More Covid-19 tests will be carried out in Singapore and it will target those of the older demographic as the country moves into phase two in preparation for the economy reopening in stages from June 19.

To mitigate the risks, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said on June 18 that it has stepped up the testing of close contacts of confirmed cases to allow contract tracing in the event of positive cases.

we aim to test all individuals who are diagnosed with acute

MOH also said it aims to test all individuals who are diagnosed with acute respiratory infection, as a person is most infectious right before and

immediately after the start of symptoms.

Since the start of June, MOH has tested selected individuals, such as seniors 65 years old and above, healthcare workers, and staff and older students at educational institutions.

MOH will also extend testing to all individuals aged 45 and above who are diagnosed with ARI from later next week.

The risks of severe Covid-19 infection increases from this age, MOH said.

"This will progressively be extended to more groups subsequently," MOH said in a statement.

Active surveillance testing in the community will also be carried out more.

Top photo via HealtServe