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The opening of Singapore International Energy Week 2020 yesterday took place the first Covid-19 swab prior to the event.
Last Tuesday, the multi-ministerial task force dealing with the pandemic announced a pilot run of pre-event tests using rapid antigen tests.
At the time, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said that a successful pilot could help loosen group size limits for social gatherings.
But he cautioned that the tests, which are less sensitive than conventionally used polymerase chain reaction tests, might not detect all cases of Covid-19 and that safe distancing measures would still be needed.
Hosted by the Energy Market Authority, the event is a week-long platform for energy professionals and legislators to discuss and share strategic perspectives on industry issues and their impact.
At the Sands Expo and Convention Center yesterday, where the event is taking place, there were no long lines or crowds typically associated with Mice events (meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions).
There were posters on various levels of the center reminding participants to download the TraceTogether app. TraceTogether tabs were also provided at the hall entrance.
After registering with SafeEntry and taking their temperature, the participants entered a main room where they were separated into zones to take samples.
Each zone had its own set of swab stations and a detection registration desk, where participants received a confirmation SMS from the Ministry of Health and a set of labels for their tests.
They then sat at a swab station, where a swab explained the process and carried out the procedure.
Participants had a swab of about 2.5 cm inserted into their nostrils and rotated several times, and then asked to wait for the results, which were sent via SMS. The test seats were cleaned and disinfected after each test.
Yesterday around 215 tests were carried out. Nobody tested positive.
“I think it’s bearable and pretty fast, and the (swab) was very soft. I’m pretty happy with it, I didn’t worry about anything,” said Jen Tan, senior vice president of solar for Singapore and Southeast Asia. in the energy division of Sembcorp Solar Singapore.
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