Hospitals to Shut Doors to Visitors for Two Weeks
Starting Thursday, August 5, Singapore’s hospitals will kick visitors to the curb until August 18—a move aimed at keeping the virus in check inside these care settings.
What’s the deal?
Health officials flagged an uptick in community spread, noting that both staff and patients at places like Changi General Hospital and Yishun Community Hospital have been caught up in new covid clusters. To curb possible transmissions, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has installed a temporary visitor ban.
Not everyone is being left out in the cold
Though the rule is strict, a handful of patient groups may still see hands for a bit:
- Extremely ill patients may have up to five designated visitors per day. However, only two can be next to the bed at a time, and those visits can’t exceed 30 minutes.
- Babies and children are exempt too, because you can’t have a “no‑visit” rule for the newborns who need parental cuddles.
- Parent‑to‑be/pregnant mothers and new parents can bring one visitor per day, and this visitor can stay no longer than 30 minutes by the baby’s side.
- Caregivers who need extra help—like those learning to care for a newly discharged patient—can visit if they’ll stay for longer than 30 minutes. But they must first pass a negative, close‑to‑admission rapid antigen test and take it within 24 hours of the visit.
Visitor etiquette and protection rules
Even when you’re allowed in, there are several safety protocols you’ll need to follow:
- No bathroom abuse: Visitors are not to use patients’ toilets.
- No bedding control: Sit or lay on a patient’s bed is strictly forbidden.
- No snacking: No eating or drinking inside the inpatient wards.
- Everyone must wear high‑filtration masks—think surgical masks or two‑layer fabric ones—throughout the visit.
Vaccination reminder
All patients who are still unvaccinated will receive a friendly nurse’s nudge to get the COVID‑19 shot, provided their health allows it. If you’ve already had your first dose at the hospital, the recommendation is to return for your second shot at the same facility.
So, if you have a loved one in a hospital ward between August 5 and 18, plan carefully, keep the visit short, and practice good etiquette to help keep everyone safe.
