COVID-19: Singapore police, armed forces helping to tend to foreign workers quarantined in dorms

In a news conference on Thursday (Apr 9), Singapore authorities outlined measures to deal with a sharp rise in COVID-19 infections in foreign worker dormitories, with FAST teams involving the Singapore Police Force and Singapore Armed Forces helping officials ensure the well-being, health and safety of workers. 5,000 foreign workers who are well and who work in essential sectors have been moved out of their dormitories and to military camps and vacant HDB blocks. cna.asia/2UVyfwg
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[@iAxianguy]

I am so happy and proud to hear our Minister Wong saying " We have a responsibility for these foreign workers who have come all the way here at considerable expense to make a living in Singapore so we will do our part and we will do our very best to take care of them, to ensure their safety and well being." That shows that we have a government that sees the big picture and cares for all. I am sure they are much safer here than back in their own country.

[@lifeisshortpeace7783]

But why didn't you guys care before this covid outbreak that their living conditions is hygenic and spacious enough a pleasant stay.

[@chaleur4112]

@@lifeisshortpeace7783 certainly 10x more hygienic than their would be homes in their home countries...

[@deschan2246]

Ignorant, naive or gullible?

[@lifeisshortpeace7783]

@@chaleur4112 if that is so,why Josephine teo says that they must improve the workers living conditions. Look at their post recently, if you find in satisfactory, I don't know what to say.

[@laocheebye]

@@lifeisshortpeace7783 Josephine Teo says small places good can make baby.

[@yuhanabujang6759]

It is easy just to watch the press conference and give comments. We should appreciate the joint task force and the people doing the work of trying to reduce and control the spread of the virus in these dorms. The planning and the logistics tasks to transport and housing the foreign workers into the temporary holding premises is quite monumental. The foreign workers are also human like us and right now they are very afraid that they will be infected by the virus and thus should be treated with kindness and compassion.

[@tessiecerablog8253]

Thank you to all Singapore government official's for taking care of us too, the Foriegn worker's . SALUTE U ALL FOR YOUR HARD WORK AND LOVE FOR US. MAY GOD BLESS U ALL..

[@badrulislam3391]

Thank you so much SINGAPORE GOVERNMENT. AND MOM to take good care of foreign workers. We are proud to work for development of Singapore .

[@ashunknown9728]

You follow n stay home if you go out loiter. N gather your permit might be terminated after that u can praise my country government

[@kcleez]

Tell all your friends to go back to your own country.

[@celestiallydivine]

stay safe brother, Thank you for helping shape the nation.

[@79winzer]

Yes. Stay safe and while we all dont go out loitering and get warning, fine or jail... We need to observe the circuit breaker measures well while most of the foreign workers are being isolated. We need to make it works and let it be under control again. All must stay safe. Its human lives, no different if you are foreigners, PR or citizens.

[@jerylsim1083]

At a time when countries stricken by the pandemic have collectively given up on the elderly, our country stands out proudly in standing stoutly behind them, proud to be a Singaporean. “If any country can see this through, it is Singapore!” #sgunited

[@elventhor21]

The Task force is doing a good job for Singapore. Let all Singapore citizens and resident do our part on survive this situation

[@sttennis]

Many of these workers have girlfriends who are mostly domestic helpers (mostly Filipina and Indonesians). I'm sure many of them have met up during the weekends leading to this Circuit Breaker period. I'm concerned that many of these domestic helpers may have already been infected or carrying the virus. I'm also sure many of these workers have not been honest about telling the authority about their relationship and meetups with their gfs. I really hope I'm wrong about this. Otherwise, there will be a huge problem especially because many of these domestic helpers are looking after babies, children and old folks.

[@WilliamSiongAsia]

That is my concern too as it will be affecting many families as well. Hoping that these contact tracing will cover them as well.

[@Zaihanisme]

Well, if people didn’t make it such a taboo or big deal that these workers have lives outside of work and need human contact and intimacy, they wouldn’t feel the need to lie or withhold information.

[@g-vine4573]

This could be the unlinked cases

[@Penaming]

Hope they have been contact traced.

