All Residents in a Hougang HDB Block Have to be Tested for COVID-19 Today or Tomorrow

By
Avery
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Bored of TraceTogether? Well, here’s the latest in the government’s COVID-19 strategy: TestTogether.

Hougang HDB Block to Undergo Mandatory Testing

The Straits Times reports that everyone living in Block 506, Hougang Avenue 8 will have to be tested for COVID-19 on 21 and 22 May. 

This is a precautionary measure imposed after a few of the block’s residents tested positive for the coronavirus.

In a statement on Thursday (20 May), the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced that the testing drive would take place at the void deck of the block for convenience. Leaflets have been disseminated to the residents to notify them of the programme, and they will also receive an SMS notification.

The MOH urges residents to pay close attention to their health and to seek medical attention immediately if they feel unwell, since it could be a sign of COVID-19.

Last July, the MOH also imposed mandatory testing on the residents from a HDB building, Block 111 Tampines Street 11, after nine people living there tested positive for COVID-19 amid a rise in locally transmitted infections.

The scheme came after the authorities were unable to ascertain a definitive connection between the two households containing COVID-19 patients, according to The Straits Times, but all 118 other residents in the building tested negative.

Then Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong said Singapore could not preclude having another circuit breaker down the road.

Well, how prescient. Touchwood.

Testing Campaigns Galore

This new announcement appears in line with the government’s new focus on increased testing, to uncover asymptomatic cases in the community that may stay hidden otherwise.

Following positive COVID-19 tests from two of its casino staff, Marina Bay Sands announced its frontline staff will be tested for infections every two weeks. It has also undergone a three-day deep cleaning operation, according to The Straits Times.

In a similar vein, Changi Airport Terminals 1 and 3, as well as Jewel, will see all of their staff tested for COVID-19 after Singapore’s best airport also became Singapore’s largest COVID-19 cluster. 

About 9,000 employees will be tested for the coronavirus, according to ChannelNewsAsia.

The airport compound is already closed to the public except those in need of air travel and some essential airport workers. Free COVID-19 is also offered to all members of the public who have visited Terminal 3, though it is not compulsory.

Featured Image: Google Maps

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Avery
Email: [email protected]