Singapore currently has 10 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus since the first case was reported on Jan. 23.

This has set many into a buying frenzy, where face masks and disinfectants are snapped up as members of the public attempt to protect themselves and their loved ones from the virus.

But service crews at popular tourist attractions are likely one of the most vulnerable occupational groups, as they interact with high volumes of people daily.

Allegedly told not to wear a mask after a guest's complaint

A Chinese article from Wechat reported a leak from a Wechat group named "Resort World Sentosa Chinese colleagues group", suggesting that the staff members were told not to wear masks because of a complaint from "some VIP guest".

The group chat has 187 participants.

The screenshot posted in the group chat says that the company distributed face masks to everyone in the morning.

However, they were later told to remove their masks because of a complaint that prompted such a decision from "higher management".

The comment from the screenshot ended with a question of whether the company should make it compulsory for every visitor to wear a mask.

In response to the screenshot, one participant questioned if the claims are true.

Another participant rebuked, "The gamblers can wear but the staff members can't, are their lives that unworthy?"

Subsequent replies from the group chat sounded upset as one commented that "employees are just employers' tools to make money" and another said that the company is too "cold-blooded".

One of them suggested that they report sick over fears of the virus, while another replied that they had already taken four days of medical leave.

Employees are free to wear masks

In response, a Resort World Sentosa (RWS) spokesperson told Mothership that "the health, safety, and well-being of our guests and employees are of top priority."

RWS added that they have provided surgical masks to frontline employees across the resort for their use, if needed, or to hand out to visitors who require them.

The spokesperson also clarified that all RWS frontline employees are free to wear masks, if they feel the need to do so.

It is, however, also important for everyone to ensure good personal hygiene practices such as frequent washing of hands with soap, the statement added.

Citing the advisories by the Ministry of Health (MOH), the spokesperson said that masks are generally not required for healthy individuals. Individuals who display respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough or runny nose should wear masks to prevent transmission to others.

Additional precautionary measures & regular staff briefings

The RWS spokesperson further said that the frontline employees have been reminded that it is important to seek medical attention promptly and not report for work or continue their duties if they are unwell.

There are also regular staff briefings on the guidelines and updates on the development of Wuhan virus in Singapore.

"During shift briefings this week, our team leaders have already further clarified and explained the guidelines around wearing of masks, according to MOH's advisories. They will continue to cascade and reinforce the information regularly during team briefings, so that all employees have the correct and accurate understanding."

With a few confirmed cases reported to have visited or stayed on Sentosa island, RWS also told Mothership that they have significantly stepped up precautionary measures within RWS premises and intensified efforts to ensure a "safe and enjoyable environment" for both visitors and employees.

Some measures include temperature screening at the entry points of our casino and attractions as well as intense sanitisation across the resort.

Hand sanitisers are also placed at many touchpoints for both employees and visitors to use.

"During this time, we encourage everyone to be vigilant, observe good personal hygiene and be socially responsible to people around us."

Top photos by alantankenghoe/Flickr & screenshot from Wechat

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