[@AqilahBanu]

What u saying is true many would be spread to household esp those with maids and who is going to pay for all their medical expenses the companies i hope they dont go bankrupt due to this

[@vanillanice663]

Please check some SMEs who claim that they are providing essential services and therefore not allowing their staffs to work from home! Please sir, the number of infected is increasing.

[@numb3rthree]

Give them time. They are doing their stuffs.

[@juncheng19866]

Please I wanted to ask you how u expect f and b to work from home

[@RCT1234]

Y not report to gov?

[@vincenttan6303]

thanks for all the hard work but @9:20, one should have anticipated that at the beginning of outbreak and taken preventive measures but not halfway through...

[@sharilsabtu3130]

STAY AT HOME AND STAY SAFE! FOR GOD SAKE!

[@mrusli1902]

How about the foreign workers who stay in HDB flats rental? Do they need to check for Covid-19 as well?????

[@wilsonyeobl]

The Task force really drop the ball again. They should have started mass testing after the 1st few cases at the Dorms more than 1 month ago. It was the most senseable thing to do. The risk was high because of the crowded condition in the Dorms.

[@Penaming]

This is the real baptism of fire.

[@mikekoh4662]

The companies that hire these foreign workers should be provided by them.

[@AqilahBanu]

But if the medical expenses goes up too high do u think the companies would be able to handle wont they go under and i hope govt woild be able to assist the companies on this even 5% of cases go ICU the medical expenses would be huge. Also if there is a widespread surge of number of case then they would have to choose who to save

[@ongernie7216]

What so good about the evening. Just take responsibility over the dormitories. By going down to the dormitory to resolve the problem there and make sure no more spreading and contain it. No just give some suggestion by putting up a task force to handle it.

[@AZ-vp2fj]

We should not condemn our government. Stay Positive...Be Positive....Think Positive Our government is doing their very best. They crack their brains to fight Covid-19 and help the country, the people, the economy, the world, etc We, Stay Home, Stay Safe, Stay United.

[@chriszhou3308]

As Salam help the country? How much they are paid? If they are doing this jobs foc, they are doing good job. But paid millions do normal like other countries MPs.

[@maureenkam9212]

I don't know any more when I look at Taiwan.

[@erickm8799]

@@maureenkam9212 HK, SG and Taiwan experienced SAR. This time round Taiwan emerge to be most effective in keep out the CCP Virus so far.

[@limlisa]

@@chriszhou3308 look no Singaporean want join politics already. If you are capable please go and do their job.

[@ktan8]

I wonder if it'll be possible to Zoom boom their press conference... lol.

[@zhenminliu]

Gan opened the meeting by explaining why the task force members are not wearing masks. Unfortunately, the loud and clear message by their BEHAVIOUR is that it’s OK to take unnecessary risks: “Tikam, tikam”. It’s terrible. Please set a good example, and learn from Hong Kong, for once. Task force, please put on your face masks or step down from the task force. We need everyone in Singapore to exercise maximum care in protecting themselves.

[@AqilahBanu]

Its good to see Singapore govt taking care of FW as much as possible and bearing all medical cost for them either from their company or govt aiding them. My question is who is going to pay for their healthcare cost govt? Also if there is a surge in the number of cases and it spreads to the general population how are we going to handle it?.By looking at many countries like Spain and Italy they have to choose who live and who dies and also they priorities citizen over non citizen. I pray to god we dont reach to that stage where we have to choose and if we do it means it was too late to contain the virus 💔💔😭😭😥😥

[@beerlahai]

Singapore is doing a fabulous job on tracking when and where the breakouts are and then stopping the outbreak.

[@axelthomasji3580]

Janet you are so beautiful

[@deschan2246]

🤣😂🤣😂

[@beerlahai]

Axel Thomasji what a nice compliment. Thank you.

[@beerlahai]

Des Chan glad I could make you laugh today. Laughter is the best medicine.

[@deschan2246]

@@beerlahai Thanks for the good laugh

[@chengbengkoh7668]

Please not only quarantine the foreign workers especially the Mustafa clusters. How about their " foreign girlfriends " especially the maids.

