MOH Offering COVID-19 Tests for Workers in Delivery Centres Like Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre

In order to successfully curb Covid-19, there are two requirements that Singapore has to fulfil:

1. That everyone in Singapore adheres to Covid-19 safe management measures
2. Testing, testing and more testing

Other than the single local transmission who dined with 12 others at Seoul Garden, we’re doing pretty well when it comes to the first requirement.

And the second is also well on its way, with the Ministry of Health (MOH) announcing that they’re now extending swab tests to yet another group of people.

MOH Offering COVID-19 Tests for Workers in Delivery Centres Like Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre

Progressively, the task force has been expanding the scope of testing to identified community groups.

Thus far, stallholders, food delivery staff and cashiers have been included in the extended testing operations with more than 5,000 people tested since September 2020.

And in the coming weeks, MOH expects to offer these tests to people who are working at key delivery centres like the Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre and “key logistics delivery company”.

Don’t Let Down Our Guards

A survey previously found that people in Singapore understands the need for Covid-19 safe management measures but are still sick and tired of it.

Nonetheless, while things are looking good now, it doesn’t mean that we can let down our guard.

MOH urges people in Singapore not to relax.

While community testing so far showed that our safe management measures are working, and there is a low prevalence of Covid-19 transmission in our community, they will still be extending the scope of testing to identified groups.

The reason is two-fold:

1. To have a better picture of community transmission (read: early warning system)
2. To be able to react fast and curb transmissions

While the free test isn’t mandatory, the government is hoping that individuals in these groups will come forward to make full use of the free testing.

Border Updates

From 28 Nov 2020, all travellers coming into Singapore from Finland and Turkey will have to go through a 14-day Stay-Home-Notice (SHN) at dedicated facilities.

The reason for that is the number of rising Covid-19 cases in both countries.

Previously, it was announced on 27 Oct that travellers from these countries can opt-out of serving SHN at dedicated facilities if they meet the following criteria:

• Never travelled to other countries 14 days prior to arrival in Singapore
• Is staying alone or with household members who are serving the same period of SHN (ie. travelled together)

Travellers from Fiji, Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka and Thailand are still allowed to opt-out of serving SHN at dedicated facilities.

Just make sure not to try and test the system like these travellers who made false declarations for their SHN.

Featured Image: aslysun / Shutterstock.com