key: cord-0852143-fz8zoro4
authors: Lim, Dwee Wee; Htun, Htet Lin; Wang, Yinchu; Li, Anthony Lianjie; Kyaw, Win Mar; Lee, Lay Tin; Chow, Angela
title: Healthcare workers as “canaries” for acute respiratory infections and pathogens during the COVID-19 pandemic
date: 2021-03-26
journal: J Hosp Infect
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2021.03.019
sha: 2c50cce9014314c09394486bd6088287ac062551
doc_id: 852143
cord_uid: fz8zoro4

nan

Sir, 25 During the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, there was a decline in the 26 detection of respiratory viruses including influenza during winter in temperate regions 27 [1, 2] . Prior to 2020, influenza viruses circulated year-round in Singapore, with bimodal 28 peaks corresponding to the winter seasons in the Northern hemisphere (December to 29 February) and Southern hemisphere (May to July) [3]. In healthcare workers (HCWs), 30 acute respiratory infection (ARI) could be acquired in the course of work or from the 31 community during social activities. As such, HCWs may serve as sentinels for the 32 surveillance of ARI and circulating respiratory pathogens in the community. 33 We described the changing epidemiology of ARI among HCWs during the 

In Singapore, the weekly ARI incidence per 10,000 staff declined across "Circuit 

Physical distancing in schools for 105

SARS-CoV-2 and the resurgence of rhinovirus

Moving Into Phase Three Of Re-opening

Analysis of Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 viruses, including influenza viruses, to 121 determine the influence of intensive preventive measures in Japan

WHO World Health 124 Organization

Ministry of Health Singapore. Additional Measures For Travellers To Reduce 128

Further Importation Of Covid-19 Cases

None