Foreign workers in Singapore who have recovered from Covid-19 and tested negative may be temporarily housed at two cruise ships.

According to a press release by the Singapore Tourism Board, the government is assessing the feasibility of using two mid-sized cruise ships -- the SuperStar Gemini and the SuperStar Aquarius -- as temporary accommodation for these workers.

This will help manage the spread of Covid-19 and allow health measures to be implemented more effectively in dormitories by reducing the number of workers there.

Thorough assessment of ships' facilities

The SuperStar Gemini arrived from Hong Kong on Apr. 17, and is berthed at Marina Bay Cruise Centre.

The ship will undergo a thorough assessment with the support of the ship's operator, Genting Cruise Lines, to determine if it is suitable as temporary accommodation for the workers.

The ship's ventilation systems, security protocols and infection control measures will also be assessed.

Meanwhile the SuperStar Aquarius may be activated for assessment at a later date.

These two ships are being considered as they possess readily available rooms and en-suite toilets to minimise person-to-person contact.

If both pass the test, the two ships can accommodate up to 2,000 foreign workers.

STB stated that the ships will be activated only if there is a need to supplement other temporary accommodation facilities.

STB also assured that if the ships are activated, "every effort will be made to uphold the health, welfare and security of foreign workers on board the ship", and that stringent safe distancing measures will be observed at all times.

The workers would also be allowed scheduled outdoor time on board, and provided with SIM cards and WiFi broadband for wireless surfing.

Workers now housed in range of alternative premises

Currently, healthy foreign workers working in essential services have been housed at range of premises including vacant blocks at Redhill Close, and several Singapore Armed Forces camps such as Jurong Camp II and Bedok Camp II.

Foreign workers have also been housed at unused void decks and multi-storey car parks.

As of Apr. 17, foreign workers make up the bulk of new cases daily, with 654 of the 728 cases reported on April 16 involving Work Permit holders.

Top photo from Star Cruises website