This archive report was first published on 14 July 2020.
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Kenya, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) has taken drastic measures to protect its staff and patients. In a bid to curb the spread of the virus, the hospital has tightened its visitation rules, effective July 10, 2020.
According to a circular signed by KNH chief executive Dr. Evanson Kamuri, the hospital has closed its doors to group visitors. Only one relative per patient will be allowed to visit, and this will only be permitted after being contacted by the hospital first.
Dr. Kamuri emphasized that all visitors will be required to follow strict hygiene protocols, including hand sanitizing, wearing masks, and observing social distancing rules.
Only family members will be allowed to visit patients, and this will be limited to facilitating specific requests such as blood or organ donation, payment of bills, or discharge from the hospital.
Dr. Kamuri noted that the restrictions have been tightened after management realized that visitors were flouting laid-down regulations. The hospital has reported a steady rise in the number of visitors accessing the hospital against the set restrictions.
The decision comes in the wake of increasing cases of health workers contracting COVID-19, with 188 cases reported in the country so far. The focus has now shifted to ensuring that staff and patients are protected from infection, especially through contact with infected but asymptomatic individuals.
