Employer-Led Supervised Self-Swab (ESSS) - Guide for Private Tuition and Enrichment Centres
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Overview 1. Testing Requirements a. Background b. Exemptions from Fast and Easy Testing (FET) and Vaccinate or Regular Test (VoRT) regimes 2. Testing Operations a. Onboarding Process b. Rostering Supervised Self-Swab Sessions c. ART Kits Inventory and Delivery 3. On-site Supervision a. Preparation for On-site Swab Operations b. SOP for On-site Swab Operations 4. Virtual Supervision a. Key Considerations b. Preparation for Virtual Swab Operations c. SOP for Virtual Swab Operations d. Selected FAQs 5. Treatment of AG+ and AG Double Invalid Annexes I. Roles and Responsibilities II. ART Kits and Repacking Kits into individual kits 2
1(a) Background ❖ As part of Singapore’s national efforts to expand our vaccine coverage further and to mitigate the risk of transmission of COVID-19, Private Tuition and Enrichment centres are required to comply with the expanded Fast And Easy Testing (FET) 7-day regime to more groups of staff and the implementation of the Vaccinate or Regular Test (VoRT) regime with effect from 1 October 2021. ❖ From 1 Oct 2021, under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act: ▪ All staff (regardless of vaccination status) working within the premises of private tuition and enrichment centres that have students aged 12 years old and below (i.e. born in 2009 or later) are required to undergo FET, regardless of whether the staff has any direct contact with these students. ▪ All staff (regardless of vaccination status) working within the premises of private tuition and enrichment centres located in retail malls^ (regardless of age group of students) will also be required to undergo FET. ▪ All unvaccinated staff under the FET regime are also required to undergo VoRT. ▪ Centres consisting of only one self-employed person have to also comply with the FET and VoRT requirements. ❖ Centres should conduct Employer Supervised Self Swab (ESSS) for persons who are required to undergo testing under the FET or VoRT regimes. ESSS involves having these persons use an Antigen Rapid Test (ART) kit to carry out a swab on themselves under the supervision of a trained supervisor. 4 ^ Retail malls are defined as a building with commercial space for business-to-consumer [B2C] businesses with at least 7,000sqm of net lettable area.
1(a) Background ❖ Centres should not allow entry of workers who do not comply with the testing requirements. ❖ To ensure compliance, inspectors from MOE will be conducting inspections to check on the proper implementation of the FET and VoRT. Centre’ Points of Contract (POCs) are responsible for maintaining offline records for the Swab Registration System (SRS). Inspectors will request for the record. If the POC is not stationed in the centre’s premise, please let your centre’s staff keep the record in the premise for ease of showing during site inspection. ❖ Centres who do not comply will be subject to penalties under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act and may be ineligible for government grants, loans, tax rebates and other assistance, and may also be subject to temporary closures. 5
1(b) Exemptions from FET and VoRT Regime ❖ MOH has exempted the following groups from the testing regimes: ▪ Persons who recovered from COVID-19 infection for less than 270 days; 1. Positive COVID test record in HealthHub within 270 days (this should be the first C+ from the last episode of confirmed infection/re-infection, a C+ from persistent shedding will not be counted), or 2. Doctors’ discharge memo ▪ Persons with contraindications (i.e. nasal surgery in the last 4 weeks, facial injury in the last 8 weeks). ▪ Persons with special needs and disabilities (e.g. Special needs such as autism, Disability such as vision loss, physical impairment). ▪ If staff falls into the above categories, please follow the process to seek exemption (see next page). ❖ The following groups do not need to undergo testing: ▪ Workers working in a separate worksite that is not part of the premises of the private tuition or enrichment centre. ▪ Workers working in a separate worksite that is not located in retail malls, and who do not interact with students aged 12 and below (even if they do interact with students aged above 12). 6
Process to Seek Exemptions from FET and VoRT Regime Cases exempted from the FET and VoRT Regime are listed below: 1. Exemption due to contraindication • Nasal Surgery Employee to • Facial injury (that may affect the collection of nasal samples from the nostril) submit completed 2. Exemption due to special needs and disability Declaration • Special needs such as autism Form to Employer • Disability such as vision loss, physical impairment 3. Exemption due to past infection from COVID-19 • Employees recovered from a previous COVID-19 infection less than 270 days ago Supporting Documents: Employer to a) Positive Covid-test record in HealthHub within 270 days (this should be the first C+ from the last check episode of confirmed infection/re-infection, a C+ from persistent shedding will not be counted), Declaration or Form, keep a b) Doctors’ discharge memo copy and inform Sector Client/Employee: Lead (via • To fill in, sign and submit the Declaration Form to Employer to seek exemption from FET FormSG) and VoRT Regime. • Only submit the Declaration Form if you fall under one of the three cases above. No consideration will be made for other conditions. Employee Employer: exempted from FET and VoRT • To check for accuracy and sign the Declaration Form. Regime • To track the total number of exemption cases and keep a copy of each form. • Inform Sector Lead on the exemptions via https://go.gov.sg/tuition-enrichment-fet- exemption.
