Outpatient clinics to reopen doors in a couple of days

Outpatient clinics at the island’s state hospitals are expected to reopen their doors to patients in a couple of days, with the state health services finalizing operation protocols to ensure the protection of patients and medical staff alike.

Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency on Monday, state health services organization press officer Charilaos Charilaou, said that the main task will be to avoid overcrowding at outpatient clinics, the operation of which will follow strict guidelines.

Most importantly, patients will not be allowed to visit outpatient clinics without previously calling to set an appointment.

Currently, efforts are being made to reschedule appointments that had to be postponed after the coronavirus outbreak saw outpatient clinics shutting their doors.

Strict protection measures to be enforced

In addition to being appointment-only and following strict distancing measures, outpatient clinics will require patients to arrive half an hour before the time of their appointment, Charilaou said.

Prior to entering outpatient clinics, patients will be directed through a specific entrance where a mandatory check will be conducted to ensure the patient has secured an appointment beforehand. If not, they will be turned away.

Those accompanying patients will only be allowed inside the outpatient clinics if it is absolutely necessary in view of the patient’s condition.

The temperature of all patients will be taken, and if any signs of fever or respiratory problems are observed, these patients will be not be examined in the outpatient clinic premises but in a specific room, after being handed a protective face mask and cleaning their hands with antiseptic.