All fresh fish and seafood stallholders at markets managed by the National Environment Agency (NEA) or NEA-appointed operators have been barred from operating since this morning (July 18) in order to prevent further possible Covid-19 transmission.

Stallholders must get tested

According to a press release by NEA on July 18, the stallholders have or will be receiving an 'SMS Health Risk Warning' from the Ministry of Health (MOH).

The SMS means that the person is required by law to get a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test at designated testing centres.

Until testing negative, the person is required to self-isolate and not leave their home.

Affected fish and seafood stallholders can also to walk in to specified regional screening centres today (July 18) should they wish to get their PCR tests done as soon as possible.

Stallholders who receive a negative PCR test result are able to resume business immediately.

Will be issued with self-test kits

In addition to the PCR test, fresh fish and seafood stallholders will be issued with self-test antigen rapid test (ART) kits and are required to self administer an ART test on the seventh day from the last exposure.

They will also be required to undergo another PCR test at designated testing centres around the 14th day from their date of last known exposure.

MOH has also arranged with NEA to conduct Covid-19 testing for all stallholders and stall assistants of market stalls and cooked food stalls at hawker centres and markets managed by NEA or NEA-appointed operators.

These stallholders and stall assistants will receive an SMS notification with details of the scheduled test.

Stalls not selling fresh fish or seafood can remain in operation while the testing of stallholders is taking place over the next few days.

NEA wrote in its press release:

"We urge all stallholders and stall assistants to get tested, for their benefit and that of their patrons. We advise all visitors to the markets and food centres to avoid crowds, to visit during off-peak hours where possible, and to strictly observe safe management measures."

Covid-19 cases detected at 12 markets and food centres

These new measures come after MOH detected cases of Covid-19 infection among fishmongers working at 12 markets and food centres.

They are likely to have been infected through contact with stallholders at Jurong Fishery Port.

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Top photo via Getty Images.