COVID-19: Rawalpindi hospital circulates updated guidelines

 Rawalpindi: Bahria Town International Hospital in Rawalpindi issues circular of revised guidelines for COVID-19 cases in Pakistan.

According to reports of Baaghi TV, since the start of the COVID-19 testing facility being established at the hospital, fifty plus people being tested for the novel virus, including hospital staff.

While, approximately 90% of the tests are coming back positive. So far, it is being reported that nine cases have been tested positive from the staff which has a source of stress and fear in the employees. It is to be noted, that these results include all positive and/or borderline cases of the virus.

Keeping in consideration the situation, a meeting chaired by the General (Rtd.) Aslam Khan, has formulated certain updated precautionary guidelines to tackle COVID-19 in the hospital staff. Reportedly, it is advised that:

• All contact will be considered and investigated for COVID-19 by the respective departments.
• Those awaiting results for their tests are expected to be present for duty with N-95 masks.
• In the case that an employee tests positive, he/she will be quarantined at home for 7 days, following which he/she will take another test. In the case, that an employee tests as borderline positive, he/she will have to be quarantined at home for a period of 3 days, following which they will be expected to take a second test.
• Any employees who are quarantined at home will have to remain in touch with their respective department to keep them posted with the health updates and/or any clinical symptoms of the corona disease.
• Following quarantine, they will be retested for COVID-19, in case the results come back as negative, the employee will be expected on duty the following day.

Moreover, the hospital administration has issued a circular to verify that the affected have been isolated as per guidelines. It is reported that, “For management in different facilities with immediate effect following steps will be taken with dedication to stop any further spread” among the employees at the Rawalpindi hospital.

Reportedly, fever clinic established in emergency will continue to operate and all emergency patients will be considered as potential COVID-10 patients.

• The hospital will only consider emergency patients for indoor treatment and/or facilities.
• All patients admitted to the hospital must be tested for COVID-19 prior to receiving any procedure(s) and/or clinical treatment.
• Patients are expected to maintain a distance of at least, six feet while in the wards. While, on duty ward staff is expected to take all necessary precautions in managing patients.
• Shared washrooms must be cleaned and carbolised every two hours to ensure cleanliness standards.
• Attendants are strictly prohibited within the hospital limitations. In special cases, they may be allowed after proper COVID-19 testing.
• Proper sanitation is to be made available within and outside of elevators as well as on all levels of the hospital.

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