Residents in Taman Jurong HDB Moved to Genting Hotel for Free As Migrant Workers Relocate Into Their Blocks

2020-04-21 , 4:37 pm

Last Updated on 2020-04-28 , 9:05 am

Reader: I’ve been asleep for the whole of April. I remember that only 47 cases were reported on 31 March so things should fine by now right?

Uh…

Reader: How many cases were reported yesterday?

Uh…

Reader: It can’t be that bad, right?

Well, let me first say that there’s no need to panic, and also that you should probably see a doctor because humans are not supposed to sleep for an entire month, but 1426 new infections were reported yesterday. And there are 1,111 new cases today.

Reader: …

Are you there?

Reader: Yes. *plays Green Day and goes to sleep* Please wake me up when September ends.

Now, while this reader may be panicking, you probably know that most of the Covid-19 cases in the last few weeks are workers from dormitories.

For instance, of the 1,111 reported today, only 20 are Singaporeans or Singapore PR, meaning the spread in the community is still low.

But something has to be done to protect these poor workers, of course, and the government is taking all the necessary precautions, even if it means shoving some families out of their houses.

Residents in Taman Jurong HDB Moved to Hotels Without Cost As Migrant Workers Relocate Into Flats Near There

Around 50 families have temporarily been moved out of their HDB flats at Yung Kuang Road as migrant workers in essential services relocate into vacant units in their blocks, reported CNA.

The families have been moved into put up at Genting hotel for free until the circuit breaker period ends.

This is to protect residents’ health and well being and enforce safe distancing, HDB said.

You may be thinking Wah, free stay at hotel ah? I also want.

But some of these residents aren’t too pleased about the move.

Only Had 5 Days To Prepare

According to one resident, they were all taken by surprise because they were given a letter notifying them of the move at the “last minute”.

Residents received letters from HDB on 7 April, telling them about the situation, but workers began moving in just 5 days later.

And it’s not just that.

Residents are now also completely barred from returning to their flats because several floors are being set aside for workers awaiting the results of Covid-19 swab tests.

So, if one of them accidentally left their phone and laptop at home, they’ll have to say goodbye to TikTok for a couple of weeks.

You can watch their reactions here:

Food Vouchers & Expensive Laundry

The only apparent cost for residents at Genting hotel is laundry, with washing and drying clothes costing $10 each.

However, all these residents are given $15 worth of food vouchers every day for this circuit breaker period, so it’s not all bad.

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A Preventive Measure

This move is actually a preventive measure aimed at protecting migrant workers from contracting the coronavirus in their dormitories.

That’s why around 7,000 workers are being moved to alternative housing, including military camps, sports halls, floating hotels, and HDB flats.

Vacant flats at Jalan Bukit Merah, for example, are also being used to house workers in essential services.

When asked, HDB said it could not confirm if more estates would be used for such purposes.

We Hold The Key To Stopping The Disease

As my colleague mentioned, similar lockdowns have worked in countries like New Zealand, Italy, and China.

But, as Dr Leong Hoe Nam says, everyone needs to follow the rules.

“Absolute compliance is needed to clear all the community cases. If everyone obeys the circuit breaker rules, then the only person you can infect is your family, and thereafter the virus cannot pass on to anyone.”

The community spread has been stable, but there are still many people who are breaking the rules in place during this critical period.

All it takes is one inconsiderate idiot to spread the disease and we could have a second wave on our hands.

Remember, now that Circuit Breaker is extended, it’s just a temporary solution, and once the pandemic dies down we can go back to eating Chendol at our favourite coffee shop.

Reader: Ya, it’s really hard to eat Chendol with a mask. The green jelly and kachang can’t make it through my mask so I’m basically drinking cold coconut milk with brown sugar. Plus, it’s really messy.

Why the hell are you eating Chendol with your mask on? Can’t you just eat it at home?

Reader: You may as well tell me not to eat it at all.

This is why we can’t have nice things.