By A Correspondent| Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals recently discovered that a malaria patient is COVID-19 positive forcing the hospital to activate the COVID-19 rapid response team as well as taking several precautionary measures.

In a statement, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals said the COVID-19 rapid
response team was activated as part of the mitigatory measures to curb the spread of the virus.

“As part of the escalated mitigatory measures against COVID-19 which
include active case finding through mandatory testing of frontline staff and
admitted patients, a COVID-19 positive case which had been admitted for
management of slide positive malaria on the 24th of April 2020 was
identified at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. the patient had responded well
to malaria treatment and was due for discharge,” said the hospital.

The hospital revealed that it had undertaken several measures after this development which include continued isolation of the confirmed case in his private room while awaiting for discharge formalities.

The state media reported that the patient will be discharged and taken to his home where he will be followed, ensuring the safety of staff and other patients through
strengthened infection prevention and control measures.

“Exposed staff will be counselled, tested and managed accordingly. Giving psychosocial support to the exposed staff, decontamination will be done in accordance with national guidelines, testing of frontline staff and
admitted patients will continue and appropriate support rendered to those in
need, refurbishment of the Premier COVID-19 treatment centre at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals is almost complete. as such, the hospital will soon be able to admit covid19 patients,” said the hospital.-Statemedia