ISRRT_COVID-19_book

additional beds, in addition to disseminating guidance and awareness messages showing
preventative measures and how these effectively protect against virus infection.
In times of disasters, epidemics and pandemics, schools and universities are disrupted
countries announce curfews, air traffic and travel stop, markets stagnate, and warning shouts
rise: "Stay at home, and protect yourself." Cries that may work with some, but not for health
sector workers. Medical practitioners, nurses, radiographers, and administrators find
themselves in the front lines, on the line of fire.
The infection that healthcare workers may be exposed to is one of the important health issues
that outweigh other sectors. Healthcare workers move between patients; thus, the disease
might be transmitted to uninfected populations. Moreover, they might transmit the infection
to their families upon returning home. Therefore, protecting health care workers from
infection is an utmost necessity.
The world celebrates the efforts of health care workers in COVID-19 whose role can't be
denied. The radiology department plays a significant role in COVID-19 diagnosis through chest
X-rays radiography and to a lesser extent chest CT scans. On the national level, Palestinian
hospitals whether in the West Bank or the Gaza Strip, have not been able to rehabilitate
radiology departments or increase the equipment required to confront COVID-19.
Departmental Protocols and Guidelines
The location of a radiology department in most hospitals, in some countries and in Palestine
is found mostly in the basement, which lacks ventilation or the entry of sunlight and hence
providing a fertile environment for the COVID-19 to live and spread.
The MOH took several measures and requested healthcare workers to apply the following
actions during their presence in hospitals:
• The MOH held several sessions explaining how to deal with suspected or infected
COVID-19 patients.
• The MOH worked to provide the supplies needed by radiographers such as protective
clothing, facial masks, and medical gloves.
• Continuous sterilization of hospitals and departments using sterilizers and
disinfectants.
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