COVID-19 Swab Tests for VWO Staff Looking after Elderly

Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Health (a) whether the Ministry will consider doing a one-time COVID-19 swab test for VWO staff looking after our elderly; and (b) if so, whether it will be done in phases so as not to overstretch medical resources.

COVID-19 testing complements the existing precautionary measures in place for eldercare services, such as strict infection control, safe distancing and visitor restrictions. We have thus embarked on surveillance testing for staff of eldercare services to protect the seniors as they are more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection.

This surveillance testing in eldercare services will be conducted in phases. Given that seniors living in residential care homes are at higher risks, we prioritised and completed swab tests for about 10,500 staff of residential care homes in May 2020. Test results for staff were all negative save for one staff member from Ren Ci Nursing Home @ Ang Mo Kio, which we have announced earlier. In June 2020, we will progressively test staff of other eldercare services in operation, including those working at day care centres. These initial sweeps will help guide our approach for future testing.

I thank the Senior Minister of State. I have one supplementary question. As we reopen our SACs in due time, I would like to ask MOH if it would provide training and training resources to all our VWOs to help them train their staff, provide them with the necessary resources so that they can observe good and better hygiene habits as we really need to protect our elderly and the staff looking after them, especially when the SACs open.

I thank the Member for her question. Indeed, the SACs may resume on-site activities gradually in Phase One. Before resuming on-site activities, SACs are required to undergo a readiness assessment and propose plans on infection prevention and control, and safe distancing measures. The Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) will also conduct spot checks to ensure that these measures are implemented. Prior to this, AIC has also conducted several webinars to inform providers of the necessary infection prevention and control measures and provided them with resource kits.

As at 5 June, 27 SACs have opened.