[@Ktc99999-b]

Smartass

[@sharon4250]

😂🤭

[@jamesho9875]

Sir, I saw a video circulating showing the foreign workers are staying and sleeping at the multi storey car park. Is this true? If yes who approve their decision to do so?

[@fidelcatsro6948]

will be nice if the workers can be taught to march whilst serving out their quarantine there...dari kiri cepat jalan!!

[@annabelltang7507]

My worry is those private dorm...or illegal dorm..also I saw some dorm have fight between workers ..it's draws bystanders not social.distancing.. hope minister have ways to restrict them not to gather around no matter what ..stay at bed space

[@fongfattchee777]

Comprehensive, sound and prudent plan. Your many efforts on our behalf is sincerely appreciated.

[@mrusli1902]

Suggesting the incident of foreign workers who work at NUH who contacted the virus to trace their dormitory how do they get infected by Covid-19. We cannot be complacent on this matter!

[@56gptan]

Happy to hear that how Singapore do take care of the foreign workers not like our Malaysian government said that the foreign workers which are now completely lockdown in 2 mansions roughly around 6,000 foreign workers mostly from India , Pakistan, Bangladesh . The respective embassies are to pay out for their foods. It is very unfair and this back door government have no humanity for these workers. What a shame.

[@crystal2484]

Just allocate a day or so per household to go wet markets or supermarkets. Some people who never go market but now need to go every day. Check how Taiwan do their mask distributions. We can do something like that.

[@catherinequake2621]

Not to worry, we are praying for ppl who are infected with coronavirus to be healed and protect doctors and nurses and cleaner.

[@franklinnanai2745]

Foreign workers are lucky they are in Singapore and I'm lucky I am home in New Zealand. Come on Singaporeans listen to your government for the sake of your people and country, good luck and be safe.

[@ongernie7216]

Just talk through it.

[@iridesceheavens3184]

Awesome Mandarin address by Gan Kim Yong

[@homehome7262]

Shut down Mustafa for the sick of Singapore, these people take things for granted.

[@royalarmy1837]

1:14:14, Good backup answer.

[@deschan2246]

Taiwan leaders r not highly paid yet they did such a wonderful job on the virus. We learn from this episode Highly overpaid does not equal to competency !!!

[@deschan2246]

@DF AMO i dont think Taiwan has corruption problem

[@deschan2246]

@DF AMO international index???🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂 r u naive n gullible to believe them? Hvnt u learn the lesson from WHO? Those index r meaningless

[@deschan2246]

@DF AMO Reality speaks for itself !!!

[@carmelo665]

Taiwan need to learn a lot from their latest case 379.

[@deschan2246]

@@carmelo665 🙂 elaborate

[@mikekoh4662]

I still see elderly and some folks not wearing masks going to buy lunch or dinners . Education is needed NOW to these folks .

[@weisiongpng]

I believe that we will be able to capture all or if not most by the end of this circuit breaker, as long as we abide to what we need to do. Be socially responsible, stay at home, and sound out if youre not feeling well. You WILL be in safe hands. keep it up, fellow citizens and everyone living in Singapore now.

[@WilliamSiongAsia]

What is important is that there are still people out there claiming that there is no COMPULSORY notice for wearing mask whenever they leave their home. Hopefully this will be mentioned again in the coming press conference.

[@wayfaringstranger5808]

Dear Government, please take care of our foreign workers this much beyond covid-19, and also our frontline essential services workers. This calamity is teaching us how crucial the people at the bottom are for the wellbeing of this nation. Please increase their salaries and benefits. Singapore must not just be the favorite nation of the rich and powerful. Singapore belongs to the common folk who make this country possible. Please give them what they rightly deserve. We are counting on you, dear Government.

[@deschan2246]

Ignorant?

[@Zaihanisme]

Des Chan who are you calling ignorant?

[@deschan2246]

@@Zaihanisme isnt it obvious?

[@crystal2484]

@@deschan2246 A lot of people only come onboard after the lockdown, they have no idea what was done previously or for this matter, what wasn't done or not done enough and have no idea that they are ignorant.

