Construction, marine and process sectors identified for Covid-19 surveillance testing

MORE regional screening centres (RSCs) will be set up across the country to conduct Covid-19 surveillance testing for targeted groups, as infections are expected to rise with the reopening of the economy, the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced on Monday.

Along with frontline workers, workers in the construction and marine and process sectors have been identified for testing. This is because these sectors have had a higher proportion of confirmed cases in the past, and the nature of their work makes it more difficult to maintain strict safe management and distancing measures at all times.

Testing in migrant worker dormitories will continue.

The RSCs will not take walk-in requests for screening; MOH said that those who are unwell or have medical concerns should consult their primary-care doctors, who will refer them to the RSCs for screening if needed.

The ministry added that it has expanded testing to individuals diagnosed with acute respiratory infection at first presentation to a doctor, starting with groups like seniors, healthcare workers and staff, and older students in educational institutions.

The Health Promotion Board, the national agency appointed to support Covid-19 testing, set up some temporary RSCs in May to screen pre-school staff. It is now setting up more to first support screening requirements for workers in the identified sectors, and will locate subsequent RSCs in places that are accessible to the community, where possible.

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Two RSCs at the Old Police Academy and The Float@Marina Bay began operations on June 2; two more at the Bukit Gombak and Bishan sport halls were set up on Monday. Another centre is being set up at 2 Bedok North St 2 (the former sepak takraw sport hall).

MOH said: "While testing helps us to detect, isolate and contain possible spread, strong infection-control measures will continue to be the mainstay of disease prevention in our community. We must continue to practise safe-distancing and good personal hygiene to reduce the risk of transmissions."