Health ministry orders halt to inpatient visiting in some medical facilities

It noted that in Da Nang city, the country’s current coronavirus
epicentre, those infected have included health workers, patients with chronic
health issues and their caregivers or visiting relatives.

To minimise the spread of the virus to those groups, the ministry asked health
departments of all cities and provinces in the country, directors of hospitals
and institutes under the management of the health ministry to review compliance
with regulations on prevention and control of the disease.

In addition to strict observance of social distancing measures in
hospitals, health facilities need to ensure people who enter hospitals and
their affiliated buildings wear masks and sanitise their hands.

Health facilities must carry out screenings to quarantine and indicate COVID-19 testing
for suspected infection cases and their relatives in the examination and
clinical faculties. The facilities are also asked by the ministry to assess the
risks of COVID-19 infections within their staff or service providers to
promptly detect infections and carry out necessary measures as soon as
possible.

All clinical faculties must set up isolation chambers to temporarily keep
suspected COVID-19 cases during their treatment until they obtain negative
results from confirmatory tests, enhance ventilation in their buildings and
rooms as well as frequently disinfect high-touch surfaces, closely manage
waste, and ensure a safe distance between beds.

They must also ensure adequate supply and proper use of equipment and
personal protective gear for all health workers.

It is necessary to arrange enough human resources to provide comprehensive care
for patients in key departments such as the intensive care unit, the emergency
unit, faculties dealing with tropical diseases or infectious diseases.

Relatives and private caregivers of the patients in these units are not allowed
in hospitals during the current period, while hospitals must reduce the visits
from relatives for other groups of patients (only one person is allowed at
max).

An inspection team should be established at all facilities to frequently
monitor the compliance to safety and hygiene measures among all patients,
caregivers, and the medical staff as well./.