2(a) Onboarding Process ❖ Centres in the arts and sports sectors should refer to NAC’s and ActiveSG’s latest advisories respectively to onboard. ❖ Centres that are located within retail malls; and cater solely to students aged above 18 years old should onboard with Enterprise Singapore at https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/covid-19/sector-testing. ❖ All other centres required to onboard the FET and VoRT Regime should: ▪ Submit their relevant information and Nominal Roll (Nominal Roll Template) using the form at https://go.gov.sg/v2-vort-nr-moe-tuition-registration, regardless of whether centres already have a Swab Registration System (SRS) Account. o After submission of the Form, a confirmation email and SMS from a third-party vendor will be sent to your Point-of-Contact (POC) with the collection location and date within a week or two. ▪ Centres that do not have an SRS Account should take note that the information that is submitted on the Form will also be used to help centres set up an SRS account. Once the SRS account has been set up, your POC will receive an email notification informing them about the creation of the SRS account. 9
2(a) Onboarding Process ❖ The Government will provide ART test kits to enterprises for persons who have been certified by a medical practitioner in Singapore as medically ineligible to receive mRNA COVID-19 vaccines and are still required to undergo testing twice a week under the VoRT regime (“Medically Ineligible Workers or “MIW(s)) until 31 December 2021. ❖ Enterprises should verify a person’s status as a MIW by checking against the original certification or memo that was issued to that person by a medical practitioner in Singapore or the SMS notification sent to that person (more details can be found in Annex A). ▪ Enterprises must not distribute, supply or sell the ART test kits provided by the Government to any third party. ▪ For avoidance of doubt, all other persons who are not Fully Vaccinated are ineligible for these Government-provided ART test kits and enterprises should make arrangements to comply with the requirements set out in the VoRT Notice. 10
2(a) Onboarding Process ❖ Centres should be aware of the follow-up action required e.g. if a staff’s ART result is positive or ‘double invalid’ ❖ Centres should appoint*: ▪ Swab Supervisors (advised to have a minimum of 2 per centre) who will be trained to set up and supervise the self-swab process. Supervisors need to attend the ‘Supervisory Training in ART Self-Swab’ course by HMI Institute before supervising the self-swab process. o If a Supervisor is above 50 years old, Enterprises must ensure that he or she is Fully Vaccinated against COVID-19 before they can perform any swab supervisory role. ▪ Points of Contract (POCs) to receive and manage the inventory (includes replenishment) of ART Kits. He/ she will also see to the uploading of swab test results in HPB’s Swab Registration System (SRS). (Note: The POC could double up as a Supervisor.) o Centres may wish to open up the box of ART kits and “break the bulk” of items to group into individual test kits (see Annex II for details). o After results are uploaded on SRS, staff will receive a text notification and their HealthHub accounts will also reflect their ART results. o For more information on the use of SRS, please refer to https://go.gov.sg/srs-guide- coyhr-esss. 11 *See Annex I for more details on the roles and responsibilities of the supervisors and POCs
2(b) Rostering Supervised Self-Swab Sessions ❖ Centres have the autonomy to determine the timing of the sessions. ❖ Enterprises should guide their Workers who are not Fully Vaccinated to maintain a 3 to 4 day interval between their weekly tests (e.g. if a Worker’s first test of the week is carried out on Monday, his or her second test of the week should be carried out on a Thursday or Friday). ❖ If for valid reasons, the staff cannot perform the second swab test within 7 days after the first swab, a 1-day allowance (including weekends/public holiday) is permitted for the staff to perform the second swab. 12
