Categories: Migrant workers

Singapore hasn’t minimized testing migrant workers in dormitories, says Gan Kim Yong

WhatsAppWhatsAppFacebookFacebookTwitterTwitterPinterestPinterestRedditRedditGmailGmailShareShare

Many health experts have lately criticized the Singapore government for decreasing the number of tests done on migrant laborers lessened in the dormitory. However, Gan Kim Yong reassured on 27 April that the testing capacity concerning migrant laborers is around 3,000 per day and has not declined

As indicated by CNN, Singapore is home to around 1.4 million migrant workers who have come from South and Southeast Asia in large numbers. These migrants have helped in Singapore’s functioning, e.g., as maids, domestic aides, construction laborers, and unskilled workers. On the other hand, they are the ones who are least paid and most vulnerable individuals in the city. 

In the initial three months of the coronavirus pandemic, Singapore was applauded for its response and possible capacity to contain the disease without utilizing extreme measures. In April, there was a surge in Covid-19 positive cases, and right now, Singapore has detailed 14,951 affirmed cases, 14 deaths, and 1,095 recovered. 

Dale Fisher professor and an Infectious diseases expert at The National University of Singapore, reprimanded Singapore’s administration in an interview with CAN expressing that the disease rate for Covid-19 is so high that there is no compelling reason to test any longer in some dormitories. 

When an individual has a clinical respiratory ailment, that individual is considered to have coronavirus, so those individuals are placed into quarantine directly, he included. There is just no real way to self-quarantine or avoid close contact in dormitory rooms as migrants share one room and one washroom. 

On 27 April, the Health Ministry said an aggregate of 21,000 migrants workers living in one room had been tested since the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak. Coronavirus Multi-Ministerial Task Force member Gan Kim Yong responded that it implies that one out of 15 migrant laborers had been tested in the dormitories. 

The authorities began testing and quarantining migrant workers where there were a high number of cases detected; however, we are testing for Covid-19 in other dormitories as well, Gan included.

About Grace Young

Step into the realm of workers' rights with Grace Young as your guide. Grace's storytelling prowess illuminates the human side of labor issues, offering narratives that inspire empathy and understanding.

Grace Young

Step into the realm of workers' rights with Grace Young as your guide. Grace's storytelling prowess illuminates the human side of labor issues, offering narratives that inspire empathy and understanding.

Recent Posts

UK Defence Boost to Create Scottish Jobs, Says Reeves

During the Babcock Fife visit, Chancellor Rachel Reeves raised UK export finance program funds by £2 billion. The new funding…

March 14, 2025

Tamil Nadu Govt Announces ₹20,000 for Every Gig Workers to Purchase E-Scooters

In a major decision, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu presented a new scheme in the state’s 2025-26 budget through…

March 14, 2025

Tesla Expands Autonomous Testing Fleet in California

Tesla started operating 224 driver trainers with 104 vehicles under its autonomous driving test permit in December in California. In…

March 14, 2025

Federal Judge Halts Trump’s Agency Staff Purge, Orders Reinstatements

Judge William Alsup finds federal government should restore positions to all probationary workers whose employment ended unlawfully. On Thursday a…

March 13, 2025

New UK Immigration Rules: Care Firms Must Hire Local Migrant Workers First

The UK government has brought in new regulations for employing staff within the care industry. From April 9, 2025 care…

March 13, 2025

Afghan Migrants in Panama: Facing Hard Choices and an Uncertain Future

Afghan migrants deported from the United States to Panama now face an uncertain future. Many of these deportees feel stranded…

March 13, 2025