In a recent release, the management of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has reassessed the present COVID-19 pandemic situation, and made a decision to relax the visitation protocol that was adopted as a response to the recent spike in COVID-19 positive cases throughout the Territory.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the BVIHSA has been on heightened alert, and continues to introduce various mitigation measures. In consideration of the decrease in cases it was decided that effective February 11, 2022, between the hours of 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. the BVIHSA will resume visitation, in a limited capacity at the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital.
The general public is asked to take note of the following restrictions:
1. In the interest of maintaining safety during this pandemic, management has implemented new requirements for members of the public visiting the hospital. The new visitation requirement is as follows: All visitors will be required to present a negative COVID-19 (Antigen or PCR) test from a government approved laboratory, that is no more than three days old.
2. All visitors must enter via the Dr. D, Orlando Smith Hospital main entrance. Upon visitors will be screened for symptoms of COVID-19 through a verbal screening process.
3. Each patient will be permitted two visitors for the duration of their hospitalization. These visitors will be placed on a Special Visitation List and will be given a visitors’ pass. Each visit will be limited to one (1) hour maximum per person per day.
4. Each visitor MUST wear a face mask that fully covers the nose and mouth at all times.
Additionally, fathers of newborns will be given special consideration for regular visits. Special consideration will also be given to extenuating circumstances, especially as it relates to the elderly, end of life or other clinical situations. Such situations will be handled on a case-by-case basis. No persons will be allowed to visit the COVID-19 Isolation Unit except for extenuating circumstances.
The agency further said, “The BVIHSA takes patient safety seriously and wishes to advise the public that these ongoing protocol amendments are introduced to ensure the continued safety of our staff, patients and visitors. We wish to thank the BVI community for your continued patience and understanding as we work to navigate the pandemic challenges, while providing quality care.”