There have been instances where new cases of Covid-19 are detected at previously cleared dormitories.

This is according to a joint statement from the Ministry of Manpower, Building and Construction Authority, Economic Development Board and Health Promotion Board on Tuesday (Aug. 11).

The number of instances was not mentioned.

Active monitoring in the dormitories

The statement said that the Interagency Task Force (ITF) is actively monitoring the dormitories to manage the risk of new outbreaks.

Workers are required to report their temperature and acute respiratory illness symptoms twice a day, and the number of migrant workers who report sick at the medical posts will be monitored.

The ITF will isolate and quarantine all at-risk workers within the block that was housing the infected worker if their monitoring picks up potential infections among the workers.

Other measures include staggered pick-up and drop-off timings and minimising mixing between blocks.

Workers in higher risk settings, including those staying in dormitories and workers who work onsite in the construction, marine and process sectors, are also required to go for a swab test every 14 days.

Dormitories cleared

On Aug. 11, MOM said that all dormitories have been declared cleared of Covid-19 as of that day, with the exception of 17 standalone blocks in six Purpose-Built Dormitories (PBDs) serving as quarantine facilities.

This means that all workers living in dormitories have either recovered or have been tested to be free from the virus, except for 22,500 workers in isolation in Centralised Government Quarantine Facilities and the remaining 17 standalone blocks in PBDs.

Upon Covid-clearance, dormitory residents will be able to resume work once the dormitory operators, employers and workers have made the necessary preparations to do so in a safe manner.

Top photo via Getty Images.