SINGAPORE – Visitor protection screening measures in all hospital and nursing home wards will be strengthened for 4 weeks, from 14 October to 10 November, as COVID-19 cases in the network increase.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) said patients will only be allowed to have two pre-designated visitors, and only one of them will be at the patient’s bedside at a time.
Critically ill patients will be entitled to up to five pre-designated visitors, two of whom can be at their bedside at any time.
Each excursion will be 30 minutes.
In exceptional conditions, such as for critical or pediatric patients, mothers in labor or postpartum and those requiring additional care, visitors may be able to stay longer than 30 minutes at the hospital’s discretion.
Visitors do not eat or drink in hospital wards or use patients’ restrooms.
They also avoid sitting on patients’ beds.
People living in residential care homes can have up to 4 pre-designated guests, and one guest may be allowed at a time for up to 30 minutes.
Visitors will need to continue to plan their visits in advance and strictly adhere to on-site security screening measures.
Visitation may need to be suspended if the home is handling active Covid-19 cases.
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Hospital and nursing home visitors make sure they are well and are strongly encouraged to have an immediate antigen check on the day of their visits.
Hospitals and homes have the discretion to impose stricter guest limits or needs for guests from vulnerable or unvaccinated patients.
The Health Ministry said the improved measures are aimed at protecting physical care capacity and other vulnerable people in this era of emerging cases.
There were 9,611 new covid-19 infections on Wednesday, up from a peak of 11,732 after Tuesday weekend.
There were 4,719 new ones on Monday.
The Ministry of Health added that hospital emergency departments serve a maximum number of patients on a basis.
Members of the public are requested only in case of emergency.
Those who come to the emergency room with non-emergency conditions, even if they are children, may be asked to move to other clinics instead.
“The Ministry of Health will review and calibrate these measures according to the evolution of the Covid-19 situation,” he said.
“We seek understanding and cooperation from patients, residents, their families and their family members as we work to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our healthcare facilities. “
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This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission is required for reproduction.