Diagnostic swabs required and masks recommended for access to healthcare facilities
L'ingresso dell'ospedale Parini di Aosta As the winter season approaches, some restrictions related to Covid-19 return. These are provisions mainly concerning swabs and attendance at health facilities and which are also implemented in Valle d’Aosta on the basis of a circular from the Ministry of Health.
The measures currently concern people who have symptoms compatible with those of Covid-19 and people who have been in contact with confirmed cases of infection with the virus. For them there is an indication to carry out the antigenic or molecular swab in case of access to the emergency room or hospitalization in healthcare facilities. The same applies to patients who, although asymptomatic, must be admitted to hospital or transferred.
For access to residential health, social-health and social-welfare facilities, the swab is indicated for newly admitted guests or those transferring to another facility in the area. In case of a positive outcome, the person will be placed in a facility in isolation.
Among other measures, there is a ban on visitors and companions with symptoms compatible with Covid-19 from entering hospitals and residential healthcare, social-health and social-welfare facilities. The use of a mask is then recommended in all health, social-health and social-welfare facilities, with the exception of waiting rooms. The recommendation becomes mandatory for caregivers and family members who provide ongoing assistance in the facilities.
“These prevention and protection measures may be varied as the epidemiological situation changes. The relevant bodies will be responsible for communicating such variations”, underlines the regional health department in a note.
Clara Rossi
