The Ministry of Health (MOH) will be conducting mandatory Covid-19 testing for all residents at several blocks of flats at Bukit Merah View due to likely transmission of the virus between different households.

Mandatory testing for residents

MOH revealed on June 19 that thus far, 21 Covid-19 cases have been detected in nine different households at 119 Bukit Merah View.

Covid-19 viral fragments were also detected in wastewater samples collected from some of the blocks in the vicinity.

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

To disrupt any wider, undetected community transmission, all residents of blocks 116, 117, 118, 119, 124A, 124B, 125 and 126 Bukit Merah View will be required to undergo mandatory Covid-19 testing.

Voluntary testing for visitors

Testing is optional for those who have tested negative for Covid-19 infection from June 15 onwards.

In the event that a positive Covid-19 case is detected, MOH will isolate the case, identify all close contacts, test and quarantine them to protect the community from further transmission.

MOH will also conduct voluntary Covid-19 testing for visitors and those who have interacted with residents of blocks 116, 117, 118, 119, 124A, 124B, 125 and 126 Bukit Merah View between June 5 to June 19.

This is to detect possible asymptomatic cases in the community,

MOH encourages these individuals to come forward for testing.

Both mandatory and voluntary testing will be conducted at the locations listed below:

SMSes sent to residents

All residents are to bring along their NRIC for identification purposes during testing.

Leaflets have been distributed and SMS notifications have been sent to the residents to provide them with more information.

Residents are also advised to monitor their health closely and consult a doctor immediately if they feel unwell.

Those who are still awaiting their test results are advised to minimise social interactions as much as possible.

They should continue to monitor their health and seek immediate medical attention if they

feel unwell.

Previously, all staff and tenants who have been working at 115 Bukit Merah View Market & Food Centre from May 25 have been placed on quarantine and tested for Covid-19.

Free Covid-19 testing was also extended to members of the public who visited the shops there.

As of June 19, 70 of the confirmed cases are linked to the 115 Bukit Merah View Market & Food Centre cluster.

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Top photo from Google Maps streetview