On April 27th, we resumed on-site treatments at our Eugin clinics after the interruption that COVID-19 forced us to make. Since then, more than 600 patients have visited us and we have already confirmed the first pregnancies!
The resurgence of the disease around the world is causing uncertainty and understandable doubts among the population and, in particular, for our patients. However, we would like to encourage you to continue with your dream of becoming a mother because we will have to live with this situation for some time and the good news is that we are now more aware of how to deal with it.
In this post we would like to go over the main doubts you have and, as you will see, we have taken everything into account so that you can come to our clinics and undergo your assisted reproduction treatment in complete safety.
At our clinics: the usual level of care based on safety protocols
Our clinics in Barcelona and Madrid are still open during the regular opening hours and continue treating both local and international patients as usual, while complying with all safety measures. In fact, international patients can opt to have their treatment done at either of the two clinics.
The COVID-19 diagnostic test is not compulsory for visiting clinics, although at present we recommend a PCR test for both members of the couple at the beginning of treatment and, in accordance with the protocol, we request another PCR test for the patient 48-72 hours before undergoing the procedure (which Eugin performs at no additional cost). In any event, prior to any on-site visit, a tele-triage of symptoms is carried out and the patient’s temperature is taken on arrival.
As for the treatments: they are tailored to your needs
Our processes are fully synchronized around your presence. In the case of a fresh cycle, the embryos will be vitrified without altering their characteristics and thus maintaining the same chances of success. As for treatments with cryopreserved embryos, no embryos for transfer will be thawed until the treatment can be carried out. For patients awaiting insemination, the semen sample is not thawed until they come to the clinic in person. And, with regard to hormone treatments, this does not represent a health risk and it is the medical team who will inform you of the best way to bring it to a halt.
In Barcelona: Checks and safety measures
In Barcelona, where Eugin clinics’ main headquarters are located, daily checks are still carried out to track and monitor spontaneous outbreaks, none of which have been traced to medical centres or hotels. The local authorities have recommended avoiding all unnecessary flows of people and gatherings of more than 10 people, which does not affect the patients who come to our clinics. Likewise, limited capacity has been established in catering and leisure venues; and the usual safety measures are maintained: use of a mandatory mask both indoors and outdoors (in Barcelona), a recommendation for use in enclosed spaces (in Madrid), as well as continuous hand hygiene and safety distance.
In Spain: Open borders with lots of countries and no need for quarantine
In Spain, the borders are currently open to European Union citizens (Schengen Area: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Liechtenstein).
They are also open, for the following countries outside the Schengen area in Europe: Andorra, Bulgaria, Georgia, Monaco, the United Kingdom, Romania and San Marino; and outside the Schengen area in the rest of the world: Algeria, Australia, Canada, China, South Korea, Japan, Morocco, New Zealand, Rwanda, Thailand, Tunisia and Uruguay.
In addition, no quarantine of any kind has been established upon arrival in Spain, except in cases of patients who are symptomatic or have a recent history of close contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases.
However, in the hypothetical case of the borders being closed again, the provision of medical treatment for assisted reproduction would be a valid exception to such closure. If that were the case, we would provide you with certificates to justify your trip.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any further questions you may have. We are here to support you during the whole process and this is just one more step in which we want to be by your side.
