Ministers defend Singapore’s handling of Covid-19 outbreak as cases surge past 18,000
- Pressed for answers on the spate of infections among migrant workers, ministers said authorities had responded ‘squarely and quickly’ once the situation became apparent
- The government has promised a comprehensive review on its approach to the outbreak once the crisis is over
Manpower minister Josephine Teo said the authorities had dealt with the situation “squarely and quickly” once there was evidence the virus was spreading in dormitories, while health minister Gan Kim Yong said ministries had “moved in quickly” to set up medical posts in dorms to provide support.
When asked by nominated member of parliament Anthea Ong if the government would apologise to the workers, Teo said she had heard from workers on a regular basis and had not come across “one single migrant worker himself that has demanded an apology”.
Workers were more concerned whether wages would be paid, how to remit money home, and how sick workers would be treated, Teo said.
“We produced materials in the workers’ native languages to encourage them to take steps to protect themselves,” Teo said. “Subsequently, non-essential facilities in the dormitories like gyms and television rooms were closed.”
