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SINGAPORE – To expand routine Covid-19 swab testing for migrant workers, more dormitory testing facilities and regional screening centers will be established before the end of the year.
There are currently 24 routine testing facilities (RRTs) in the dormitories, with nine more to be installed by the end of this month, the Ministry of Human Resources and the Health Promotion Board said in a joint statement on Thursday (Oct.8 ).
The increase in the routine testing facilities listed will benefit more than 35,000 migrant workers.
Those who work shifts currently have access to overnight swab tests at the Acacia Lodge facilities in Bukit Batok, Cassia @ Penjuru, Central Staff Apartments in Boundary Close, and Westlite Mandai on Mandai Estate.
Employers can schedule their workers’ routine test appointments in their bedrooms or at 14 of the 20 regional screening centers across the island.
HPB plans to have 25-30 screening centers by the end of the year. Two-thirds of these sites will conduct routine roster testing.
Currently, all migrant workers staying in dormitories are required to undergo these tests every two weeks, as part of a multi-layered strategy to prevent and detect new infections earlier.
In the detection centers and dormitory facilities, more than 2,600 people who test with swabs are on the floor every day to perform tests and ensure that safety measures are followed.
Currently, the 14 screening centers are conducting listed routine tests for migrant workers living in dormitories and workers in the construction, marine and process sectors.
These centers are located in places like The Float @ Marina Bay, Old Police Academy, and Singapore Turf Club.
Through the online swab registration system, employers can select their preferred swab locations and testing dates to schedule their workers for testing at dormitory facilities or screening centers.
Once workers attend their first routine test appointment, the system will automatically schedule them for the next appointments.
Since its launch in August, the Swab Registration System has undergone continuous enhancements to facilitate navigation and provide help lines for employers.
MOM and HPB reiterated that the routine tests listed are a critical part of early detection of Covid-19 and in containing its spread.
“Workers and employers are reminded to ensure that those who must undergo RRT continue to do so, in order to safeguard their health and that of the community at large,” they added.
“It is only through our collective effort that we can prevent, stop, and contain the risk of Covid-19 infections and transmissions.”
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