Coronavirus: Singapore quarantines 20,000 migrant workers as COVID-19 cases rise
What's the story
In Singapore, roughly 20,000 migrant workers have been quarantined as the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has troubled the city-state.
As local transmission in Singapore rises, the city-state readies itself for a month-long lockdown starting Tuesday.
With a resident population of 4 million, Singapore has reported over a thousand cases of COVID-19 thus far, including six deaths.
Here are more details.
Details
20,000 migrant workers housed in 2 dormitories
Singapore has directed 20,000 migrant workers living in two dormitories to remain isolated.
These include the S11 Dormitory at Punggol, which houses 13,000 workers, and the smaller Westlite Toh Guan dormitory, which is home to 6,800 workers.
The government said the move was necessary in light of rising cases in the dormitories. It said the workers who are symptomatic have been isolated.
Living conditions
Workers at dorms provided with meals, masks, medical support
The workers have been advised to remain confined to their rooms as there should be "no inter-mixing of workers between dormitory blocks and floors."
They will be provided with three meals, masks, hand sanitizers, thermometers, and on-site medical support, the government said.
The government said the workers will be paid their salaries during quarantine and their employers can claim a S$100 daily quarantine allowance.
Information
However, workers say dorms are unsanitary, infested with cockroaches
However, six workers living at the S11 Dormitory told The Straits Times the facility is overcrowded and unsanitary. They said the dormitory—which has 63 confirmed COVID-19 cases—is infested with cockroaches and has toilets overflowing. Social distancing norms have also been violated, they said.
Outbreak in Singapore
1,300 COVID-19 cases reported in Singapore; 6 dead
According to data compiled by the Johns Hopkins University, Singapore has reported 1,300 cases (320 have recovered) and six deaths.
Although the initial cases were because of infected people arriving from other countries, local transmission has now been on the rise.
On Sunday, the city-state reported 120 new cases, the highest single-day jump, which included 116 cases that were locally transmitted.
Lockdown
City-state imposes month-long lockdown to contain outbreak
Starting Tuesday, most workplaces in Singapore will be shut followed by schools the next day. The lockdown will remain effective for a month.
Separately, non-essential services have been suspended and people have been advised to remain indoors.
The government also announced a third stimulus package to support its economy. Coupled with the two earlier packages, the city-state has devoted US$ 42 billion thus far.
COVID-19
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 was first reported in China's Wuhan city in December 2019. The disease is caused by a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2.
The virus attacks a host's respiratory system triggering symptoms such as fever, cough, and breathing difficulties.
In severe cases, it may cause pneumonia, multiple organ failure, or death.
COVID-19 has spread to over 170 countries, killing 69,000 and sickening 12 lakh.