It said reducing the isolation period from seven to five days increases the risk of infection to other healthcare workers and patients.
MHC said it was concerned over the ministry’s Annex 21B directive, which was announced on March 21 and aimed at healthcare workers who were confirmed to be Covid-19 positive.
“Annex 21B is an attempt to manage short-staffed situations in healthcare facilities by having staff who are Covid-19 positive return to work before the completion of their isolation period.
“As at March 23, the country’s daily absentee rate among healthcare professionals due to high-risk exposure or being Covid-19 positive exceeded 6%, creating staff shortages in hospitals and clinics,” MHC said in a statement today.
“We understand the government’s attempt to maintain an adequate number of healthcare workers to ensure patient care. However, reducing the isolation period from seven to five days may have hidden consequences to the safety of other healthcare workers and patients,” it said.
MHC said studies had shown that up to 50% of Covid-19 patients remained infectious on Day 5 or beyond.
“Hence, asking healthcare workers who have Covid-19 but are asymptomatic to return to work on Day 6 could lead to new clusters,” it said.
MHC urged the government to be cautious in approving such policies as it defeated the health ministry’s objectives to prevent short-staffing and alleviate Covid-19 caseloads.
“We urge the government to mandate antigen testing for asymptomatic healthcare workers on Day 5 and only allow those with negative test results to return to work.
“High-risk workers with dependants, especially children, must be allowed to complete a full seven-day isolation period as childcare and education facilities are unlikely to accept their children until seven days have passed,” it said.
MHC added that the government needed to provide medical certificates instead of requiring healthcare workers to take annual leave for any additional days of rest.
“While we commend the measures and efforts made by the government to reduce the strain on our healthcare system and maintain patient care, equal attention must be given to the safety and welfare of our medical personnel,” it said.
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