Authorities stress on COVID-19 prevention and control at hospitals

Shanghai will strengthen COVID-19 prevention and control management at medical institutions to ensure safe treatment environments while meeting residents' medical demands, the municipal health authority said on Thursday.

The measurement of body temperature, wearing of face masks and social distancing are still mandatory for those visiting hospitals, said Zhao Dandan, deputy director of the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission.

Zhao reiterated the importance of having patients make appointments and pre-triage screening to avoid crowding.

"Patients with symptoms such as fever in outpatient and emergency departments should be transferred to fever clinics immediately," he added.

Zhao said infection prevention and control must be part of hospital operation protocols, which must include daily self-health monitoring, regular nucleic acid testing, and environmental disinfection and sampling.