Singapore's experience in ensuring continuity of outpatient care during
the COVID-19 pandemic
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak is a global pandemic with rapid community spread.
Patients with multi-morbidities are particularly vulnerable during this
time. The number of cases soared in early February 2020, and Singapore
declared escalation of the Disease Outbreak Response System Condition
(DORSCON) level to Orange. Multiple measures have been taken to combat
the spread of this highly contagious infection. Despite our medical
manpower being diverted to the wards, our hospital aims to maintain
nearly full operations at the clinic, balancing against concern about
the spread of the virus and exposing healthcare workers to potential
risks. We describe the measures taken in a tertiary hospital in
Singapore to mitigate the risk of infection in the outpatient setting
while ensuring that continuing clinical care of patients with chronic
diseases is not compromised.