparents will not be allowed into the unit, concluded Du Plessis.
The Western Cape Health Department said: “All visits to public health facilities are still not allowed and are subject to strict adherence to health protocols during the Covid-19 pandemic under Level 2.
“Therefore all visits to public hospitals are still not allowed, except to receive emergency and scheduled treatment or medication. We know members want to visit their relatives who are hospital but we thank you for limiting interaction and helping us to stop the spread of Covid-19.”
Meanwhile, Melomed hospital said: "There are no visits to people with Covid-19, but we will arrange a visit to the Covid-19 patients, who are at the end of life stage. We will provide the full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the visitor with strict control measures."
For LIVE updates on the Coronavirus pandemic, follow us on Twitter:
@sacoronamonitor