[@crystal2484]

@All About Singapore those ignorant ones will tell you to climb over the locked door to clean up those pools of water in dangerous construction sites and then the water gather again when it rains. U can call NEA 6225 5632, hope it helps.

[@iridesceheavens3184]

Other countries set minimum safe-distance at 2 metres, and in enclosed air-con room, it's a whole different game. Time is another factor.

[@eaglezeng3461]

please don't so fast put them into work, many cases are no signal at all

[@emeritusdavidteo5553]

It's time the relevant authorities work with the Lucky Plaza management to ensure male FWs keep a safe distance from FDWs. I have numerous colleagues and ex-colleagues who befriend Phillipas to learn English. There should be a temporary stop in order to protect the FDWs' host families from being infected.

[@sp33dbump33]

Many simply refuse to cooperate with the govt. This is unfair to all responsible citizens and businesses as we might in the end need to extend circuit breaker or enter a full lock down after 4th May! STOP advising like a grandmother nagging! Left ear in, right ear out. Be decisive, be firm, be determine ENFORCE a lock down now. Dont waste anymore time. Pain pain 1 time we do it well.. do it good. After 1 month we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

[@crystal2484]

Somehow, missed LKY's more aggressive way of handling things.

[@amychoi4463]

There are still lots of people not wear a mask when they go out.

[@alzario7349]

Mind yourself before mind others. Let the government decide. Scare of ppl not wearing a mask. Stay home. Tell those ppl stop piling food and contribute others of hunger cause of their selfishness...lol

[@MrCam70]

Too long period of quarantine of dormitory might spark a riot

[@Ktc99999-b]

U think they are u?

[@alzario7349]

More good reason for them to be deported...lol

[@MrCam70]

@@Ktc99999-b u try enclose yourself in a small cramped area for 1 month without much entertainment and movement!

[@Ktc99999-b]

@@MrCam70 then put in your house la tok so much. Tok only

[@MrCam70]

@@Ktc99999-b Whats your problem? Iam just giving a possibility warning. Does that hurt your ass? U forgotten little india incident ? nabei cheeby

[@mpokanniesvlog320]

Different member ,different video ,keep posting same videos

[@ngharley2172]

Go up bus without wear mask , how can there be social distance , cough without mask. Mrt also how to have , when they wait at side of door to squueze in mrt they dont wear mask . How to social distance ? We are put at risk by these anti social ppl .

[@ngharley2172]

Go ntuc at 1am , less ppl but alot dont wear mask , keep coming near at shoulder 5cm apart only , hopeless . Vapour by all these inconsiderate ppl.

[@ngharley2172]

Ya, n we are going to be like in italy n states .

[@ngharley2172]

More like those ppl dont apply social distancing at all . Now NEA put new rule , no mask not allow to enter market . Stay home if u feel uncomfortable wearing mask. Pandemic going on , rather risk spreading to others , boy u nothing to do , stay home.

[@ngharley2172]

@@Zacky51188 new law , update yourself boy , minister already said no mask law . Alot no social distance, 1st time Fine $300 . U wake up n talking nonsense Read the news ,

[@ngharley2172]

@@Zacky51188 u challenge the government, u win .

[@koochie5950]

Just lockdown lah too much talk

[@crystal2484]

itchy backside, do intermittents, confuse the public, those work under them everyday need to sing different tunes to the public. Don't know what is so difficult to close once and for all. Just now at 2 am I saw a few young men meet up to go the nearby park to exercise unless the mother can give birth to the entire group at the same time, I do not think they are from the same family.

[@robertsee433]

we are all in together to battle this Virus. Everyone has a responsible during this pandemic. Sacrifice now or bear the consequence for the long terms. Stay Home for everyone sakes.

[@amychoi4463]

Yeah, I love Singapore and our government.