2(c) ART Kits Inventory and Delivery ❖ For subsequent deliveries, HPB will automatically send the kits to centres. The number of kits will be based on the test results uploaded onto HPB's system (SRS). ▪ Centres can look out for the SMS from the transporter on the scheduled delivery. Should centres not receive the kit within the scheduled time frame/ delivery date, please contact the relevant transporter to check on the delivery status. Transporter Contact No. Email Operation Hours Monday – Friday Park N Parcel +65 64286200 Support@parknparcel.com.sg 10:00am – 7:00pm Monday – Friday Transnational +65 63795555 hpbartkit@transnational-grp.com 9:00am – 6:00pm Monday – Friday Road Bull NA info@roadbull.com. 9:00am – 6:00pm Monday – Friday Ninja Van +65 66028271 support_sg@ninjavan.co 9:00am – 6:00pm Monday – Friday ALPS +65 63778871 paruvaty.kuganesan@alpshealthcare.com.sg 9:00am – 5:00pm ❖ Centres may edit the number of staff in their centres by submitting an amended nominal roll (NR) via MOE’s formsg at https://go.gov.sg/v2-vort-nr-moe-tuition-registration and also update HPB via https://go.gov.sg/fet-kits. ❖ For other matter related to the Kits, you can contact HPB Call Centre (+65 68765830). 13
3. On-site Supervision 14
3(a) Preparation for On-site Swab Operations ❖ Swab-Site should preferably be an outdoor setting or indoor with ample ventilation (open windows/doors and fans) and smooth-finish flooring to facilitate ease of cleaning. ▪ It is not ideal to have air-conditioning at the swab location and hence, air-conditioning to be switched off (where possible) and fans used instead. ❖ Each Swab Station (1 chair + 1 table) should be located 3m apart and equipped with the 3m following items: ▪ A small standing mirror (for individuals to administer self-swabs); ▪ A box of 70% alcohol wipes for wipe down of the mirror and the environment before and after swabbing; ▪ A bottle of hand sanitizer; and 3m ▪ (Optional) Instructions*. Supervisor ❖ A dustbin with lid should be located in close proximity to dispose used kits and cleaning Legend Description equipment for spillage may be prepared. Swab Station Dustbin (double-lined, preferably with a lid/cover) 15 * Centres could also consider projecting the instructions/ videos on a screen.
3(b) SOP for On-site Swab Operations 1 2 3 • Staff will be given an ART kit and directed to the swab station to perform self-swab. • Staff to perform hand hygiene before commencing swab. • Swab Supervisor to supervise self-swab. Staff arrives at • After the testing is complete, Staff Swab Site Swab Supervisor should place the swab stick, reaction checks for ARI or tube and the test device into a sealed contraindications* Ziploc bag. 6 5 4 • Staff’s ART result will be visible in approx. Swab Supervisor records 10 – 15mins Point-of-Contact (POC) will batch- Staff’s ART results# and • Staff should dispose the Ziploc bag that upload results on HPB’s Swab shares it with the Point-of- contains the swab stick, the reaction Registration System (SRS) using Contact (POC) tube, into the bin (double bagged and template on SRS (click for instructions) with cover/ lid). by the end of the day. • Staff should wipe down the swab station * If staff has: • ARI-symptoms, redirect staff to nearest SASH-PHPC for ART-PCR swab; (including the table and the mirror) and • Nose-bleed in the last 24 hours, schedule staff for next supervised swab session; perform hand hygiene before leaving the • Contraindications (i.e. nasal surgery in the last 4 weeks, facial injury in the last 8 weeks), staff swab station. should be exempted from ESSS. # In the event of a AG-invalid result, POCs need to upload the second test result on SRS as well. If AG+ or Double AG Invalid, Supervisor will need to (a) follow workflow (b) alert POC to key-in result for staff into SRS 16 within 30 mins.
