Four healthcare workers deployed to the Singapore Expo, a community isolation care facility, have been infected with the coronavirus.
The four of them are a radiographer, two nurses and a healthcare volunteer.
You know what they say, right?
First time’s a fluke, the second time might still be a fluke but four times? Something seems to be wrong.
Authorities Reviewing Why Some Healthcare Workers in S’pore Expo Are Infected with COVID-19
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said that they are now reviewing the infections happening at the Singapore Expo.
The key, he said, is to see if they were infected through interaction with the patients, or with fellow colleagues.
Only by knowing this, he says, will allow them to see if infection control processes within the healthcare system are enough and whether they should put additional measures in place.
Previously, the health minister had emphasised that a majority of the healthcare Covid-19 cases in Singapore were not infected “in the line of duty”.
Exceptionally Worried About Healthcare Workers in Dormitories
Two quarantine officers serving at foreign workers dormitories tested positive for Covid-19.
MOH’s director of medical services Kenneth Mak revealed that they are “particularly concerned” about healthcare workers in the dormitories and facilities.
He added that during the lockdown, he wants the healthcare staff at these facilities to be well-trained in handling personal protective equipment and to obey infection control measures at all time.
Not just when they’re attending to patients but also when they’re on a break or off-duty.
MOH will be working with the interagency task force to conduct refresher training if required.
“Some Improvements” Going On
Mr Mak also added that they’re continually making improvements to the current infection control measures.
As examples, he pointed to enhanced physical distancing and the use of physical barriers.
They are also taking steps to remind all workers on the ground, both healthcare and non-healthcare staff, to be careful and refresh their knowledge about infection control.
Healthcare workers have previously shown that they are aware of how dangerous their jobs are, and one of them documented his daily efforts in making sure his family doesn’t contract Covid-19 from him.