Lai Yin Wong1, Aidan Lyanzhiang Tan2, Yee-Sin Leo3,4,5,6,7, Vernon Jian Ming Lee5,8, Matthias Paul Han Sim Toh3,5. 1. Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Population Health, National Healthcare Group, Singapore. 2. Health Services and Outcomes Research, National Healthcare Group, Singapore. 3. National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore. 4. Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore. 5. Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Singapore. 6. Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Singapore. 7. Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore. 8. Ministry of Health Singapore, Singapore.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of healthcare workers (HCWs) infected with COVID-19 and to examine their sources of exposure. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study using data extracted from the centralized disease notification system comprising individuals confirmed with COVID-19 in Singapore between 23 January and 17 April 2020. Occupation of HCWs was categorized into six categories. Their job nature was classified into "frontline" or "back-end" based on the frequency of direct patient contact, and source of exposure was classified as family/household, social interaction or workplace. Chi-square and median tests were used to identify differences between categorical groups and sample medians, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 88 (1.7%) HCWs were identified from 5,050 cases. Their median age was 35 years. Chinese and Indians constituted 42.0% and 31.8%, respectively, and 43.2% were foreigners. The majority (63.6%) was serving at frontlines handling patient-facing duties, 15.9% were doctors, 11.4% were nurses and 44.3% were ancillary staff. About 81.8% acquired the infection locally, of which 40.3% did not have a clearly identifiable source of exposure. Exposure from the family/household was most common (27.8%), followed by workplace (16.7%) and social interaction (15.3%). All HCWs were discharged well with no mortality; three (3.4%) were ever admitted to intensive care unit and required increased care. CONCLUSION: Healthcare workers accounted for a small proportion of COVID-19 cases in Singapore with favourable outcomes. The possibility of transmission resulting from family/household exposure and social interactions highlights the need to maintain strict vigilance and precautionary measures at all times beyond the workplace.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of healthcare workers (HCWs) infected with COVID-19 and to examine their sources of exposure. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study using data extracted from the centralized disease notification system comprising individuals confirmed with COVID-19 in Singapore between 23 January and 17 April 2020. Occupation of HCWs was categorized into six categories. Their job nature was classified into "frontline" or "back-end" based on the frequency of direct patient contact, and source of exposure was classified as family/household, social interaction or workplace. Chi-square and median tests were used to identify differences between categorical groups and sample medians, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 88 (1.7%) HCWs were identified from 5,050 cases. Their median age was 35 years. Chinese and Indians constituted 42.0% and 31.8%, respectively, and 43.2% were foreigners. The majority (63.6%) was serving at frontlines handling patient-facing duties, 15.9% were doctors, 11.4% were nurses and 44.3% were ancillary staff. About 81.8% acquired the infection locally, of which 40.3% did not have a clearly identifiable source of exposure. Exposure from the family/household was most common (27.8%), followed by workplace (16.7%) and social interaction (15.3%). All HCWs were discharged well with no mortality; three (3.4%) were ever admitted to intensive care unit and required increased care. CONCLUSION: Healthcare workers accounted for a small proportion of COVID-19 cases in Singapore with favourable outcomes. The possibility of transmission resulting from family/household exposure and social interactions highlights the need to maintain strict vigilance and precautionary measures at all times beyond the workplace.
Authors: S Vivek Anand; Yao Kang Shuy; Poay Sian Sabrina Lee; Eng Sing Lee Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-08-30 Impact factor: 4.614
Authors: John Rong Hao Tay; Ethan Ng; Marianne Meng Ann Ong; Chelsia Sim; Ken Tan; Chaminda Jayampath Seneviratne Journal: Front Med (Lausanne) Date: 2020-11-20
Authors: Jean Xiang Ying Sim; Edwin Philip Conceicao; Liang En Wee; May Kyawt Aung; Sylvia Yi Wei Seow; Raymond Chee Yang Teo; Jia Qing Goh; Dennis Wu Ting Yeo; Benjamin Jyhhan Kuo; John Wah Lim; Wee Hoe Gan; Moi Lin Ling; Indumathi Venkatachalam Journal: Am J Infect Control Date: 2020-11-04 Impact factor: 2.918
Authors: W-Y Lim; G S E Tan; H L Htun; H P Phua; W M Kyaw; H Guo; L Cui; T M Mak; B F Poh; J C C Wong; Y X Setoh; B S P Ang; A L P Chow Journal: J Hosp Infect Date: 2021-12-21 Impact factor: 8.944