SCDF officer who tested positive for Covid-19 is a fire and rescue specialist with no role in responding to coronavirus cases
The officer — who is listed as Case 219 — developed symptoms March 13 while on duty at Sengkang Fire Station and immediately sought treatment at Sengkang General Hospital.
SINGAPORE — A Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) officer who tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday (March 15) had not been involved in any response to emergency medical calls involving suspected or confirmed coronavirus infections, SCDF said on Monday.
The officer — who is based at Sengkang Fire Station as a fire and rescue specialist — last reported for work on March 13, SCDF said in a media statement.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) said that the 30-year-old officer, listed as Case 219, is a family member of Case 236, a 30-year-old Singaporean woman who was one of the new cases announced on Monday. He is linked to Case 211, a 35-year-old Filipina who is a Singapore long-term visit pass holder. They are all linked to Case 142, a 26-year-old Singaporean man who went to a rock-climbing gym at Asperia Mall in Kallang and who has links to the cluster involving a private dinner event at Safra Jurong on Feb 15.
The officer has no recent history of travel to affected countries. He reported the onset of symptoms on March 13 while on duty at Sengkang Fire Station and immediately sought treatment at Sengkang General Hospital.
He was later informed by the hospital of his infection and was hospitalised, MOH said. The ministry first reported his case on Sunday before adding more information on Monday that he is an SCDF officer.
“SCDF is in touch with the officer and his family to render support and assistance,” SCDF said, adding that it is assisting MOH with contact-tracing efforts.
It added: “As a precautionary measure, those identified to have been in close contact with the officer have been instructed to stay home, monitor their health, and practise strict social distancing.”
SCDF said it has ensured that Sengkang Fire Station and any other SCDF premises that the officer had been to have been disinfected thoroughly, in accordance with the National Environment Agency’s guidelines for environmental cleaning and the disinfection of areas exposed to confirmed cases of Covid-19.
During the disinfection process, the fire station's emergency response was covered by the nearest fire stations to ensure uninterrupted provision of emergency services.
SCDF is closely monitoring the condition of the affected officer and the health of SCDF officers in his unit, it said.
On Monday, MOH said that before the officer was hospitalised, he had visited mould and plastic manufacturer Meiban Mold Manufacture in Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park 2 and Furama Riverfront hotel on Havelock Road.
He lives along Bishan Street 22.
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES IN PLACE SINCE DORSCON ORANGE
In its media statement, SCDF said that it has implemented precautionary measures since the outbreak of Covid-19 in the country earlier this year.
Following MOH’s announcement of the heightened risk assessment from Dorscon Yellow to Orange on Feb 7, SCDF had further strengthened its precautionary measures.
These include:
Emergency medical crews being required to don personal protective equipment — such as masks, gloves, gowns, caps and goggles — when responding to all medical incidents.
Ambulances being thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated after emergency medical crews take suspected Covid-19 cases to hospitals.
All officers have also been actively monitoring their health and practising good personal hygiene in accordance with MOH’s advisories, which are disseminated to officers regularly.
The cleaning frequency of SCDF establishments and resources has been increased.
The morale of its officers and staff “remains high”, it said.
“SCDF remains steadfast and committed to support the whole-of-government’s efforts to manage the Covid-19 outbreak in Singapore, on top of our ongoing duties to protect and save lives and property,” it added.