3(b) SOP for On-site Swab Operations ❖ Infection Prevention Control (IPC) Guidelines Handwashing IPC Requirements for Swab Supervisors to note ▪ Supervisors should don face shield & surgical 3-ply face mask. ▪ Supervisors should keep a 3m distance from staff conducting self-swab. ▪ The swab station should be sanitized before and after swabbing. The supervisor should also ensure that the wipe down of each station is done • Wash your hands with soap and water properly (via the 8 simple steps) OR ▪ The swab site should be properly • Rub hands with hand sanitizer for at cleaned at the end of the supervised least 30 seconds self-swab session for the day. *https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240021280 ▪ Test kits must be disposed of in closed bins (e.g. pedal bins) and waste must be double-bagged and cable-tied. 17
3(b) SOP for On-site Swab Operations ❖ Biohazard Waste Disposal Note: Procedure applies in the case of AG+/ Double Invalid tests. 1. All swab sticks/ ART cassettes/ spillage/ items containing bodily fluid are to be disposed in a normal trash bag and tied. 2. The bag in (1) is then placed in a second trash bag (double-bag) and secured with cable-tie. 3. Ensure that the trash bag in (2) is not more than 2/3 full and placed at the disposal holding area which must be located away from human traffic and public access to prevent unintended exposure and cross contamination. 4. Perform 8-step hand hygiene process. 18
3(b) SOP for On-site Swab Operations ❖ Spill Clean-up Procedure Note: Procedure applies in the case of AG+/ Double Invalid tests. 1. Cordon off spill area and put-up notices to warn people of the presence of biohazardous materials. 2. Wear gloves and protective clothing, including face and eye protection. 3. Cover the spill with cloth or paper towels to contain it. 4. Pour an appropriate disinfectant over the paper towels and the immediate surrounding area (generally, 5% bleach solutions are appropriate). 5. Apply disinfectant concentrically beginning at the outer margin of the spill area, working toward the centre. 6. After waiting an appropriate amount of time (e.g. 30 mins), clear away the materials; If there is broken glass or other sharps involved, use a dustpan or a piece of stiff cardboard to collect the material and deposit it into a puncture- resistant container for disposal. 19
4. Virtual Supervision 20
4(a) Virtual Supervision – Key considerations ❖ Centres may conduct ESSS via on-site and/ or via virtual supervision. ❖ Swab Supervisors have been trained by HMI to supervise self-swabs conducted on-site and virtually. ❖ Centres have the flexibility to determine (i) which staff may undergo virtual supervision, (ii) a suitable rostering schedule and timing for virtual supervisions and (iii) the number of staff scheduled for each virtual supervision self-swab session. ❖ Virtual supervisions for self-swabs can be hosted on video-conferencing (VC) platforms such as Zoom or WhatsApp video call. ❖ Depending on the VC platform used*, Centres can schedule concurrent virtual supervisions with a one-to-many supervisor to staff ratio, as long as the supervisor is able to visually check that the self-swab is done properly. * Gallery View in Zoom displays up to 25 participants per screen by default when used on a desktop. However, the number of participants visible on Gallery View will be reduced if screen-share is enabled and/ or if the Zoom Mobile Application is used (via iPad, Tablet or Mobile Phone – max 9 participants). WhatsApp allows up to 8 people in a video call. 21
4(a) Virtual Supervision – Key considerations ❖ Centres could consider the following to determine the most suitable modality for ESSS supervision: ▪ Staff Readiness. Centres could consider an initial on-site supervision to introduce staff to the self-swab process and work towards transiting to partial/ full virtual supervision for staff. Centres may choose to retain on-site supervision self-swab sessions for selected staff(especially those who are less tech-savvy) and for those who may feel more comfortable with on-site supervision. ▪ Impact on Staffing and Centre Operations for AG+/Double Invalid. In the event a staff tests AG+/Double Invalid, the impact to centres is minimized as the swab supervisor and other staff undergoing self-swab in the same virtual supervised self-swab session need not be placed on Quarantine Order. 22
