The UHM Voice of the Workers has asked for information as to why the quarantine period for Health Professionals has been reduced from 14 days to 5. The union argued that “this decision is dangerous and not based on science.”

In a statement, the union said that it had been informed of the decision by the Mater Dei administration.

The UHM has asked the authorities who had taken this decision and what scientific evidence the decision is based on.

The union stated said that these questions have been “completely ignored” and in fact health professionals who were quarantined for a fortnight as they were in direct contact with people infected with Covid have been contacted and are being asked to take a swab and return to work.

Meanwhile, the union said that the Assistant Director of the UHM, Gian Paul Gauci contacted the administration of Mater Dei Hospital, where they confirmed that “a notice would be issued on Monday reflecting this and that they are relying on what the European Centre for Disease Control is saying” (ECDC).

The union said that this quarantine period in in fact only a third of that suggested by the ECDC, with full details explained on this ECDC article.

The union also argued that “this decision is therefore dangerous and not based on science.” It added, “if a professional is at risk of infecting patients or other workers, the cases will certainly not go down but will continue to rise. Those who are most vulnerable will be more exposed to this virus.”

“It is clear that both the Health Authorities and the Government are playing with the lives of workers and patients,” stated the UHM. “The risk of acute hospital infections at Mater Dei will increase, contrary to any recommendations of the WHO and ECDC.”

As a result, the UHM Voice of the Workers said that it will be requesting an urgent meeting with the other Unions within the CMTU and will be sending an official letter to the ECDC on this issue.

The union also added that it expected that such measures would first have to have been discussed with the social partners within the MCESD before they were introduced.

The UHM concluded by saying that “it is hoped that such a measure will not continue to endanger our health system, our health workers and bring the last measures introduced to nothing. If that happens, someone has to take responsibility.”

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