Chonnam National University Hospital Strictly Limits 'Visiting Patients' to Prevent COVID-19 Spread

Only One Guardian Allowed per Visit

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] Jeonnam National University Hospital (Director Lee Samyong) announced on the 30th that it will implement stricter visitor controls to prevent the resurgence of COVID-19.

Amid concerns of a second wave following the occurrence of multiple confirmed cases in the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions on the 27th, including a couple of sisters in their 60s, the hospital decided to strictly control access to preempt the worst-case scenario of 'hospital-acquired infections.'

In particular, as the number of asymptomatic confirmed cases increases, the hospital recommends that anyone who is not a patient or guardian refrain from entering the hospital, even if they show no COVID-19 symptoms. Additionally, unless under special circumstances, guardians are limited to one person.

Recently, the number of visitors to Jeonnam National University Hospital on weekends and holidays has surged, causing difficulties in access control.

Analysis of visitor numbers at Jeonnam National University Hospital this month showed that an average of about 630 people visited on Saturdays and Sundays. This is nearly twice the average of about 330 visitors on weekdays.

This phenomenon is attributed to the relatively low number of COVID-19 cases in the Gwangju and Jeonnam regions until before the 27th, when the couple of sisters in their 60s were confirmed positive, which lowered vigilance somewhat, as well as insufficient social publicity leading to a lack of awareness about hospital visits.

Accordingly, Jeonnam National University Hospital asks visitors to refrain from visiting as much as possible on holidays and weekends when fewer staff are available for access control compared to weekdays, to avoid difficulties in enforcement.

The hospital has posted 'Hospital Access Restriction' notices at ward entrances and throughout the premises and regularly informs visitors to refrain from visiting through internal broadcasts.

For visitors who cannot visit patients in person, the hospital recommends using video calls on mobile phones as a non-face-to-face alternative.

A hospital official stated, "If we endure the inconveniences in daily life caused by COVID-19 and comply with social distancing, it will have a significant effect in preventing the spread of COVID-19. We ask that people refrain from entering the hospital until stability is restored and the anxiety caused by COVID-19 subsides."

Meanwhile, hospital staff guide visitors at five hospital entrances to complete COVID-19 related questionnaires and undergo temperature checks before entering.

In particular, those not wearing masks are not allowed entry, so patients and guardians are informed in advance to prepare masks.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.