4(b) Preparation for Virtual Swab Operations Centres ❑ Determine the number of staff undergoing ESSS via virtual supervision. ❑ Pack and distribute ART kits for staff undergoing virtual supervision – 3 per staff (2 cycles + 1 spare in case of an AG Invalid result – staff may request for additional kits if necessary). ❑ Be familiar with SOP for virtual swab operations and the AG+/Double AG Invalid Workflow. Supervisor ❑ Schedule virtual supervised self-swab session with staff (~30 mins per session) ❑ Prepare VC link (e.g. Zoom Meeting Link) and share it with staff before the virtual supervised self-swab session. ❑ Prepare Videos/ Slides with Step-by-Step Instructions and Referral Letter for AG+/Double AG Invalid. Staff ❑ Determine a well-ventilated site to conduct self-swab (with smooth flooring, desk or flat surface, mirror if necessary). Avoid air-conditioned rooms, or close- proximity shared spaces (e.g. office work stations) where there may be risk of exposure and cross contamination. ❑ Go through self swab instructions, AG+/Double AG Invalid workflow and find out the location of the nearest SASH-PHPC clinic. ❑ Test site should be sanitized before and after the self-swab and test kits must be disposed of in closed bins (e.g. pedal bins) and waste must be double-bagged and cable-tied. 23
4(c) SOP for Virtual Swab Operations 1 2 3 • Staff are reminded to perform hand hygiene before commencing swab. • Swab Supervisor to virtually supervise self-swab and provide verbal cues/ share instructions via screen share. ▪ Swab Supervisor starts VC (e.g. Zoom • After the testing is done, Staff should Before the start of the place the swab stick, reaction tube and Meeting Room) and prepares self- session, Swab Supervisor the test into a sealed Ziploc bag. swab instructions/ video, if necessary. takes attendance, ▪ Staff should have ART kit(s) on-hand reminds Staff to start and prepare to join the VC. their video and checks for ARI or contraindications* 6 5 4 • Staff’s ART result will be visible in approx. Swab Supervisor records 10 – 15mins. Point-of-Contact (POC) will batch-upload Staff’s ART results and • Staff shows ART result# to the Swab results on HPB’s Swab Registration System shares it with the Point-of- Supervisor via video or photo (if video is (SRS) using template on SRS (click for Contact (POC) unclear). instructions) by the end of the day. • Staff should dispose the Ziploc bag that * If Staff has: contains the swab stick, the reaction • ARI-symptoms, redirect staff to nearest SASH-PHPC for ART-PCR swab; tube, into bin (double bagged and with • Nose-bleed in the last 24 hours, schedule staff for next supervised self-swab session; cover/ lid). • Contraindications (i.e. nasal surgery in the last 4 weeks, facial injury in the last 8 weeks), Staff should be exempted from ESSS. • Staff are reminded to wipe down the swab location and perform hand hygiene. # Staff with AG-/AG+ may leave the call and those with AG Invalid would need to undergo a second supervised self- swab. POCs need to upload the second test result for those with AG Invalid on SRS as well. If AG+ or Double AG Invalid, Supervisor will need to (a) follow workflow (b) alert POC to key-in result for staff into 24 SRS within 30 mins
4(d) Selected Frequently Asked Questions [3.6.1] What are the key differences between on-site and virtual supervision? On-site Virtual Workload • Significant, especially if staff need to • Low as there is no need to set-up a swab undergo ESSS and multiple supervisors, site in centres and each session can venues and sessions need to be offered accommodate a larger number of staff. Modality • Supervised self-swab on-site in centres for • Supervised self-swab virtually via up to maximum of 5 staff at a time videoconferencing platform with the possibility of a higher one-to-many supervisor to staff ratio. Scheduling • Less flexibility as it would depend on venue • Greater flexibility as it would not be availability in centres constrained by venue availability in centres Logistics Required • Swab-Site Set-up, Wipe down and disposal. • Repack and distribute ART kits to staff Impact on Centre • The Swab Supervisor and other staff • In the event a staff tests PCR positive, the Operations in the undergoing self-swab may be placed on impact to centres is minimized as the swab event of an AG+ LOA/ QO. supervisor and other staff undergoing self- case swab in the same virtual session would not need not to be placed on LOA/ QO. Staff Well-being • Face-to-face support would be more • Staff may not be familiar with the self-swab assuring for some staff, especially if new to process ESSS 25