[@g-vine4573]

Pls make wearing masks mandatory in supermarkets and markets as people do cough over food

[@alzario7349]

If selfish ppl stop piling food, supermarket wont be so crowded. They are more scare dying of hunger than wearing a mask...lol

[@limlyehuat9277]

Keep awatch out those who house in hdb. I had seen worker doing in hdb like to disturb maid and fellow Singapore house wife n daughters. So please CCTV all of them n observe their behaviour so Singaporean n SPR safely. That is not me is all for singaporean n PR safety.

[@annorizxxo9149]

dont forget to check those foreign workers gfs too ✌️

[@winmyatsoe]

CNA, PLEASE TRANSLATE TO TAMIL , BENGALI , CHINESE AND MYANMAR ,PLEASE POST ON FACEBOOK ESPECIALLY MINISTER JOSEPHINE TEO PORTION

[@crystal2484]

NO need so troublesome, just impose a fine, our society speaks the universal language of $$$ the fastest way to communicate anything.

[@kcleez]

@@crystal2484 Yup. Reasoning won't work cos many just don't care.

[@fajarsiddiq]

Keep It Up

[@ongernie7216]

Why no face mask. No mask can get fine of $300. Who can take action against them?

[@blaxerx]

How about paycut for ministers? Or is it if cut pay, the quality of work is different? Not world class liao.

[@zuhradilah]

Blaxer you clearly haven’t been following the news

[@cvhawkeye6255]

Laurence is very worried about Incredible little India from the foreign workers. Otherwise why police and army are on hot standby, like someone being afraid animals will be let loose from the Zoo at any time

[@ashunknown9728]

Help?? Ask forienger to follow this country law n ask them not to loiter around once caught fine them n ask them to Go back their country ..

[@vfopiejcod7575]

LOL

[@banhockchua3490]

整天宅在家里无法工作。每晚看到病例增加。心驚胆跳。

[@ongernie7216]

Just like NATO

[@samueltan1565]

This is a self inflicted misery for letting our guard down too quickly. 😕

[@sharon4250]

Dear foreigners please appreciative and grateful of how this country take care of you while you are here by please following the safety measures stated by our government, let us fight this together, let your family know you are in safe place and be at peace🙏 😷

[@edmwftw3930]

布料本无数, 口罩就能挨. 早走那条路, 何处惹悲哀？What happened inside PM Lee Hsien Loong office before declaring lockdown and issuing reusable masks.: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXylpmeKjJJlpLs​

[@axelthomasji3580]

HOWARD STERN

[@vistory]

joke. wear mask or don't wear? make up your mind!

[@maureenkam9212]

Not discouraging wearing mask any more.

[@videoblush]

Last week already announce to wear mask because there is local transmission now. You sleeping or stirring?

[@deschan2246]

From 1 case on 23rd Jan 2020 to close to 2000 cases on 9th April 2020 (78 days) under their watchful eyes . If it were me, i would be too ashamed to face Singaporean.

[@RaZeyLWindBladE]

Then you should be Italian or Spanish. Or better yet, be a New Yorker. If I was Singapore, i would be ashamed to face you.

[@deschan2246]

@@RaZeyLWindBladE ignorant pple shoukd read up b4 farting brainlessly

[@Itchyphingers]

Des Chan you referring to yourself?

[@79winzer]

Des Chan, why are you still here complaining nonstop. Make yourself a taiwanese then. You don't deserve to be in Spore to be protected. 生在福中不知福的家伙， even foreigner workers contribute way more than you. They deserve more rights and privileges than you.

[@deschan2246]

@@79winzer did i compain? Just sharing some fact n benchmarking . I guess u r those who will continue to support blindly till virus hit u n yr love ones !!! 🙂 or perhaps u need the virus to destroy Singapore then u wake up ? 😂🤣😂🤣

[@kxxxkxk]

lets aim for 500 tomorrow!!

[@lizhang2519]

double ah

[@crystal2484]

we must always win, in every race, live up to the kiasu Singaporean title.

[@user-ul3rm6sv1z]

Please don't. Hope it will be zero.

[@crystal2484]

@@user-ul3rm6sv1z Be realistic

[@user-ul3rm6sv1z]

@@crystal2484 Yes it is somehow unrealistic but to wish for bad things is bad itself. That's why the zero came about. Hope no more drastic increase.