Hospitals across Cape Town have cancelled visiting hours to curb the spread of the dreaded Coronavirus.
Western Cape Health Department spokesperson Monique Johnstone says all government hospitals in the province cancelled visitation yesterday.
“To restrict contact, visitation will be cancelled, non-urgent operations will be postponed or cancelled,” she said.
“Patients on chronic medication will be given two months’ supply where possible.”
Patients seeking emergency life-saving care, family planning service and antenatal care can attend their facility as well as those who have had their appointments confirmed.”
She says with terminally ill patients, medical staff will call the affected families who will designate one person who may visit.
“For expecting mothers who are due to give birth during this period, only the birthing partner will be allowed in the delivery room. For antenatal check ups only the mother will be allowed,” says Johnstone.
Red Cross Hospital spokesperson Dwayne Evans says only one parent will be allowed to stay with their child and no visitors will be allowed.
He is calling on parents and caregivers who have scheduled appointments to call on 021 658 5852 weekdays between 8am and 6pm.
Meanwhile Netcare also suspended visiting hours yesterday amid the pandemic.
Netcare CEO, Dr Richard Friedland, says: “In light of the severity of the Covid-19 pandemic, we needed to take extraordinary measures to protect all healthcare teams and our patients who cannot be discharged.
“All visiting hours for general wards, ICUs and the high care units will be suspended with immediate effect.”