Update on Hospital Infection Prevention and Control Policies for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection (Updated on 26/11/2024)

In light of the evolving local and global upper respiratory tract viral activities and recent surveillance data from the Centre for Health Protection, we are implementing changes to our hospital policies regarding upper respiratory tract infections, including COVID-19. The high COVID-19 vaccination rates, combined with the mutation of COVID-19 strains and a notable decrease in severe cases and fatalities, indicate that the current situation no longer poses a significant public health concern.
 

Effective immediately, the hospital will abolish all previously implemented COVID-19 policies for patients since 2023. However, as we enter the winter season, we anticipate increased activity of upper respiratory tract viruses. Therefore, we will continue to follow standard procedures for managing patients with upper respiratory tract infection symptoms, as outlined below:
 

1. Patients may be required to undergo rapid or laboratory tests for assessment if upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) is indicated.
2. For patients with positive rapid or laboratory test results, admissions will be arranged in accordance with current hospital admission policies. Specifically, for COVID-19 patients:
   • Adult patients with COVID-19 will require droplet precautions in general ward settings.
   • Pediatric patients with COVID-19 will require droplet precautions along with cohort arrangements.
3. The hospital reserves the right to impose additional measures based on specific clinical conditions and individual risk assessments, subject to the availability of relevant resources.
4. To minimize the risk of nosocomial infections, all patients and clinical staff must:
   • Practice diligent hand hygiene.
   • All personnel within hospital clinical areas are advised to wear surgical masks, especially when they are exhibiting URTI symptoms or intend to have contact with a person with URTI symptoms.
5. Patients presenting with symptoms of URTI will not be allowed to undergo aerosol-generating procedures (including nebulizing inhalation, BiPAP, and CPAP) unless performed in a designated single room equipped with a negative pressure or IQ Air system.
6. Visitors displaying symptoms such as fever, URTI, or diarrhea are advised not to visit and to seek medical consultation.
    

We appreciate your cooperation and diligence in adhering to these updated policies to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients and staff. Thank you for your continued commitment to quality healthcare.

26 Nov 2024