Doha: With the emergence and spread of COVID-19 around the world and the region, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) is making changes to its visitor policy.

In order to limit the potential spread of COVID-19, additional restrictions for visitors to Inpatient Units and long-term care facilities are now in place across HMC hospitals.

From March 13, 2020, visitors are limited to first and second degree relatives only, one at a time, and for a maximum of 15 minutes.

This policy will be enforced across all HMC hospitals and long-term care facilities including Enaya Specialized Care Center.

‘’Enaya Specialized Care Center has many elderly patients and patients with chronic health conditions. Therefore, it is particularly important to protect these patients who are more vulnerable to COVID-19 than other members of society,’’ said Dr Hanadi Al Hamad, Medical Director of Rumailah Hospital and the Qatar Rehabilitation Institute and Chairperson of the Geriatrics and Long Term Care Department at HMC.

“These changes to our visitor policy have been made in the best interest of our patients, many of whom have compromised immune systems putting them at increased risk from COVID-19. We understand that regular interaction with family members is an important part of our patients care plans, but we must prioritize the safety and health of our patients at this difficult time.

“We ask patients and their families for their support while these changes are in place and we will continue to provide updates as and when needed,’’ explained Dr Al Hamad.