Five weeks into Phase 2 of re-opening, the number of community cases remain low.
But Singapore must remain vigilant, and not let complacency undermine our past efforts.
Enhanced surveillance
In order to detect and ringfence cases of infection as early as possible, the following steps are being taken.
For close contacts of confirmed cases
- Placed under quarantine, and tested at the start and end of their quarantine period
For infection clusters
- Swift action is taken to quarantine and test close contacts, mount swab operations and suspend operations at the facility if necessary
- Seven swab operations have been conducted at workplace clusters, including Keppel Shipyard and Northpoint City
- Swab operations test individuals at retail premises frequented by multiple positive cases
- 58 households at Blk 111 Tampines Street 11 were placed under phone surveillance. Testing for households and their visitors was facilitated
For emerging clusters
- National Environment Agency (NEA) waste-water testing monitors the situation in densely populated residential premises. This is currently implemented at 34 workers dormitories
- NEA has started trials in other settings and is planning to expand waste-water testing to more workers’ dormitories as well as nursing homes and hostels
For individuals with acute respiratory infection (ARI)
- Since 1 July, individuals who are diagnosed with ARI at first presentation to a doctor are tested
It is critical to see a doctor immediately if unwell. Do not go out if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.
Enhanced enforcement at hotspots
Crowding and poor adherence to safe distancing measures have been observed at some hotspots, including popular night spots, beaches, selected malls and parks, and in HDB towns.
Enhanced crowd control measures
- Access to popular public spaces like parks and beaches will be temporarily closed off as they approach capacity limits
- Carparks serving these hotspots may be selectively closed
Enhanced enforcement
- Firm action will be taken against safe distancing breaches by both individuals and businesses
- Over 100 fines issued to individuals who failed to adhere to safe distancing measures at gardens, parks and nature reserves last weekend
- Suspension notices and fines were issued to two F&B establishments along Circular Road for continuing to breach safe distancing measures despite earlier warnings
Everyone must behave responsibly, and understand the risks of infection in crowded and close spaces, so that we can avoid a resurgence of cases.
Update on migrant worker dorms
All the dormitories are expected to be cleared by the beginning of August, with the exception of 17 standalone blocks in eight Purpose Built Dormitories (PBDs), which serve as quarantine facilities.
This last batch of workers come from dormitories with a relatively high prevalence of COVID-19. Therefore, the daily case count is expected to be high for the coming two weeks, before tapering down thereafter.
The Government will follow-up with the companies, especially the contractors, to get ready to resume work.
For more: go.gov.sg/24jul-moh
