Staff Reporter
Visits by members of the public to see patients admitted at a Free State regional hospital have been suspended indefinitely after a case of COVID-19 was reported at the health facility.
The provincial health department has confirmed as true a social media post stating Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli Regional Hospital in Qwaqwa had cancelled visits with immediate effect.
“The Facebook post said that Mofumahadi Manapo Mopeli Regional Hospital would like to inform all members of the community that there’s been changes to visiting hours as from today until further notice due to a reported positive COVID-19 case . . .” said a statement issued by Free State health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi this Friday evening.
People seeking medical help can still go to the hospital as all other operations are still available, he said.
Mvambi said those who were in contact with the individual have been screened and sent for isolation.
“The local tracing team is also working tirelessly to trace further contacts whom the individual was in direct contact with,” he said.
“Further details will be communicated . . . in the coming days following further management consultations,” he added without divulging much about that initial case at the hospital.
Allaying fears of a possible rapid spread of the coronavirus in the area, Mondli said management takes the safety and well-being of all staff, patients and visitors in the highest regard and will continuously consult with relevant stakeholders to ensure that all who enter the hospital are safe.
“. . . we trust that our members of the public will adhere by its request and only come to the hospital when in need of essential healthcare services as the hospital is not closed,” he said.
