Wallonie
In Wallonia, eleven out of twenty-six hospital institutions had decided to prohibit visits with exceptions to limit the spread of the omicron variant and preserve staff. According to our information, most have already lifted or will probably lift this ban, but some decide to remain cautious.
Those who lift the ban
Since February 14, the ban on visits has been lifted in all Charleroi University Hospital hospitals. The rules now provide for one visitor per patient per day, preferably the same, with presentation of a valid Covid Safe Ticket. Under these conditions, visits can take place every day between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Exceptions for pediatric or maternity services remain the same as before.
- Our Lady of Grace Clinic (Gosselies)
As of February 17, the ban on visits is lifted. The hospital is returning to the rules that applied in November, namely one visit per day and per patient, always the same person. You must present the Covid Safe Ticket and make the visit between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Hospital Center of Picardy Wallonia (CHwapi, Tournai)
Visits are no longer prohibited since February 15. They can resume on presentation of the CST three days a week: Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Only one visitor is allowed per day and per patient.
The ban on visits will be lifted on February 21. Other measures will be planned to limit the spread of the virus, but the hospital must still specify and communicate them.
Those who are likely to lift the ban
- Epicura (Mons-Borinage-Ath)
The Epicura group informed us that a meeting was scheduled for the weekend and that relaxations are well considered. The ban on visits should therefore be lifted, but strict limits will remain in place.
- Jolimont (Hainaut and Walloon Brabant)
Prohibited since January 12 with the exception of certain services for accompanying persons, visits should be able to resume according to rules to be specified. A decision is expected later in the day.
A meeting is scheduled for February 17 to address in particular the point of visits still prohibited for the moment in all hospitals of the Vivalia group (with exceptions). The desire is to reopen the hospitals to visits, but the conditions have yet to be specified.
- St Nikolaus Hospital (Eupen)
Visits are still prohibited for the moment, with exceptions in certain services. But this policy is under discussion and will probably change in the coming days.
Those who remain cautious
- CHR Haute Senne (Soignies)
Visits are still prohibited until further notice to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and to preserve the staff. Exceptions exist as in other hospitals for certain services such as paediatrics.
Recently, a document was also introduced: depending on the physical, mental or psychological health of the patient, doctors can authorize a visitor to visit certain patients. The situation is being closely monitored and may be reassessed in the coming weeks.
- Fagnes Health Center (Chimay)
Until further notice, visits are still prohibited except for exceptions in certain services. On a case-by-case basis, the hospital also authorizes visits by appointment, three times a week, in the presence of a volunteer for patients whose moral or physical well-being requires it.
The Fagnes health center specifies that it is somewhat behind the epidemic compared to urban centers and still welcomes many patients affected by Covid-19. Caution is therefore still in order, but the situation might be reassessed in the days and weeks to come.
- Queen Astrid Hospital Center (Malmedy)
The only hospital where we might not get in touch with the medical team, the Queen Astrid hospital center in Malmedy, still prohibits visits until further notice. As elsewhere, exceptions are provided for in certain services.
