A new cluster consisting of three previous cases have been confirmed at NCS Hub in Ang Mo Kio, according to the Ministry of Health's update on May 3 evening.

In response to Mothership's query, NCS, a subsidiary of the Singtel Group, confirmed that three employees based in NCS Hub, Block C tested positive for Covid-19 between April 24 and 27.

The spokesperson said that the three employees worked on level 5 (C5) and were involved in back-office IT operations, supporting essential services of the company's clients.

First case confirmed on April 24, the other two were linked to the first patient

The employees who shared the same office space as the three patients have been working from home since April 24.

The first employee found positive with Covid-19 on April 24 was last in office on April 22.

She was unwell on April 23 and did not report to work that day.

She saw the doctor on April 23 evening and tested positive on April 24, according to the spokesperson.

Following which, two other employees who were contact traced from the first patient were also tested positive.

Office and common areas disinfected

All NCS employees working in the same office space were notified to work from home on April 24 and to closely monitor their health.

The affected premises were closed off and an NEA-approved cleaning crew came to disinfect and thoroughly clean the entire floor as well as the common areas such as the lift lobbies, walkways, toilets and high contact surfaces on April 25.

As a precautionary measure, NCS has also closed all access to C5 until May 10.

Contact tracing has been completed and the company is supporting the three affected employees and their families "in every support they can".

Employees' well-being remains top priority

According to the NCS spokesperson, while NCS is an essential IT services firm that supports many government agencies and large enterprises that are essential service providers as well, they have arranged most of their 8,000 employees to work from home.

Some are however required to work on-site due to "operational or security considerations".

That said, they have implemented precautionary measures to ensure safe distancing and increase frequency of cleaning regime at the NCS premises.

Masks, meals stipend are provided and helpline has been set up to support NCS staff.

"Our top priority is, and has always been, the health and well-being of our employees," NCS spokesperson added.

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