Family members may visit loved ones in hospital again, but ...

Almost a year has gone by since South Africa’s first lockdown was announced because of the global Covid-19 pandemic, and although many restrictions have been lifted, some activities, such as visiting patients at government hospitals, have remained prohibited until now.

An almost audible sigh of relief could be heard when the government eased the restrictions on Friday (12^th), and people rushed to hospitals to be with their loved ones.

When Livhuwani Mudau from Tshirenzheni village in Nzhelele’s mother got sick and was admitted to hospital, he was left in a state of helpless concern for her. “Not knowing how she was doing and also not being able to take her some home-cooked food and fresh fruit worried me the most.” He said his mother was diagnosed with diabetes and admitted to the Siloam Hospital at the beginning of the month.

“I believe that when a sick person sees people that he or she loves, the patient becomes better. I was stressed that she would become depressed when she could not see her family, and that the sickness would worsen.” Mudau said he was very excited when he got to visit his mother again after not being able to see her for the past few weeks.

According to the government circular that took effect from 12 March, visiting hours are limited to one hour per day between 12:00 and 13:00, with a maximum of two visitors per day. Each visitor is allowed 15 minutes with the patient and must be 18 years or older, except under exceptional circumstances.

The circular further states that those over 60 years may only visit under exceptional circumstances, while those with co-morbidities are discouraged from visiting.

Visiting family members at health facilities still have to follow strict Covid-19 protocols on arrival, such as temperature and symptom screening, practicing hand hygiene and always wearing masks throughout the visit.

In addition, visitors who are ill, or are identified as having symptoms of illness during screening, will not be permitted to enter the hospital; this is without exception. Special visitation may be granted for patients in extenuating circumstances, such as imminent end-of-life and/or a specific patient needing extra support.

Relatives will not be permitted to visit patients who are admitted to Covid-19 isolation wards but will be allowed to drop off at least one personal pack or food item(s) per week.

Date:20 March 2021

By: Maanda Bele

Maanda  Bele, born and raised in Nzhelele Siloam, studied journalism at the Tshwane University of Technology.

He is passionate about current news and international affairs.

He worked as part of the Zoutnet team as an intern in 2017.

He is currently a freelance journalist specialising in news from the Vhembe district.

Read: 2102