Singapore's Health Minister urges individuals to act responsibly and prevent the spread of the virus to others
One in five confirmed COVID-19 patients in Singapore “continued to go to work, and attended events, and participated in activities despite being unwell”, said Health Minister Gan Kim Yong.
Many of the 178 cases (as of 11 March) were linked to clusters across the city. This prompted the minister to express concern that “many of the locally transmitted cases resulted from the socially irresponsible actions of a few individuals who…went on to spread the disease to their family, friends and other contacts.”
In a press briefing, the ministry revealed that 35 of the 160 cases did not minimise social contact despite developing fever or respiratory symptoms. They also failed to consult a doctor early when unwell.
He added that one in four consulted more than one doctor while sick. Gan explained that patients should follow up with the same doctor so that they can make the right assessment whether the individual needed to be tested for COVID-19.
The numbers may be unsurprising to some as presenteeism remains a difficult issue faced by leaders globally. In the US, 9 in 10 workers come to work even with cold or flu symptoms. While in the UK, four in five staffers see their teammates come in despite being sick.
READ MORE: Is presenteeism worse than absenteeism?
HR managers will need to reassess attendance policies so as to curb this trend of presenteeism amid the threat of communicable disease.
Over in Singapore, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) shared the following guidelines to help employers manage any suspect cases.
If there is a suspect case at work, employers should immediately identify persons who may have recently come into close physical contact.
Employers should then advise all affected employees to:
- Monitor their health, including doing temperature checks twice daily
- Adopt good personal hygiene
- See a doctor immediately if they are unwell
- Inform supervisors and/or HR immediately, and stay at home on sick leave even if the symptoms are mild
Note that since 14 February, doctors have been advised to give five days of sick leave to patients with respiratory systems, such as fever, cough, sore throat and runny nose.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) urged employers to strictly abide by the five-day MC regime during the ongoing outbreak situation.
Advise employees to stay home and avoid mixing in large crowds. Those who do not recover within five days will be referred for further medical assessments. Remind them to return to the same doctor for further treatment.
When updated of the outcome of tests for any suspect cases, employers should notify other employees.
"A person who has fever or symptoms like coughing and breathlessness may not be infected with COVID-19,” said MOM. “However, they should be advised to consult a doctor as soon as possible.”
