COVID-19 infection rates are declining and hospitals are relaxing some of their COVID-19 protocols for births, providing much needed relief for moms-to-be who’ve been stressed and worried that they’ll need to go through the birthing process on their own.
Netcare announced earlier today on their Facebook page that birthing partners are now allowed to accompany expectant mothers to antenatal visits at Netcare hospitals.
Here are some other protocols that are being relaxed:
- Birthing partners may, as was the case up to now, also attend the delivery.
- Where the hospital’s infrastructure permits, rooming-in will once again be allowed for birthing partners.
- Where infrastructure does not make rooming-in possible, the birthing partner may visit the new mother twice daily as per Netcare’s visitation policy.
ALSO SEE: Giving birth during COVID-19? Here’s what to expect at the hospital
These policy relaxations will only be allowed if partners complete the digital screening for COVID-19 which includes a comprehensive risk assessment questionnaire whereby identified risks such as COVID-19 exposure or symptoms may disallow entry. Partners will also be required to agree to adhere to strict infection prevention measures that have been put in place in Netcare hospitals.
Remember to phone your hospital a couple of days before you have to be admitted (if possible) to check if the procedures is still the same and what to expect.
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