It has been decided to impose a ban on visiting all departments of the institution. That decision is taken by the epidemiologic control at the institution, among other things, in view of the fact that level 3 infections have been reported within the country. The ban applies to the hospitals in Ísafjörður and Patreksfjörður and the nursing homes Bergi, Eyri and Tjörn. The ban is effective as of Thursday, March 12.
Special circumstances that may arise will be taken into account, for example due to people undergoing end-of-life treatment and due to children who need their parents with them. Such situations are evaluated by the head of department at each location in consultation with the district doctor of epidemiology.
Facebook pages have been set up for the nursing homes and through those pages relatives can make a video call to their loved ones. Further information will be sent directly to the relatives.
It is also possible to visit relatives in Ísafjörður and Patreksfjörður through so-called absences (see for example here https://suitabletech.com/products/beam and here https://www.ruv.is/frett/hvada-verur-eru-i-haskolanum-a-akureyri). Those interested should contact Guðrúna Ósk (gudruno@hvest.is).
If relatives want more information, they are asked to contact the relevant head of department.
Health care is open as it has been. If individuals feel ill, they are advised to call 1700 and get more information on how to approach the health system. Sick persons are especially asked not to come to the emergency room of hospitals or to health centers except after receiving advice over the phone. The symptoms of the infection most closely resemble the flu; cough, fever, bone and muscle pain and fatigue.
Access to the rehabilitation department at Ísafjörður will change as a result of these measures. The department will be closed to people from out of town from 9.30-14.00.
Author: SLG