The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) on Wednesday issued a circular, announcing various updates in COVID-19 precautionary measures for private healthcare facilities across the Emirate. These precautionary measures have been imposed by the authorities with the aim of protecting the community against the spread of COVID-19 and enhancing the preparedness of Dubai's healthcare infrastructure in order to provide the necessary medical care to all people.

The updated protocols have come into effect from January 27 and all private health facilities across Dubai have mandated to fully comply with the new set of precautionary measures.

The DHA has noted that failure in compliance with the updated precautions will result in legal action against the facilities.

Here are the updated precautionary measures to be followed by all private health facilities:

·        All appointments must be booked in advance in order to avoid crowding at health facilities. Every appointment should be attended within a minimum interval of 20 minutes between each other. Patients have been asked to maintain a minimum distance of two meters in waiting areas.

·        All staff and visitors have been mandated to wear masks at all times, and they have to strictly comply with physical distancing measures.

·        Hospitals have been asked to take details of the medical history of patients and other details related to any exposure to suspected COVID-19 cases.

·        Hospital staff must also ensure strict compliance with COVID-19 standards and guidelines.

Aerosol Generating Procedures

Specialties like dentistry and ENT managing Aerosol Generating Procedures (AGP) have to follow these precautions:

Before any procedure, patients must be tested for COVID-19 to ensure that they are free from any symptoms.

While dealing with confirmed COVID-19 cases, health facilities must follow necessary measures while transferring the patient to another facility that provides the necessary services and is equipped with negative pressure treatment rooms to safeguard the medical staff from the spread of the virus.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

The DHA has mandated all staff to wear PPEs to ensure the highest level of safety and protection both healthcare professionals and patients against the virus.

All healthcare professionals have been asked to follow updated guidelines in line with the fight against COVID-19.

Facilities must also ensure that there is sufficient stock of PPEs and sanitizers for all staff and visitors.

Telemedicine

The DHA has stressed the need for providing telemedicine services in all health facilities to limit personal contact. It will also ensure that telemedicine services do not conflict with other provisions of updated protocols. There is no need for a separate license for telehealth services at this time. However, facilities providing telemedicine services must comply with the standards and protocols issued by the DHA in line with the fight against COVID-19.

The DHA has also urged the health facilities to limit in-person training and medical education activities within the health facility. In this regard, the Authority has called for using e-learning and distance learning methods as alternatives to minimize personal contact.

Entertainment and waiting areas

Private health facilities have been instructed to close children’s play and entertainment areas for the time in order to ensure the disinfection of all amenities in the premises. During the disinfection process, special attention must be given to spaces of common use such as reception, patient waiting areas, consulting rooms, elevators and door handles. Health facilities must comprehensively document the disinfection process.

Private health facilities have been asked to provide sanitizers and hand disinfectants at their entrances and reception areas. In addition, they must raise awareness among patients about the significance of hand hygiene and regular sterilization to combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Banners and posters must be placed by health facilities at their entrances and elevators to raise awareness about the necessary preventive measures related to COVID-19. These posters and banners must talk about the need for following precautionary measures to protect themselves and prevent COVID-19 transmission.

PCR testing

Private healthcare facilities have been asked to carry out COVID-19 PCR tests in government-approved laboratories for any suspected cases.

All private health facilities are required to comply with the guidelines, circulars and standards issued by the DHA regarding the handling of COVID-19.