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SINGAPORE: Authorities have begun piloting the use of rapid antigen tests to more quickly detect COVID-19 among migrant workers who undergo listed routine tests.
This pilot of the Ministry of Manpower (MOH) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) began on October 18 and will last one month.
MOM said on Sunday (October 25) that migrant workers are currently tested every two weeks using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests.
The rapid antigen test will be used as an additional test on day 7 to supplement the PCR test on day 14.
Antigen tests can give results in half an hour, compared to PCR tests that take at least a day. (Photo: Ministry of Manpower)
Antigen tests can give results in half an hour despite being less accurate, compared to PCR tests, which take at least a day.
A total of 1,000 migrant workers from the SCM Tuas Lodge dormitory are involved in the pilot.
“Migrant workers who test positive can be immediately isolated and transferred to a medical facility for a confirmatory PCR test,” the ministry said, adding that this reduces the risk of transmitting the infection to other residents.
READ: A ‘multi-layered’ strategy in place to detect and contain new COVID-19 cases in migrant worker dormitories: MOM
This will also result in fewer close contacts that will need to be quarantined, thus minimizing work disruptions for both workers and employers.
MOM said that the Assurance, Care and Commitment Group (ACE), in consultation with the Ministry of Health, will evaluate the effectiveness of the rapid pilot test and will evaluate its suitability to be incorporated into the routine tests listed.
READ: 2 Employers’ Work Pass Privileges Suspended After Failing To Arrange COVID-19 Testing For Workers
READ: MOM Unveils More Specific COVID-19 Quarantine Approach to Foreign Workers’ Dorms
Workers who are housed in dormitories, those in the construction, marine and process sectors, and all those who go to workplaces are required to undergo routine tests listed for COVID-19 every 14 days.
Earlier this month, it was announced that more regional COVID-19 screening centers and dormitory testing facilities would be established to facilitate the routine tests listed.
Night swabs are also offered at four facilities – Acacia Lodge, Cassia @Penjuru, Central Staff Apartments, and Westlite Mandai – to accommodate workers’ work cycles.
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