A TOTAL of 224 healthcare workers from the Health Ministry have been infected with Covid-19, although none was infected at specialised wards or intensive care units (ICUs) used to treat coronavirus patients, said Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

The director-general of health said of the total figure, 150 cases were from the communal activities, 29 from contact with patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Infection, and a further nine cases from contact with patients who did not previously declare they had contact with Covid-19 positive cases.

Three healthcare workers were infected while they were screening for those infected with Covid-19 while a further 33 cases are still being investigated, he said.

Dr Noor Hisham maintained that the ministry prioritises the safety of its workers and that there is enough supply of personal protective equipment.

He said all flu-like or pneumonia cases were treated by healthcare workers as positive cases until proven otherwise.  

Triage evaluations, which takes place when a patient arrives at healthcare facilities, are also carried out with face masks and other protection, he said.

All workers are to continue maintaining social distancing of at least 1m as best as they can and to wash their hands throughout the day.

“The ministry advises all healthcare workers and frontliners, including those from the private sector and civil society groups, to always use face masks when dealing with patients,” said Dr Noor Hisham.

He said the ministry greatly appreciates all the sacrifices made and dedication shown by healthcare workers in all medical facilities, regardless of whether they are frontliners or behind the scenes.

“We are committed to ensure that the health and safety of all ministry workers is taken care of.” – April 11, 2020.