Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the expert panel was unable to travel to conduct a physical audit for 2019 finalists. After long deliberation and multiple discussions, a decision was made to convert the physical audit to a virtual audit. The winner for 2019 APHHEA is expected to be concluded by June 2022.

How and when will the expert panel visit the finalists?

The finalists are invited to re-submit an updated application form by end April, follow by a 2 hours virtual presentation which will take place between mid-May to mid-June. The format of the virtual Audit:

• Virtual Presentation of the Hand Hygiene Improvement Programme by the Hospital (1h)
• Breakout room discussion - During the break the expert panel members meet in a virtual break-out-room to conclude on feedback (15-20 minutes)
  
• Feedback, Q&A, Debrief (30 minutes)

How has COVID-19 affected the APSIC Congress?

The 10^th APSIC Congress was initially planned for the first half of 2021, but due to the challenging situation of the pandemic and global COVID-19 vaccination rates the 10^th International Congress of the Asia Pacific Society of Infection Control (APSIC) has been postponed to July 28 - 31, 2022.

The congress will be a hybrid congress combining "live" face-to-face sessions with a "virtual" online component. Under the theme of the congress "IPC @ The Crossroads", topics such as the impact of COVID-19 on infection prevention and control, practical hand hygiene observations - interactive discussion of practical examples will be discussed during the congress. The Singapore B. Braun team will sponsor a lunch symposium during the congress.