Preparing for the COVID-19 Pandemic
The first cases of COVID-19 have appeared in Dodoma, but none yet at DCMC.
To help protect staff and patients, the hospital has implemented several precautionary measures in accordance with Ministry of Health guidelines:
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- A COVID-19 response team is in place under the direction of Community Health Director Dr. Cyrialis Mutabuzi, MD, MPH, to ensure precautions and coordinate with regional health authorities.
- Entrances to the hospital are restricted and the numbers of visitors controlled.
- Hand washing stations are set up at all entry points and use is mandatory for all who enter and exit the building.
- All staff are required to wear masks and daily group clinical meetings are suspended.
- All staff at high risk because of age or underlying health conditions have been ordered to work from home as able.
- A Red Cross isolation tent is set up outside the hospital for patients suspected of the virus. All are to be transferred to larger isolation units in Dodoma.
- The hospital buildings, rooms and waiting areas are being sanitized nightly.
- Extra medical supplies, medications and PPE are being stocked.
- COVID-19 awareness information is posted throughout the hospital and on its TVs.
- All community health outreach in rural areas and schools is suspended because of countrywide social distancing measures and school closures.
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- Mandatory handwashing stations are placed at each entrance.
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- All people are required to wash their hands when entering and exiting the medical center grounds.
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- Information regarding methods to stop the spread of the virus is posted throughout the medical center, like these instructions for proper hand washing.
“In times of danger you fight with what you have.”
– Prof Charles Majinge, MD, DCMC Director
Last week, as coronavirus cases appeared in the city of Dodoma for the first time, DCMC requested urgent help to purchase approximately $10,000 in PPE supplies — N95 masks, infrared thermometers, gloves and protective gowns — to protect staff and patients. We asked you for 100 gifts @ $100, and your generous response helped us reach an amazing 71% of our goal. THANK YOU!
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