COVID-19: 224 MOH healthcare workers infected so far - Health DG

However, investigations found none of the cases was due to the handling of patients at COVID-19 wards or intensive care units (ICU) at the ministry's healthcare facilities.

"Of those cases, 150 or 67 percent are linked to the community (including from colleagues infected through communal activities).

"41 cases (18 percent) had links to patients, of which 29 of them were patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI), nine from patients whose status were unknown before treatment, and three cases from screening and other activities in the field.

Speaking at the daily COVID-19 media conference here today, Dr Noor Hisham said the remaining 33 cases (15 percent) are still under investigation.

Dr Noor Hisham stressed that various measures are constantly being taken to ensure the safety and health of all healthcare personnel, including the evaluation and stock count of protective gear such as personal protective equipment (PPE).

"Besides this, MOH is also strengthening its triaging process, through evaluation and isolation of patients suspected of having COVID-19 symptoms when they are at healthcare facilities as well as equipping them with facemasks.

Dr Noor Hisham said all SARI and pneumonia cases are classified as COVID-19 infections until proven otherwise, adding that the ministry also ensures that health care personnel who treat COVID-19 patients use PPEs, and at least face masks when treating other patients not suspected of being infected with COVID-19.

He said the MOH also ensures that personnel take all preventive measures such as cleaning of hands and when required, social distancing of at least one metre.

Dr Noor Hisham all healthcare workers and frontliners, including private medical practitioners and those from non-governmental organisations are also urged to use face masks when treating patients.