Hospital services getting back to normal

Outpatient and emergency services in local district and city-level hospitals are at 70 percent and the number of surgeries at 48 percent compared with the figures before the coronavirus outbreak, Shanghai Health Commission said on Friday.

Services at neighborhood health centers have reached almost 76 percent.

Non-emergency health services at local hospitals have been reopening gradually since March 2. The commission said local hospitals will increase their outpatient services and beds and speed up surgery to meet demand. Internet-based health services and a classified health system encouraging people to visit nearby and grassroots hospitals are being encouraged.

While the city has lowered its alert level and more industries and services have been getting back to normal, health experts are still advising wearing masks.

“There is still a risk of coronavirus along with the rise of imported cases in Shanghai. The public should retain certain habits for virus prevention and control,” said Dr Wu Liming, director of Shanghai Health Promotion Center. “Wearing masks is still suggested if you are in close contact with people, in a crowded indoor places like lifts, shops, supermarkets, airports and railway stations or going to a hospital.”

People with poor immunity, such as the elderly and those with chronic diseases, should wear masks when going out, Wu said.

“It is not necessary to wear a mask if going to an outdoor place with few people, walking or driving alone and during daily life at home,” he said.