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SINGAPORE: Some foreign workers who have recovered from COVID-19 in Singapore will be temporarily accommodated on two SuperStar cruises, Genting Cruise Lines said on Friday (May 1).
SuperStar Gemini and SuperStar Aquarius have “completed rigorous assessment checks” by the government and will provide accommodation for workers, it said in a press release.
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The number of COVID-19 cases among migrant workers living in dormitories has increased in recent weeks, and now represents approximately 85 percent of Singapore’s 16,169 cases.
Many well-off workers have been moved from crowded dormitories to other homes, such as military camps and empty HDB floors.
READ: Singapore COVID-19 cases cross the 16,000 mark, with 528 new cases reported; 15th person dies
On April 27, National Development Minister Lawrence Wong said authorities have an “extensive” plan to house the recovered foreign migrant workers, involving new sites.
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Previously, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) had said that the two cruises were being evaluated as they have readily available rooms and en-suite bathrooms to minimize person-to-person contact.
The evaluation considered factors such as the ship’s ventilation systems, safety protocols and infection control measures, STB said. The two ships together can accommodate up to 2,000 foreign workers.
READ: Migrant workers with isolated COVID-19 symptoms before testing to prevent possible transmission
“Every effort will be made to maintain the health and well-being of Singapore’s foreign workers while on board the ship, including observing the highest standards of safe distance and preventive measures at all times,” said Genting Cruise Lines.
The SuperStar Gemini cruise ship is docked in Singapore on April 17, 2020. (Photo: AFP / Roslan Rahman)
“We are pleased that our on-board facilities, as well as preventive and safety regulations, meet the stringent Singapore requirements for this initiative,” said Mr. Michael Goh, president of Dream Cruises, adding that there have been no reported cases of COVID-19 among your guests or crew to date.
The SuperStar Gemini arrived on April 17 from Hong Kong and is docked at the Marina Bay Cruise Center Singapore. SuperStar Aquarius arrived in Singapore on April 25, according to marinetraffic.com.
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