Hospital worker and patient test Covid positive

Contact tracing has been taking place at Tórshavn’s National Hospital since yesterday when a staff member and a patient tested Covid positive.

An unspecified number of staff at the hospital are now self-isolating as a precautionary measure, says hospital COO Margit Stórá, who does not wish to specify which ward has been affected.

“We have taken all the necessary safety precautions, including moving some patients who may have been at risk to private wards in the hospital,” she says.

“We will probably be seeing a slight reduction in hospital activity as a result of this, but we believe the hospital is a safe place.”

She adds that although the hospital has now closed for visitors, people should not hesitate to call the National Hospital’s after-hours medical service on 1870 if they require medical assistance.

No visitors for two weeks

As an added safety precaution, the Hospital Service today decided not to allow visitors inside any of the three hospitals in the country.

However, certain exceptions can be made, according to National Hospital CEO Steinar Eirikstoft.

“In exceptional cases, people can make arrangements with the relevant hospital department to visit patients who are close to death or have particularly serious conditions,” he says.

“We will be assessing the situation on a daily basis, but our initial estimate is that our three hospitals will be closed for visitors over the next two weeks.”

For further information about Covid-19 in the Faroes, visit corona.fo.

Translated by prosa.fo