Written Answer by Minister for Manpower Dr Tan See Leng to PQ on Recovery Areas in Dormitories for Migrant Workers Infected with COVID-19

NOTICE PAPER NO. 1011 of 2022 FOR THE SITTING ON 28 FEBRUARY 2022

QUESTION NO.2571 FOR WRITTEN ANSWER FOR ORAL ANSWER NOT ANSWERED BY END OF QUESTION TIME

MP: MR LOUIS NG KOK KWANG

To ask the Minister for Manpower (a) where do migrant workers who are living in dormitories recover when they are infected with COVID-19; (b) what is the current capacity of such facilities or arrangements; and (c) whether there are plans to increase the capacity of such facilities or arrangements.

Answer:

1. The Ministry of Manpower has put in place a Dormitory Recovery Programme that mirrors the COVID-19 recovery in the community. Fully vaccinated COVID-positive workers who are asymptomatic or with mild symptoms recover in dedicated recovery facilities. Migrant workers who are at a higher risk of severe disease are conveyed to appropriate healthcare facilities such as the hospitals for medical care.

2. We had set up recovery facilities and specifically re-purposed them from dedicated blocks in certain dormitories and segregated from workers who are not infected. COVID-positive workers in these recovery facilities monitor their vitals thrice daily and have access to medical services at regional medical centres or 24/7 telemedicine consultations. Mobile clinical teams may also be deployed to further augment medical care, when required.

3. We have stood up sufficient recovery beds to accommodate COVID positive migrant workers. We are monitoring the situation closely and are able to add to the capacity of recovery facilities as needed.