Explained: Are visitors allowed to meet COVID-19 patients?

A report recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) highlighted a “particularly difficult” aspect of dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak, which was the prohibition of visitors from meeting those who have been infected by COVID-19 at hospitals or healthcare centres.

There had been no clear protocol earlier on whether people are allowed to meet those who were admitted to hospitals.

However, the article stated that visitors should not be allowed anywhere near COVID-19 patients at hospitals.

A report in The Lancet too said hospital visits should be restricted or banned.

Why should visitors not meet COVID-19 patients?

The article in the journal pointed out that visitors may be infected themselves, or are more prone to infection, if they visit places where COVID-19 patients are admitted.

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Furthermore, family members may have to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) before visiting patients. However, considering the already existing crisis due to the shortage in supply of PPEs, it would not be advisable to let family members wear PPEs when doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers are more in need of it.

How else can people stay in touch with COVID-19 patients?

The report sought the use of video calls through electronic devices to help patients be in contact with their families.

“Perhaps setting up a tablet computer facing the patient or repurposing a workstation on wheels logged in to a video chat would be a solution,” the NEJM suggested, according to The Indian Express.

“There may be no way for families to hold patients’ hands or hug them while they are dying, but with the care and compassion of frontline healthcare workers, maybe we can harness creative solutions to help them feel some connection, while still keeping everyone safe,” it added.

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A few hospitals and healthcare centres have said they would allow visits only under the most “extenuating circumstances” or when the patient is in serious condition.

The Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in line with the above statements, has restricted the number of visitors allowed in ICUs at government hospitals.

However, contradicting the idea behind saving PPEs for healthcare workers and other medical staff, the health ministry also said visitors must enter a COVID-19 patient’s room only after wearing PPEs and ensuring proper hand hygiene. It also directed healthcare workers to supervise visitors while they meet the patient.