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SINGAPORE – It’s been almost three weeks since a case of Covid-19 was last reported in the dormitories of foreign workers, and some health experts now approve of easing strict movement restrictions on them.
Residents have remained subject to tighter movement restrictions here, following the rapid and massive outbreak of the virus in bedrooms that began in late March.
In addition to going to work or running essential errands, workers are still largely restricted to their bedrooms, but they can visit specific recreation centers on their days off.
However, several health experts The Straits Times spoke with said that the Covid-19 situation in bedrooms has subsided and that authorities may consider lifting those restrictions, although experts disagreed on when it can be done.
Infectious disease specialist Leong Hoe Nam said authorities may now consider allowing workers more freedom to move around the community, as Singapore surpassed the 14-day mark without infections in bedrooms last Wednesday. The last infection in the bedrooms was reported on November 10.
[[nid:510682]]Many safeguards already exist to prevent another outbreak in bedrooms, such as routine screening of workers, mandatory use of masks, and social distancing rules, Dr. Leong said.
While it would take 28 days, or two virus incubation cycles, to fully ensure that bedrooms are Covid-19 free, Dr. Leong said this timeline may be shortened due to extensive measures in place.
Even if an infected person goes out into the community, the disease should not spread if everyone abides by the use of masks and the rules of social distancing, he said. “With this argument in place, it makes sense for foreign workers to have some normalcy.”
Professor Teo Yik Ying, dean of the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health at the National University of Singapore, said workers should be allowed to return to the community when Singapore moves into its next phase of reopening, as that would mean that The entire community is ready for quick contact tracking and testing.
Authorities have said Singapore will enter phase 3 of its reopening only when about 70 percent of the population participates in TraceTogether, a technology-enabled contact tracing program.
“With the widespread use of TraceTogether, it is much more possible to stop an outbreak quickly through aggressive contact tracing, testing and quarantine,” said Professor Teo.
Infectious disease physician Dr. Ling Li Min called for caution, noting that there are “pockets of asymptomatic infections lurking.” This is evident from the new cases that emerged after 15 days without infections in the community, he said. Three such cases have been reported since last Thursday (November 26).
He added that authorities would be expected to take a “steady and gradual approach” to loosening the strict measures.
[[nid:503972]]In response to ST’s inquiries, the Human Resources Ministry said it will further ease restrictions on dorm residents if infection rates are “kept low.”
He has also worked with community groups to organize organized tours for residents.
Meanwhile, workers said they hope the rules will be relaxed soon.
Saddam Mohammad, 27, a Bangladeshi carpenter who lives in a specially designed bedroom, said his life revolves around work.
He said he shows up for work almost every day and returns to his bedroom immediately afterward. He hopes he can venture out again “because I’m so bored in the bedroom.”
But the employers ST spoke to said that not all of their workers seem interested in dating, as most are focused on making up for their lost income with overtime.
One construction company owner, identifying himself only as Mr. Salman, 49, said his foreign workers have been working overtime every day. “While our work has been delayed for six months, the deadlines set by our clients remain the same.”
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This article was first published in The Straits Times.. Permission is required for reproduction.
