As more Covid-19 clusters emerge at foreign worker dormitories, the Singapore government has been providing alternative accommodation.
Thus far, a range of premises like SAF camps, floating hotels, vacant HDB blocks and even multi-storey carparks have been utilised to house these workers.
More accommodation for foreign workers in Changi
A Facebook post by Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan recently revealed that the construction of more dormitories at Changi East is underway.
"Accommodation for foreign workers, especially construction workers, is getting top attention," Khaw said. This is despite the temporary suspension of the majority of construction projects.
These additional accommodation are meant to house workers who will eventually be required to work on the construction of Changi Airport Terminal 5.
In the meantime, moving the workers to the Changi dormitories can help relieve the pressure of dense crowds at other existing dormitories—a factor which has likely contributed to the massive spread of the virus.
As of Apr. 18, 893 out of the 942 new cases reported are Work Permit holders residing in dormitories.
Stricter safe distancing measures at these dormitories
Three existing dormitories have also been refurbished to meet enhanced medical and isolation measures during the Circuit Breaker period.
More stringent safe distancing measures are implemented at the dorms—workers staying in different blocks and different floors will not be allowed to interact, and will wear coloured wrist bands as an indicator.
Cooking and dining facilities will also be closed to minimise the transmission of the virus.
Khaw said the three dormitories have bed space for up to 2,900 workers.
Onsite medical services, which include swabbing, are also available, along with physical money remittance services.
Photo from Khaw Boon Wan / FB
However, the government is still attempting to encourage workers to use e-remittance services, according to Khaw.
Khaw added that numerous staff have been working double time to get these services and premises up and running.
"Many colleagues in the Changi Community are burning their weekends and nights to get all these activities up and running in double-quick time! I know our foreign workers are appreciative of the efforts. They know that they are safer in Singapore now, than elsewhere, even at home."
You can view Khaw's post here.
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Top photo from Khaw Boon Wan / FB