Photographer: Wei Leng Tay / Bloomberg
Photographer: Wei Leng Tay / Bloomberg
Singapore strengthened rules for workers in the marine industry after two more Covid-19 cases were discovered in the last two days of December.
Shore-based workers in the marine sector who plan to board Covid-19 pre-departure test vessels must perform by Jan. 8, according to a consortium statement from Singapore Sea Port Authority, Singapore Economic Development Board, Enterprise Singapore and Ministry of Health. This applies to more than 20,000 employees, the said a statement.
Routine tests will also be carried out more frequently, with staff now to be tested every seven days instead of every 14. Those who do not follow these rules may not board ships for work.
“Individuals and companies who have been found guilty of these measures will be arrested,” the statement said. “Organizations will also review the need to develop PPE and infection control measures in the region.”
A marine surveyor and port pilot conducted a positive test for coronavirus on Dec. 30 and 31, respectively, prompting authorities to take steps to introduce the additional strain measures. This was followed by a marine service engineer testing positive on 26 November.