All elective surgeries have been cancelled and separate areas for patients with flu-like symptoms are to be identified at Gauteng Health facilities. The Times reports that this was announced on Sunday as the provincial government strengthens its response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Other measures include:
— The out patient departments (OPDs) will reduce the number of patient visits by using an appointment system
— Thuthuzela Health Care Centre services to be extended beyond providing Forensic Services.
— Increase the number of chronic patients to be linked with Centralised Chronic Medical Dispensing and Distribution (CCMDD), and patients to be provided with three months' supply of medication, and repeat scripts for six months.
“Government also reminded the public of the restrictions imposed on visiting hours in facilities. Only two people per patient will be allowed, with one person per patient for no more than 15 minutes.”
In addition, News24 reports, all annual health events were cancelled.
Kwara Kekana, spokesperson for Gauteng Health MEC Bandile Masuku, said these measures have been effective since Thursday.
[link url="https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-03-22-covid-19-elective-surgeries-cancelled-at-state-hospitals-in-gauteng/"]Full report in The Times[/link]
[link url="https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/gauteng-health-department-not-compromising-on-measures-to-stop-coronavirus-20200322"]Full News24 report[/link]