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Residents at Block 506 Hougang Avenue 8 will need to undergo another round of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing on June 4 and 5, 2021.

The swab tests will take place from 9am to 4pm on these days.

Leaflets will be distributed and SMS notifications will be sent to the residents to provide them with more information, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a news release on June 3.

More cases uncovered since

The residents were previously tested on May 21 and 22, after several cases were found residing in the block.

A total of four cases were subsequently uncovered from May's operations.

However, as MOH has detected likely Covid-19 transmission and viral fragments in wastewater samples in the vicinity of Hougang Avenue, all residents of the block are required to undergo another round of PCR.

Furthermore, this round of testing will also include visitors and staff of shops in neighbouring blocks.

Preventing community spread

MOH aims to detect cases who were still incubating the virus in the first round of testing, and therefore managed to slipped through the tests.

In the event that a positive case is detected, MOH will isolate the case, identify all close contacts, and test and quarantine them to prevent further community transmission.

Those who are awaiting their PCR test results are advised to minimise social interactions as much as possible, and seek immediate medical attention if they feel unwell, MOH said

Individuals who miss their test should proceed to the tented pavilion at Block 685A Hougang Street 61 on June 6 or 7, between 9am to 4pm.

They should bring along their NRIC for identification purposes.

Voluntary testing for selected blocks

Voluntary PCR testing will also be conducted for selected blocks in the vicinity of Hougang Avenue 8 in June 2021, MOH added.

Residents and visitors from May 19 to June 3 June of the following neighbouring blocks are encouraged to come forward for testing:

• 511 Hougang Avenue 10
• 681, 683 and 684 Hougang Avenue 8
• 682 Hougang Avenue 4
• 685 and 698 Hougang Street 61

To book an appointment or for more information on alternate swab test locations, click here. You can also call 1800 333 9999 if you have any queries.

Update on 501 and 507 Hougang Avenue 8

Tests for 828 residents and visitors from the blocks concluded on June 3.

As of 8pm on the same day, 680 individuals from these blocks were found negative, and one has tested positive.

Epidemiological investigations are ongoing to determine linkages and the source of transmission.

Top image via Google Map Street View