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SINGAPORE: Foreign domestic workers and confinement nannies arriving in Singapore from this Friday (February 5) will need to undergo a serological test for COVID-19, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said on Wednesday.
This is in addition to the requirement for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swab test on arrival already in effect since January 24.
Serological testing will be mandatory for domestic workers and babysitters with a recent travel history to higher-risk countries and regions, MOM said, citing the multi-ministry working group for COVID-19. It did not specify which countries and regions are most at risk.
READ: Additional COVID-19 Testing for All Newly Arrived Foreign Workers in Construction, Marine and Process Sectors
The serological test is a blood test that can detect whether a person has recovered from an old COVID-19 infection. This indicates that they have antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Therefore, those who test positive can be released from their stay-at-home notice period, MOM said.
“Employers of these recovered workers will see lower SHN (stay-at-home notice) costs,” the ministry added.
SEVEN-DAY COVID-19 TESTING PROGRAM
A post-stay home notification test program will also be extended to confinement maids and nannies arriving from higher-risk countries and regions.
This will apply to housekeepers and babysitters who are issued an entry approval by MOM and are subject to a 14-day stay-at-home notice at the dedicated facility upon arrival.
During the seven days after their stay-at-home notice is delivered, these workers will need to undergo additional swab testing to make sure they don’t have COVID-19.
READ: Rapid pilot antigen tests for faster detection of COVID-19 among migrant workers
Demand in Singapore for new foreign domestic workers is strong despite the added costs of bringing them in amid the pandemic, according to employment agencies.
On Wednesday, MOM also announced the extension of the seven-day post-stay-at-home trial program for newly arrived workers with work permits and S Pass in the construction, marine and process sectors of countries and regions. higher risk.
Previously, only those heading to the bedrooms were subject to the additional testing.
The ministry said these additional measures are necessary to “further reduce the risk of transmission from newly arrived migrant workers to the workplace.”
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