Judicious use of personal protective equipment to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in maternity units

Abstract

More than 300 women give birth in South Africa (SA) every day. An increasing number of midwives, obstetricians and gynaecologists have tested positive for COVID-19 in SA, and this has led to the closures of maternity units. Recently, General Justice Gizenga Mpanza Regional Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal Province in SA closed after 16 healthcare workers (HCWs) and patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus, necessitating the redirection of patients to other healthcare centres in the area. Antenatal care and safe childbirth are crucial and cannot be postponed, making pregnant women and obstetric HCWs a vulnerable population for healthcare facility transmission. Reducing antenatal care consultations is associated with increased maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Therefore it is imperative that maternity services remain functional.