Lockdown Level 1: Department revises hospital visitation restrictions
The National Department of Health has revised the in-patient visitation restrictions. This is what you need to know:
LIMPOPO – Alert Level 1 took effect on 1 March 2021 and precautions to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 need to continue during this time. In an effort to accommodate patients and their families during lockdown, the National Department of Health has revised in-patient visitation restrictions.
The below visitor guidelines have been developed to protect staff, patients and visitors to public hospitals:
- Visiting hours will be limited to one hour per day from 12:00-13:00, with effect from Friday 12 March 2021.
- A maximum of two visitors per day. One visitor to be allowed at the bedside at a time and each visitor cannot spend more than 15 minutes with the patient. The session will therefore be 30 minutes.
The following hospital in-patient visitation restrictions have also been implemented:
• Visitors must be 18 years or older, except in special circumstances.
• Visitors over 60 years may only visit in exceptional circumstances. Those with co-morbidities are discouraged from visiting.
• Visitors must undergo temperature and symptom screening upon arrival, practice hand hygiene, and always wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), i.e. wearing a mask over the nose and mouth throughout the in-patient visitation. Additionally, hospital staff may advise on other PPE where necessary.
• No visitors who are ill or are identified to have symptoms of during screening will be permitted to enter the hospital; this is without exception.
• If a visitor does not pass the screening process or does not follow hospital protocols, they will not be allowed to visit.
• Visitors must remain at the patient’s bedside throughout the visit unless directed otherwise by the hospital staff.
• Special visitation may be granted for patients in extenuating circumstances, such as imminent end-of-life and/or a specific patient needing extra support. For example, specific patients needing extra support include those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities or other cognitive impairments.
• No relatives will be allowed to visit patients admitted in COVID-19 isolation wards, however, relatives will be allowed to drop off at least one personal pack or food item(s) per week.
• All visitors are also encouraged to communicate with their admitted loved ones via mobile technology.
• It is requested that this information be distributed and communicated to all hospital staff for immediate implementation.
• Your cooperation in this regard will be much appreciated.
