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With the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) reporting 18 035 new cases on Sunday night, 12 December 2021, the medical sector is taking proactive steps.
According to the NICD, most of the new cases stem from Gauteng (42%), followed by KwaZulu-Natal (16%). However, an increase in local COVID-19 patients has resulted in Mediclinic Newcastle confirming amendments to the current visitation arrangement.
Dr Gerrit de Villiers, Chief Clinical Officer for Mediclinic Southern Africa, says, “We believe that the safety of patients and staff is of the utmost importance and that the revised visitor measures will limit the risk of infection for our patients. This decision will be reviewed and adjusted as necessary.”
Non-COVID-19 patients will continue to have one visitor per day between 15:00 and 16:00.
Visitation is restricted for COVID-19 positive or suspected COVID-19 patients. However, exceptions will be made where possible and safe for critically ill patients. Arrangements for NICU, Obstetrics and Paediatric units remain in place.
“Mediclinic will continue to support engagement with family and friends through electronic communication channels to encourage the vital support that these relationships provide in the healing process,” says Dr de Villiers.
Thus, Mediclinic Newcastle would like to implore the community to strictly adhere to all recommended infection-prevention measures.
These include the following:
- Masking in public.
- Social distancing.
- Avoiding any congested public areas.
- Individuals to stay at home if they are unwell to reduce the risk for vulnerable community members.
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