COVID-19 outbreak triggers heightened infection control measures at National Hospital in Iceland

COVID-19 cases have been identified in eight departments of the National Hospital in Iceland, sparking a rapid spread among both patients and hospital staff. Consequently, infection control measures will be implemented from July 17 at 08:00. These measures will then be reviewed on July 21.

“We are just strengthening our infection control measures as there has been a significant amount of COVID in the community in recent weeks, and that has naturally spread to the hospitals,” says Hildur Helgadóttir, chair of the Epidemic Committee.

Currently, 32 patients are in isolation. This is the third summer that a wave of COVID-19 infections has hit the country. It is emphasized that patients with respiratory infections and symptoms are always isolated from others, whether it’s the flu, RS virus, or COVID-19.

“COVID is clearly always with us and there were several waves in the winter, along with other respiratory infections like flu and RS,” says Hildur. “Although COVID is not quite what it was, it still causes inconvenience,” she says, adding that several hospital staff have fallen ill and had to be away for a few days. “We can’t afford to lose a single person from our fleet, so we are protecting patients and staff alike with these measures,” she says.

The National Hospital’s COVID-19 measures include a mask mandate in all patient interactions. Staff must wear masks when interacting with inpatients. Visitors to outpatient departments and all visitors and other external parties are also required to wear masks. Staff do not need to wear masks in staff spaces unless they have symptoms that could indicate a respiratory infection.

Hand hygiene: Everyone is required to clean their hands as it is the simplest and most effective way to break transmission routes.

Visit restrictions: Visiting hours will be shortened and will now be from 17-19 on weekdays and from 15-18 on weekends. It is recommended that children under 12 not visit and that no more than two people visit a patient at a time. As before, consideration is always given to circumstances and exceptions are granted (ward manager) but this is the main line.