CGH says it remains safe for visits despite Covid-19 cluster

SINGAPORE - Changi General Hospital (CGH) remains safe for visitation despite a cluster there uncovered on Friday (Sept 3), said the hospital.

On Saturday afternoon, CGH said the 14 cases in the cluster involved staff working there, most of whom were outsourced.

It said in a statement: "These staff have their workplaces at the hospital's basement level and do not have direct interaction with patients in their course of work.

"Almost all are fully vaccinated, and all had adhered to safe management measures. None of them are critically ill, largely due to their vaccination."

Clinical areas are not affected and the hospital remains safe for clinical appointments and ward visitation, with adherence to prevailing visitation guidelines, said CGH.

It added that precautionary measures such as thorough cleaning and disinfection of the relevant areas have been completed, and infection control protocols are in place on the hospital premises.

It is tracing and testing to ring-fence the infections.

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CGH said: "Swab testing has been largely completed for CGH staff who work at the basement level. As an added precautionary measure, all CGH staff including outsourced service partners will undergo a one-time self-administered antigen rapid test."

The hospital said the testing is on top of the rostered routine testing regime already established for those who interact with patients.

Staff identified as close contacts of infected individuals have been placed on quarantine orders or on leave of absence pending further investigations.

The hospital is working with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and epidemiological investigations are ongoing for the positive cases, CGH said.

CGH urged those in the community who have not opted for Covid-19 vaccination to do so, as vaccination is proven to minimise the severity of infection.

On Saturday night, MOH said the CGH cluster has grown to 36 cases.