Chonnam National University Hospital Implements Stringent Measures Against COVID-19

Expansion of Screening Clinics and Establishment of X-ray Examination Rooms Decided

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Jeonnam National University Hospital (Director Lee Sam-yong) announced on the 20th that it will implement stronger measures such as expanding screening clinics and strengthening visitor access control amid concerns about local transmission of COVID-19.

The Jeonnam National University Hospital Rapid Response Team has been organized since the Lunar New Year holiday and has been checking the quarantine system through daily meetings.

In addition, in response to the increase in confirmed cases in the Daegu area yesterday, the hospital plans to focus all efforts on preventing the spread of infection by taking a proactive step up from the measures implemented so far.

First, the number of screening clinics equipped with negative pressure facilities will be expanded from the current two to three, and an X-ray examination room will also be established within the screening clinic.

This is a measure to prepare for an increase in the number of tests as the target for testing, which had been mainly based on overseas travel history, has been expanded to include fever, respiratory symptoms, and contact history. The expansion work is planned to be completed early next week.

In addition, to preemptively block the occurrence of in-hospital infections, the hospital is carefully considering a plan to completely restrict the entry of patients with fever or respiratory symptoms and to provide treatment at the screening clinic.

This is a matter that requires sufficient discussion and cooperation between departments because the best practical measures must be prepared considering the current medical personnel and treatment processes.

The hospital is also reviewing a complete ban on visits to the intensive care unit and plans to implement various measures such as increasing personnel to strictly control visitor access to general wards and other areas.

Meanwhile, Jeonnam National University Hospital has implemented screening clinics, entrance control, fever detectors, and visitor restrictions since the first confirmed COVID-19 case in Korea, and continues to strengthen its response measures according to the situation.