Ministry Focuses on Implementing COVID Safe Measures for Vulnerable Population

The Ministry of Health and Medical Services is again enforcing COVID safe measures in hospitals, senior citizen homes and facilities for disabled persons as COVID-19 case numbers slowly escalate.

Permanent Secretary Dr James Fong has also confirmed visitor restrictions for main hospitals as they expect to escalate screening protocols and masking for staff, patients and visitors.

While providing an update on the COVID-19 scenario in the country, he said the ministry had noted that 18 hospital admitted cases had incidentally tested positive for COVID-19.

He said since the last update November 24, the ministry had recorded 76 new cases and seven reinfections.

Of the 76 cases recorded, 42 cases were recorded in the Central Division, 33 cases in the Western Division, one case in the Northern Division with nil cases in the Eastern Division.

“We are once again noting an increase in COVID-19 cases based on case numbers reported to us, positivity rates being compiled from hotel, airport and hospital workers and absenteeism rates from selected industries and schools,” he said.

“Correspondingly, we are focusing on implementing COVID safe measures around those vulnerable to the severe effects of COVID-19.

“This includes escalating measures in hospitals, old people’s homes and facilities catering for disabled persons. As such we expect to escalate screening protocols and masking for staff, patients and visitors.”

He said consistent with the experience in other countries that have high vaccination rates, the ministry anticipated a minimal increase in hospital admissions for COVID-19 disease despite increasing case numbers.

“While immune protection from the severe disease remains, there is expected to be some immune escape capability that makes the variant more transmissible,” he said.

“For the general public, we are advising that COVID safe measures must be instituted around the elderly, those with chronic disease, pregnant mothers and children with disabilities.

“This involves proper masking of those caring for vulnerable persons, safe physical distancing for those visiting them, and ensuring they engage in highly ventilated spaces when they venture out of their homes.”

He said it was important for those with chronic diseases to be on proper treatment that ensures the optimal control of the diseases they have.

“This means that diabetics need their blood sugar to be as near normal as possible, hypertensives need their blood pressure well controlled and those with cardiac conditions to be as symptom-free as possible.

“We emphasise the point that strengthening our ability to live with COVID means we remain vigilant, maintain community-wide adoption of COVID safe measures where appropriate, and maintain the impetus for immunisation.

“This is the only means to reduce the disease spread and protect those in the community who are less able to fend for themselves.”