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SINGAPORE – Coronavirus testing will be expanded in the coming weeks to groups such as taxi drivers and private rental car drivers and food delivery personnel, as part of efforts to provide a better picture of the prevalence of infections in the community.
In a statement on Saturday (August 29), the Ministry of Health (MINSA) said that the community groups to which the tests will be extended also include key providers who provide services to the dormitories of foreign workers, as well as street vendors in street vending centers, markets and similar food and beverage establishments such as coffee shops.
This is due to the nature of their work environment, such as the high frequency of interactions with members of the public, although there has been no local evidence that these groups are at increased risk of infection.
The costs of these tests will be borne entirely by the Government.
The ministry urged people from these identified community groups to come forward and use the tests offered, which will be done only once.
In the statement, the Health Ministry also reiterated that improvised face coverings such as bandanas, scarves and neck gaiters should not be worn, as per the recommendations of the multi-ministerial working group addressing the Covid-19 pandemic.
Noting that there have been recent consultations on the effectiveness of such makeshift covers in preventing disease transmission, the Health Ministry said that they may not work as well as specially designed masks, as they may not fit well. the nose and mouth of the user and are made of materials that are not specific for disease prevention.
“A mask should be worn in a way that closely and completely covers the wearer’s nose and mouth, without leaving a gap between the mask and the face,” the ministry added.
Stricter regulations on what constitutes a mask and how it should be worn also went into effect on Saturday, according to a notice posted the day before.
The definition of a mask has been revised to refer to a paper, plastic or textile covering designed exclusively to be worn over the nose and mouth to protect against infection or air pollution.
Previously, a mask was defined as “any paper or textile liner designed or manufactured to be worn over the nose and mouth to protect the wearer against infection or air pollution, but excludes a face shield.”
Now a mask is also required to touch the wearer’s nose, cheeks and chin when wearing.
Previous legislation only established that it was necessary to touch the user’s nose and cheeks.
The amended regulations under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act come after a recent incident in which a bus driver refused to allow a man wearing a gaiter to get on board.
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