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SINGAPORE: More than 10,000 taxi drivers and private rental drivers who have voluntarily tested for COVID-19 have tested negative for the disease, indicating “very low prevalence rates” in the community, the Ministry of Health (MINSA) on Wednesday (September 23).
Voluntary tests for taxi drivers and private rental drivers were conducted between September 8 and 22 at temporary swab sites, such as taxi depots and regional inspection centers.
Separately, more than 750 stall vendors and food delivery personnel at Marine Parade were also tested as part of a pilot test on September 19 and 20.
All of them also tested negative for COVID-19, the Health Ministry said in a press release.
The Health Ministry said in August that it planned to offer COVID-19 tests to community groups such as taxi drivers, food delivery people, as well as to street vendors at street vending centers, markets and coffee shops.
Then he said that the costs of the single test will be borne by the Government.
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Speaking to reporters at a press conference of the multi-ministry task force on Wednesday, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said that authorities will also consider extending COVID-19 testing to other groups, such as university students in shelters.
Details on the launch of COVID-19 tests for traders and food delivery personnel will be announced when they are ready, the Health Ministry said.
“The results of the community test operations indicate … that our safe management measures are helping to keep our community safe as we gradually resume our daily activities,” the Ministry of Health said in the press release.
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The tests are part of Singapore’s efforts to expand its COVID-19 testing regimen.
Surveillance tests are also being implemented in those older than 12 years who are diagnosed with an acute respiratory infection. Groups such as preschool teachers, residents, and nursing home employees have also been screened for COVID-19.
Education Minister and task force co-chair Lawrence Wong said at Wednesday’s press conference that Singapore is exploring various testing methods..
He also said that further relaxation of COVID-19 security measures would depend on factors such as the extent of testing that is accessible.
“Current test methods are largely based on the gold standard, PCR (polymerase chain reaction), but new test methods are hitting the market,” said Mr. Wong.
The new test methods are not as sensitive as PCR tests, but can be applied in certain cases, he said.
“If this evidence could be available, we could consider, even during Phase Three, some additional liberalization and further resumption of activities,” said Mr. Wong.
He added that it is a “work in progress” and that more updates will be made available when they are ready.
Singapore reported 12 new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday, including a community infection. The country has reported a total of 57,639 cases so far.
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