These guidelines are being issued to reiterate the updated protocols for everyone’s guidance in order to ensure the responsiveness of national government policies, recognition of the protective effect of vaccination, and support for the continued safe reopening of institutions. The ICC recommends:

Testing

1. For Admission
1. Fully vaccinated, partially and unvaccinated patients with no respiratory symptoms and have no household exposure – No need to swab unless requested by the Attending Physician
2. All patients with respiratory symptoms -do RT PCR with 7 days validity


2. Companion
1. Fully vaccinated, partially and unvaccinated with no respiratory symptoms and have no household exposure – No need to swab
2. All with respiratory symptoms – not allowed


3. Patients for Elective surgery and Procedures
1. Fully vaccinated, partially and unvaccinated patients with no respiratory symptoms and have no COVID-19 exposure – No need to test for COVID-19 unless requested by the surgeon.
4. Patients for Emergency Procedures


1. Regardless of vaccination status – do RAT


5. Visiting time
1. Visitors may visit patients at the non-COVID ward from 10:00 Am – 12:00 NN and 3:00 Pm – 6:00 Pm
2. Visitors are permitted to stay for a maximum of 1 hour at a time.
1. Small private room- 1 adult visitor
2. Big and suite room 2 visitors
3. Critical patients -2 or more visitors in big rooms and ICU


6. Visitors
1. Clean/Non-Covid Ward
1. Individuals who have been fully, partially, or unvaccinated, are asymptomatic, and have no household COVID-19 exposure are allowed to visit patients at the non-COVID ward.
2. Anyone visiting the hospital shall be required to wear a well-fitted surgical mask at all times. Mask wearing while at the patient’s bedside is mandatory.
3. We ask that visitors stay in the patient’s room throughout the visit (unless directed otherwise by the care team) and do not congregate in any waiting or communal area inside the hospital.
2. Covid-ward
1. Visitors are not allowed, except for critical patients, which are limited to a brief visit only.

We continue to remind everyone that even when we feel that we are winning the battle against COVID-19, we should not be complacent as we continue to deliver our much-needed services.

This shall take effect on February 16, 2023.