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[Updated] Extended suspension of in-person visits to hospitals and residential care homes

The suspension of in-person visits to all hospital wards1 and residential care homes will be extended from 20 March to 3 April 2022 (both dates inclusive).

During this period, hospitals and homes can make assessments on a case-by-case basis to allow in-person visits for exceptional cases.

Pre-visit testing requirements at hospitals and homes

Visitors who are allowed into hospital wards and homes will be required to show a valid negative ART result obtained within the last 24 hours of each visit. All tests are to be self-funded by the visitor. This is a mandatory requirement for all visitors regardless of vaccination status, except for persons who have recovered from COVID-19 and are able to present a valid Pre-Event Test (PET) exemption notice2.

Fully vaccinated or medically ineligible visitors can perform an unsupervised self-administered ART or opt for an ART administered by MOH-approved COVID-19 test providers (including tests performed at Quick Test Centres) to fulfil the pre-visit testing requirement. They will be required to show evidence of a valid ART result, e.g. present a time-stamped photo of the dated ART result and photo ID for verification prior to entry.

Non-fully vaccinated visitors would be required to show results of ART administered or supervised by MOH-approved COVID-19 test providers (including Quick Test Centres). Results from unsupervised self-administered ART will not be accepted for this group of visitors.

In-person visits at hospitals

The following patient groups will continue to be allowed visitors on a case-by case basis, as assessed by the hospitals:

Patients who are in critical condition;

Paediatric patients;

Birthing/post-partum mothers; and

Patients requiring additional care support from caregivers. Examples of caregivers include those providing assistance to inpatients who have mental incapacities or family members who are undergoing caregiver training to better care for their loved ones after hospital discharge.

The above patient groups would be allowed only one pre-designated visitor, with one visit per day. Patients who are in critical condition may be allowed up to five pre-designated visitors, with a maximum of two visitors at the patient’s bedside at any one time.

All visitors approved to enter hospital wards must don face masks with good filtration capability at all times. These include surgical masks and reusable masks that are made of two layers of fabric. Visitors are reminded not to eat or drink in the hospital wards or use the patients’ toilets in the wards. They should also avoid sitting on patients’ beds.

In-situ recovery for some nursing home residents

From 16 February 2022, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) will progressively support nursing homes to care for their fully-vaccinated residents who have been infected but have mild or no symptoms within their premises. These residents will be isolated from the other uninfected residents.

Infected residents who are assessed to be at higher risk, or who show signs of clinical deterioration will continue to be conveyed to an appropriate care facility for recovery.

Source: Government of Singapore