However, the caregiver and visitor policy during the transition to the endemic phase would be implemented based on certain criteria and subject to the capacity and capability of the respective hospitals and wards, it said.
Visitors and caregivers must be 12-years old and above, have completed the Covid-19 vaccination and do not belong to a high-risk group.
“For caregivers of certain categories of patients who are required to undergo RTK-Antigen (RTK-Ag) tests, they must do so within 24 hours before arriving at the hospital. The date and time of the test together with a picture of the results must be included as proof,” MoH said in a statement.
They are also required to fill up the Covid-19 declaration form, comply with SOPs and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) as prescribed by hospitals and wards.
For caregivers or visitors of non-Covid-19 patients, including those who accompany pregnant mothers during labour, they must undergo screening and test negative for the virus.
“Visits from family members of non-Covid-19 patients in wards, intensive care units or in critical condition (end of life) are allowed but are limited to two visitors at a time. Visitors are also encouraged to take a Covid-19 test prior to the visit.
“Only one caregiver is allowed to accompany non-Covid-19 patients at the outpatient and emergency departments. The caregivers are also encouraged to undergo self-testing before visiting the healthcare facilities,” the statement said.
For Covid-19 patients, the presence of a caregiver is only allowed for patients who require special care and child patients only.
For that purpose, the caregiver should test negative for Covid-19 and must repeat the test if he or she develops any symptom.
“No visitors are allowed for Covid-19 patients, except for end-of-life patients. Only two visitors are allowed at one time and they are encouraged to take an RTK-Ag test before visiting,” read the statement.
The ministry also said that in certain situations where the risk of Covid-19 transmission is high, the hospital can make adjustments to existing policies to ensure the health and safety of all parties.
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