5. Treatment of AG+ and AG Double Invalid 26
5. AG+ and AG Double Invalid Workflow Note: For AG+ and Double Invalid cases, POC to: Staff arrives at centre Staff should consult a • Ensure results are keyed into SRS within 30 mins swab site/ virtual doctor for medical • Centre to ensure that staff go for a confirmatory meeting room for ESSS ARI Symptoms treatment immediately. PCR swab and monitor these individuals and DETECTED outcome of the PCR test closely. No ARI Symptoms Staff undergoes swab Upload results on SRS For AG Double & waits for results at within 30 mins Invalid, 2 invalid Note: For AG Invalid, 2 results have to be swab site (~15 - 30 mins) invalid results should uploaded on SRS be uploaded for a staff. 2nd ART swab is invalid AG- = AG+ (Negative) AG Invalid AG double invalid (Positive) No ARI Symptoms ARI Symptoms DETECTED On-Site Supervision Virtual Supervision Centre to: Centre to: Centre to: • conduct contact Staff proceeds to work • Issue Notification of • Issue Notification of tracing Positive/ Double Invalid Positive/ Double Invalid • arrange for MOH PCR- COVID-19 ART Result and COVID-19 ART Result and CMTG referral note (hardcopy or referral note (digital) conveyance to • Public Health Actions digital) Staff to: Swab Isolation commence • make an appointment for • make an appointment at Facility (SIF) for Staff at SASH PHPC SASH PHPC isolation and (Contact tracing, conveyance to PCR+ (flu.gowhere.gov.sg) (flu.gowhere.gov.sg) confirmatory PCR Hospital/CCF etc.) • arrange private transport • arrange private transport test. Tel: 6435- to send staff to SASH PHPC to SASH PHPC for 4060. for confirmatory PCR test confirmatory PCR test Legend: Staff to: • bring NRIC, a clear photo of CMTG: Case Management Task Group • bring NRIC, a clear photo of their ART results & referral their ART results & referral note (signed by centre) for SASH PHPC: Swab and Send Home Public Health Preparedness Clinic note (signed by centre) for verification (For swab at SASH-PHPCs, clients/ centres MUST call to make an verification appointment prior) RSC: Regional Screening Centre SIF: Swab Isolation Facility Staff self-isolates at home until PCR results return. • If staff is unable to self-isolate at own place of residence, SASH PHPC will help arrange for CMTG conveyance to SIF. • If staff is found to be symptomatic, SASH PHPC will provide consultation & treatment (if necessary), and arrange for CMTG conveyance if individual is AG+. Payment will be based on prevailing patient payables & subsidies (e.g. Flu Subsidy Scheme). 27
5. AG+ and AG Double Invalid Workflow ❖ Centres should ensure that all staff with an AG+/ AG Double Invalid go for a confirmatory PCR swab. 1. Staff will be asked to present the following documents for verification at the SASH-PHPC clinic. a. A photo of their ART result(s) + ID. b. Referral note for Confirmatory PCR Test (signed by centre) – hardcopy or digital copy. 2. For SASH PHPCs, Centre or staff must call the clinic to make an appointment and confirm that they are able to obtain a confirmatory PCR test during their visit, before heading down to the clinic. The list of SASH PHPCs can be found at http://phpc.gov.sg. 3. AG+/Twice AG Invalid individual should travel via private transport (car or taxi) with the windows wound down (switch off air conditioning). In addition, individual should wear a surgical mask and sit alone in the back seat (on the other side from driver). Seats should be wiped down at the end of the trip. Note: If clinic is within walking distance of the centre / staff’s home, staff may walk to the SASH PHPC. 4. The following list of private transport service providers are available for booking. a. Centres / staff are required to inform the hotline operator that the worker is going to a SASH PHPC for a swab test. b. For booking through mobile app, Centres / staff must key “SHN” in the chat/note/comment box or check the SHN checkbox (if provided within the app). S/N Service Provider Contact Number / Mobile Application Est Booking Fees on top of metered fare 1 ComfortDelGro Taxi (Comfort & CityCab taxis) 6333 1133 or via ComfortDelGro app Add Booking Fee $2.30 to $4.50 2 Trans-cab 6213 0997 3 SMRT 6477 5971 4 Prime 6776 7553 5 Premier 6681 9462 28 6 GrabSHN, Go-Jek, Ryde, MVL(TADA) via respective providers’ app Flat fare based on app
