Mercy Hospital adapting to threat of pandemic

Hospital Matron Augusta Kpanabaum demonstrates proper handwashing technique.

Mercy Hospital has quickly adapted to the threat of COVID-19, although as of mid-April the virus had not been detected in Bo.  The Sierra Leonean government called for another nationwide lock down beginning last Saturday to restrict inter-district travel.  People will not need to stay at home, but they may not leave their districts.  Citizens are encouraged to stay home during the curfew hours of 9pm to 6am to prevent the spread of COVID.

As of Monday, April 13, there were 10 confirmed cases in the capital city of Freetown.  All 10 cases were in the designated treatment facility and in stable condition.  There was one suspected COVID patient in Bo three weeks ago, but it turned out to be negative.  
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Mercy Hospital has made the following preparations: 

• Clinical staff have received  COVID-19 training.
• The hospital is trying to get at least 1,000 test kits, which may have to be acquired from Freetown.  
• Clinical staff are sharing personal protective equipment (PPE) with the hospital's HIV department, which they will wear for triage.   
• Regular patients will be seen from 8AM to 4PM.  Suspected COVID-19 patients are to come after 4PM, when patient traffic at the hospital is minimal, to encourage social distancing
• If a patient presents with two symptoms and two or more risk factors, they will be isolated near the triage room for assessment by staff in PPE.  If COVID is suspected, the staff will call for an ambulance from Bo Government Hospital for transport to a COVID-19 treatment centre.  

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