The Gauteng Department of Health has announced to members of the public the changes in hospital visiting hours. These have been amended to allow one visitor per patient for 15 minutes.
In a statement the department said the amendment will permit relatives and friends of patients to spend time with their loved ones whilst adhering to COVID-19 non-pharmaceutical measures such as social distancing, minimising overcrowding, and hospital congestions.
Gauteng Health spokesperson Kwara Kekana said this will also ensure promotion and adherence to occupational health and safety measures whilst promoting optimum infection prevention, and control measures at all Gauteng public healthcare centres. The changes came into effect on Friday, 19 March 2021.
“These measures are not ideal, as many relatives and friends of patients in our care would like to spend more time with their loved ones, however, in a bid to ensure we minimize the spread of COVID-19 virus, hospitals and Community Healthcare Centres need to adhere to non-pharmaceutical measures,” said Kekana.
Kekana further pleaded with the public to adhere to safety measures, as they have been taken in the interest of patients, healthcare workers, and greater public good.
“We all need to play our part to stop the spread of the virus and reduce the chances of third wave” added Kekana.
Relatives of patients are urged to get contact details of the ward where they are admitted so they can call whenever possible without having to visit the hospital.
