KUALA LUMPUR – Forty-eight health workers at the Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah (HSNZ) in Kuala Terengganu have been infected with Covid-19, the state health department confirmed today.
In a statement, Terengganu Health Director Dr Nor Azimi Yunus said all affected staff have been placed under quarantine while investigations into the source of the infection are being conducted.
She said close contacts for all cases have also undergone screening and have been segregated.
“To reduce service disruption in the treatment of minor cases, the emergency and trauma departments at HSNZ had to be temporarily closed, effective yesterday.
“Treatment for HSNZ patients is being continued and the staff has been mobilised to ensure the intensive care unit, operating rooms, emergency services, and maternal and childcare centre continue to run,” she said.
Considering the high rate of infection within the community in Terengganu, Dr Nor Azimi said Covid-19 transmission among hospital staff is difficult to avoid despite preventative measures being implemented at all levels.
“Most HSNZ staff – over 4,000 people – live and are within that community. So, the probability of being infected is always there,” she said.
Her statement came as a response to concerns raised via social media on present operations at HSNZ following the outbreak among its staff.
Despite confirmation of these cases, Dr Nor Azimi assured that the situation is under control.
“People who need treatment for mild cases can still go to HSNZ’s outpatient department or nearby health clinics,” she said.
Dr Nor Azimi also called on the public to not spread unverified news in order to avoid anxiety and confusion among the community.
“The Terengganu Health Department assures that it will always ensure appropriate preventative and control measures are being continuously implemented among health workers and patients in the hospital area,” he added. – The Vibes, January 30, 2021
