Masks, COVID-19 testing still required at QEH

Despite the COVID-19 directives ending on Wednesday, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) has given notice that staff and visitors to the healthcare institution will still be required to wear masks and follow other protocols for now.

Executive Director Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland said in a press release on Thursday that the QEH remains committed to the safety of patients and would therefore maintain the status quo during the coming weeks.

The hospital’s current COVID-19 protocols will remain in effect until January 31, 2023, pending review.

“This includes a continuation of mandatory mask-wearing for staff, visitors and patients, mandatory COVID-19 testing of patients on entry to the hospital via Accident & Emergency or hospital admission, [and] isolation of COVID-19 positive QEH patients at designated isolation centres,” Bynoe-Sutherland said.

She also indicated that an interdisciplinary Technical Working Group would be established under the guidance of the Office of the Director of Medical Services and the Infection Control Department to examine the existing practices and protocols “with a view of making changes when necessary”.

“We thank the public of Barbados for its cooperation as we continue to provide a safe environment,” the hospital executive said.

On Wednesday, Chief Medical Officer The Most Honourable Dr Kenneth George announced the end of the COVID-19 Emergency Management Order and its accompanying directives, bringing the mask mandate in schools and on public transport to an end.

However, he also indicated that admittance to particular establishments such as healthcare institutions will be guided by the institutional policy of the particular establishment, which may include the requirement for masks and hand sanitisation.

Dr George explained thatthe decision to end the directives followed an assessment of the local, regional and international evidence collated over the last two-and-a-half years of the COVID-19 pandemic. (AH)