State-run Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has adopted stricter service policies after cases of COVID-19 were identified in patients receiving treatment at the hospital's Intensive Care Unit.

The hospital earlier on Friday had announced that it would resume OPD services and routine operations under the new normal guidelines being followed under the third stage of relaxing lockdown measures. However, six cases of COVID-19 were identified from within the hospital after a cancer patient receiving treatment in the ICU was discovered to have had the virus. Four nurses and two patients are among the six.

A statement released by IGMH on Saturday said the hospital's administration had decided against going ahead with the relaxation of measures, and said it would continue to follow the procedures of the second stage of relaxation of lockdown measures until further notice. In this regard, OPD services will be available only between 9 am and 1 pm, and online consultations will be continued. Visitors are not allowed and no more than one helper is to remain with each hospitalized patient. All entering the hospital will be screened for COVID-19, and children will not be allowed to enter the hospital unless seeking treatment. Non-emergency operations will also be halted.

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