Coronavirus is back in town!

 Surveillance data from the Public Health Unit of the Hospital indicate that from the week ending 11 September, 2022 to the week ending 23 September, 2022, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has risen from 3 to 45.

In response to this alarming trend of sample positivity rate among staff and patients in the Hospital, a mop-up exercise for COVID-19 vaccination is being conducted by the Public Health Unit from 22nd-25th September 2022 in all Units, Directorates, Departments and Sub-BMCs (UDSs) in the Hospital. One mobile team visits each UDS every day within the period to offer primary vaccination and boosters to staff, patients and relatives. A static team has also been set up at the Public Health Event Park for the same exercise within the period and beyond.

Whilst Management is encouraging staff and patients to take advantage of this mop-up exercise to get fully vaccinated and to have boosters as well, we also recommend that all Heads of UDSS ensure that staff. patients and relatives adhere strictly to COVID-191 protocols at all entry points to OPDs, wards, offices and waiting areas within their buildings/structures. These COVID-19 protocols should include:

• Wearing of facemasks

•Observance of hand hygiene (handwashing/alcohol hand-rubbing) Social/ physical distancing of at least 2 meters

• Prompt isolation and testing of suspected cases