Following the announcement of the update of the measures in controlling the COVID-19 that began yesterday, Wednesday, 15th of February 2023, the Visitors and Carers Policy for hospitals, health centres and government as well as private health facilities is updated as follows.
The use of face masks is only required in clinical areas while in the hospital premises, health centre or health facility. Clinical areas are when there is a meeting between health workers and patients, and when there is an implementation of medical procedures, treatment, consultation and taking medicines. This includes Accident and Emergency, Registration Counter, Ward, Clinic, Pharmacy, Surgery and Waiting area near the ward.
Visitors are no longer required to conduct ART before coming to visit patients in the wards. However, ART testing is still encouraged. ARTs will continue to be performed for patients who will be admitted to the hospital for treatment. Patients who are also infected with COVID-19 will be treated in dedicated isolation wards. However, there are areas or clinics that may have a need for patients to perform an ART. Meanwhile, ARTs are required for outpatients who receive treatment or procedures, such as: Emergencies and accidents: patients with severe / serious pain and those likely to be admitted to hospital.
In order to avoid the risk of infection and to ensure that patients admitted to the ward receive adequate rest and receive care as well as treatment in a timely manner, only two designated visitors, not including carers are allowed per patient during each visiting session during visiting hours; children under the age of 12 are not allowed to enter the ward/unit; visitors are only allowed to visit patients in low risk zone wards; visitors are not allowed to visit patients in admission wards, isolation wards or any wards with restricted access. Only one visitor is allowed to accompany the patient for the appointment/ medication intake. Meanwhile, all visitors must make sure to wear a face mask at all times.
For carers or caregivers, only one carer per patient is allowed. A change of carers for each patient is allowed on the condition that the replacement needs to do an ART and the carers must wear a face mask at all times. COVID-19 patients are not allowed to receive routine procedures such as dental procedures. However, COVID-19 patients who experience worsening symptoms can seek treatment at a nearby hospital or health centre and need to inform health workers that they are positive for COVID-19. For more information, the public can contact Talian Darussalam 123 or visit the Ministry of Health’s website or social media @mohbrunei.
Source: Radio Television Brunei