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SINGAPORE: A total of 139 foreign domestic workers (FDW) tested positive for COVID-19 as of October 28, Labor Minister Josephine Teo said in a written parliamentary response on Wednesday (November 4).
She was responding to questions from Member of Parliament Tan Wu Meng about the proportion of maids who tested positive, the estimated prevalence of COVID-19 among them, and the precautions in place to protect them from becoming carriers of the coronavirus.
Of the 139 COVID-19 cases involving foreign domestic workers, 109 were imported cases that tested positive while serving their stay-at-home notice in specialized facilities upon arrival, Ms Teo said.
The remaining 30 were broadcast locally, with the last case reported on July 19, it added.
“These 30 locally transmitted FDW cases are part of the 2,268 local community cases as of October 28, 2020, and the infection rate of 0.01% among the FDW population is lower than the overall community rate of 0, 04%, ”he said.
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Twenty-four of the 30 locally transmitted FDW cases were linked to a previous case in the employer’s home, Ms Teo said.
“Of the remaining six cases, none had spread to anyone in the employer’s home; one is linked to the Mustafa group while the rest have no established links,” he added.
Ms Teo noted that the ministry has issued notices and distributed educational materials to employers and domestic workers to remind them that they must take appropriate steps to minimize their exposure to COVID-19.
Employers and domestic workers are encouraged to take days off on weekdays when public spaces are less crowded, as well as to use electronic remittance services.
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As for foreign domestic workers traveling to Singapore, Ms Teo said they are subject to the same entry requirements as incoming travelers with the same travel history.
The “vast majority” of incoming maids must also undergo pre-departure tests within 72 hours before departing for Singapore.
“We will continue to periodically review our border measures, to manage import risk and mitigate transmission to the local community,” Ms. Teo said.
Singapore reported seven new cases of COVID-19 on Wednesday. Two of the cases were from foreign workers’ dormitories, while the rest were imported infections.
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