More Than 600 Migrant Workers Test Positive in Singapore

Singapore has reported 618 confirmed cases of the virus, the majority of which are foreign workers living in the region, according to a release by the Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH).

The MOH "has preliminarily confirmed an additional 618 cases of Covid-19 infection in Singapore," adding that more than 600 migrant workers who isolated in dormitories have tested positive, according to the statement.

Seven cases are permanent resident holders in Singapore and not linked to the dormitories. 

Singapore is home to around 1.4 million foreign employees, primarily from South and South East Asia. As housekeepers, domestic helpers, building workers, and manual laborers, these migrants are important to the functioning of Singapore — but they are often some of the lowest-paid and most needy in the region.

The recent drastic rise in coronavirus infections in the country has been related to clusters in foreign workers' dormitories.

To monitor spread, the government has sought to separate dormitories, check staff, and transfer symptomatic patients to quarantine facilities.

Source: CNN