A man who showed symptoms of being infected with coronavirus lied about his health with the intention of seeing his wife give birth in a hospital in New York, United States.
According to NBC News, the man whose identity remains anonymous went to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York, but when asked when he arrived at the maternity unit about whether he had been exposed to the virus, he denied it so he could accompany his wife in childbirth.
However, shortly after the birth of her baby, the woman began to show symptoms of the coronavirus. It was until then that her husband admitted that he could have been the culprit because he could be infected.
Although it is unknown whether the mother, father, or newborn developed the disease due to UR Medicine's privacy policies, Barbara Ficarra , a hospital spokeswoman, said the woman has already returned home.
However, as a preventive measure, the medical center announced through its website more stringent measures to protect the staff of this and other hospitals affiliated with maternity services to detect symptoms, including the assessment of body temperature levels.
In this way, the maternity personnel were informed of their possible exposure, but were allowed to continue working while they were asymptomatic. In addition, they were instructed to wear masks at all times and to take their temperature throughout their shift.
"Before, it was purely an honor system. Now we are adding temperature control," the UR Medicine spokesperson told the Democrat and Chronicle newspaper .
In addition, the institution had to implement a zero visit policy with limited exceptions such as the case of a support person for obstetric patients and a guardian for pediatric patients.
"Once the support person arrives at the unit, they will be screened for symptoms, including temperature. People with symptoms will be asked to leave the hospital. These screening measures will be completed twice a day throughout the hospitalization, "explained the hospital.
Likewise, the temperature of the visitors will be checked for fever, a sign of possible COVID-19 infection, and every 12 hours thereafter, provided the visitor remains in the institution.
How to prevent coronavirus
Although there are no vaccines to prevent infection, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise taking the following measures to reduce the risk of infection:
1. Avoid events with many people.
2. Avoid contact within six feet or two meters with anyone who is sick or has symptoms.
3. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and, if you do not have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% of it.
4. Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw it away immediately.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth if your hands are not clean.
6. Avoid sharing plates, glasses, bedding and other objects in your home if you are sick.
7. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
8. Stay home and not go to work, school, or public places if you are sick, except for medical attention. Avoid taking public transportation if you are sick.
See also:
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“Every time I cough I panic”: wife of man with isolated COVID-19 at home
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