A Belgian hospital is reportedly allowing COVID-19 patients to see mask-wearing loved ones through their ward’s window with the use of platform cranes.
The new imitative is taking place at Geel Hospital in the city of the same name in the northern Belgian province of Antwerp to help patients see family members during COVID-19 lockdown.
With isolated patients reliant on social media and digital platforms to keep in contact with loved ones, the hospital decided to use platform cranes earlier this week, according to reports.
As many patients have to spend multiple weeks in COVID-19 wards, managers at Geel Hospital decided to offer them the chance to enjoy a safe chat with relatives and pals.
Several platform cranes outside the building exterior allowed hospital visitors to be lifted to the window of their loved ones to give them a little morale boost.
According to local media, three people were allowed on the platforms at a time before being secured and raised to the relevant window for a 15-minute chinwag.
Meanwhile, the crane operator stood inside a Plexiglass booth separated from the guests and the platforms were disinfected after each visit.
Reports said that many of the elderly patients were overjoyed to look their loved ones in the eye after a long period of time in isolation.
According to the latest figures from the John Hopkins University, Belgium has reported 52,011 cases of COVID-19 and 8,521 related deaths.
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Story By: Lee Bullen, Sub-Editor: Michael Leidig, Agency: Central European News
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