42 more foreign worker dorms cleared of COVID-19: MOM
SINGAPORE — Another 42 dormitories for foreign workers in Singapore have been cleared of the coronavirus disease, taking the total to over 130.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) on Tuesday, the 42 dorms housing around 4,000 residents include one purpose-built dorm, 39 factory-converted dorms, and two construction temporary quarters.
This brings the total number to 132 dorms and 14 blocks of recovered workers in purpose-built dorms cleared of COVID-19.
Separately, the MOM advised that dorm operators, employers and migrant workers have to complete three required steps before workers can resume work.
Step 1: Dorm operators to arrange staggered pick-up/drop-off timing with employers
Step 2: Employers to confirm or update the residential addresses of their workers on MOM database
Step 3: Workers to download FWMOMCare to update health status and report residence location that matches with employers’ and dorm operators’ records; and download TraceTogether to facilitate contact tracing
As of Monday, 67 dorms out of 132 have completed these steps and some of the 10,000 residents have resumed working.
“The Forward Assurance & Support Teams (FAST) are working closely with dormitory operators, employers and migrant workers to complete all the necessary steps and clear the remaining dormitories,” said the ministry.
“Employers can refer to the MOM website for the latest list of cleared dormitories and dormitories to be cleared in the coming week.”
The MOM added that it will be possible to progressively reduce the density of migrant workers’ living space with more blocks and dorms cleared, and new ones – quick built dormitories and construction temporary quarters – becoming available over the next few months.
“As we continue to gradually resume work, we urge all dormitory operators, employers and workers to remain vigilant and ensure that the Safe Working and Safe Living measures are rigorously followed,” it added.
To date, Singapore has 40,969 cases, of which 38,587 are foreign workers living in dorms.
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