Debated in Parliament on 14 Sep 2021.
Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked the Minister for Health (a) what protocols and procedures are in place to allow individuals to seek medical attention from healthcare facilities when currently serving a quarantine order (QO) or Stay-Home Notice (SHN); and (b) how has this information been conveyed to healthcare facilities.
Persons under Quarantine (PUQs) and Stay-Home Notice (PSHNs) have been notified to call their Quarantine Order (QO) agent1 and the SHN facility’s managing agent, respectively, should they require medical attention. Documents with detailed instructions and contact numbers to call for assistance are also issued to both PUQs and PSHNs.
In the event of an emergency, PUQs/ PSHNs should call 995 directly or seek assistance from their family members to do so. An ambulance will be arranged to convey them to a Public Health Institution (PHI). Arrangements with the PHI are usually made in advance for such cases and public health measures, such as escorting the PUQs/ PSHNs to ensure there is no intermingling with others outside the isolation site, and maintaining safe management measures, are adhered to.
For non-emergency cases, the QO agent or SHN facility’s managing agent will assist to facilitate an MOH-approved teleconsultation service as this helps to minimise physical contact and exposure.
PAPERCUTS