Covid-19 cluster at IMH: 2 workers, 4 patients from adjoining wards infected

SINGAPORE — The Covid-19 cluster reported at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) on Monday (Aug 30) comprised two staff members and four patients at two adjoining wards, the psychiatric hospital said.

In a media statement following its identification as a Covid-19 cluster, IMH said that the first case was a staff nurse who works in both wards. She was confirmed to be infected on Aug 28.

Subsequent cases detected at the healthcare facility were found through surveillance screening over the weekend. This included the four patients as well as a health attendant. 

IMH said that both of its workers and one of the patients were fully vaccinated while the remaining three cases were not.

“The two affected wards have been buttoned up, with visits, admissions and discharges suspended until further notice. Surveillance screening of all staff and patients in the two wards is ongoing,” it added.

The hospital has also started conducting a one-off surveillance testing on all its workers that will be completed by Sept 3, while also progressively testing all inpatients.

It stressed, however, that operations in other parts of the hospital remain unaffected.

It said that since the start of the Covid-19 outbreak in Singapore, it has stepped up surveillance and infection control measures for visitors, patients and its staff members.

These include making sure staff members wear appropriate personal protection equipment at work. 

Its workers are also regularly reminded not to go to work if they are unwell and to seek medical advice promptly.

They also have to practise safe distancing and strict hand hygiene, and patient-facing staff members also undergo the Ministry of Health’s rostered routine testing of workers.

“Inpatients’ temperatures are monitored twice a day and nurses look out for signs of any illness, particularly typical Covid-19 symptoms,” IMH said.

“IMH also provides patient education to help patients understand the Covid-19 situation and the importance of personal hygiene and infection control.”