On-arrival tests for newly arrived foreign construction workers in Singapore

Singapore, 25 January 2021 – Given the worsening of COVID-19 situation around the world, the emergence of new virus variants, and recent community cases seeded by imported cases, the Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) has mandated that newly arrived work permit and S-pass holders from the Construction, Marine and Process (CMP) sectors from higher-risk countries/regions to take an on-arrival Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test and an on-arrival serology test in Singapore.

The on-arrival PCR test will enable early detection of COVID-19 cases, provide access to medical care quickly and reduce the risk of leakage of imported cases into the community. The on-arrival serology test, on the other hand, will allow for the identification of workers who have recovered from the COVID-19 and have antibodies.

Recovered workers will be exempted from the Stay-Home Notice (SHN), additional seven-day testing regime and Rostered Routine Testing (RRT) requirements. This can help to minimise work disruption and associated costs from the SHN and tests. The cost of the new on-arrival tests will be borne by the employers.

– Construction+ Online

Source: MOM