5. AG+ and AG Double Invalid Workflow ❖ A hardcopy or digital copy of the Referral Note should be issued by the centre. Pls indicate centre name and the name, email address and phone number of POC To be signed off by POC Pls indicate the name of trained supervisor who supervised the self-swab Pls indicate centre name Pls indicate centre name 29
Annexes 30
Annex I Roles and Responsibilities Roles Checklist of Responsibilities Point of Contact (POC)Upload Results on SRS (x2) Prepare template and uploads into Swab Registration System (SRS) based on the timeline advised by HPB, e.g. for negative, positive and double-invalid results. (Note: The POC could Receives ART kits from HPB and ensures proper storage. double up as a ART Kits and Inventory Supervisor.) Oversees the unboxing of ART kits and repacking into individual/ smaller quantities. Monitors the utilization rate of ART kits and requests for more test kits where necessary. Supervisors Completes the training offered by HMI institute. (advised min 2 per • Centres may sign up with HMI directly at VirtualCampus (wizlearn.com). branch) • Upon successful registration and confirmation of the course, HMI will send an email notification with the web link for supervisors to attend the virtual training session. Please visit HMI’s website at https://hmi-ihs.com/supervisory-training-in- art-self-swab/ for latest details on the ESSS training details. Ensures that the self-swab site and Infection and Prevention Control (‘IPC’) processes follow guidelines, and that safe management measures are observed. Before staff performs self-swab, ensures none has ARI symptoms or contraindications - nosebleed (past 24hrs), or facial surgery (last 8 weeks), or nasal surgery (last 4 weeks). Ensures staff conduct self-swab correctly, verifies result, and records the results. Ensure staff performs wipe-down/ disinfection of swab-site before and after self-swab. Alerts the POC immediately if any result is positive or double invalid. Submits the results to the POC promptly. 31
Annex II Technical Information on ART ❖ Compared to PCR tests, ART’s sensitivity and specificity are generally lower. ART also differ in sensitivity and specificity across test kit models. ❖ Sensitivity: Probability that the test produces a positive result for an individual who has COVID-19. A test with lower sensitivity will produce more “false negative”. ▪ Given the possibility of false negatives, staff with negative ART results should not have a false sense of security. They should continue to practice social responsibility, e.g. if they or their household member have ARI symptoms, they should not report for work and they/ the relevant household member needs to see a doctor. ❖ Specificity: Probability that the test produces a negative result for an individual who does not have COVID-19. A test with lower specificity will produce more “false positive”. ▪ Given the possibility of false positives, for staff whose ART results are positive but whose PCR tests turn out to be negative, centres will need to do slightly more relief than before. E.g. For an ART with sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 99%: o 15 out of every 100 tests will be a false negative. o 1 out of every 100 tests will be a false positive. o Assuming 34 staff are tested over a 7-day cycle, ~1 staff may have a false positive over three cycles. 32
Annex II Technical Information on ART 33
Annex II ART Test Results AG NEGATIVE AG POSITIVE AG INVALID 34
Annex II Storage Guidelines for ART kits BD Veritor Plus System SD Biosensor Standard Q Panbio Covid-19 AG [Majority Stock for Workplace ART Operations] 17 x 7.1 x 23.5 cm (~0.39kg) ❖ Storage temperature requirements - 2-30 degree Celsius ❖ Indoor, within an air-conditioned room where available ❖ Pallet size 40 x 48 inch / 122 x 108 cm (height clearance – approx 1.8-2M) ❖ Per Pallet – ▪ BD - 4,320 Tests ▪ Bio Sensor – 9,000 Tests ▪ Pan Bio - 9, 600 Tests ❖ Per box - 25 Tests for SD BioSensor & PanBio; 30 Tests for BD 35
Annex II Unboxing and repacking ART kits ❖ ART kits are typically packed in boxes of 25 – 30 kits. ❖ Centres may wish to open up the box and ‘break the bulk’ of items into individual test kits (e.g. zip lock bag of 1 test device, 1 swab stick, 1 nozzle cap and 1 reaction tube required for ART.). 36
Annex II Unboxing and repacking ART kits ❖ Recommended steps for packing of ART kits can be found in the Figure below. 37
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