The Maritime Port Authority (MPA) has announced it will house more than 1,300 foreign workers in floating accommodation at the Tanjong Pagar Terminal, as part of its efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement, MPA said the first group of 31 workers have been processed and moved onto the new accommodation having undergone health checks.
To minimise interaction among workers, each room will accommodate only two to three occupants, with sufficient space among workers for safe distancing. All workers will undergo temperature checks twice a day.
They may leave their rooms for at least an hour each day at staggered timings for scheduled activities on the open deck. In addition, meals will be delivered directly to their rooms.
Captain M Segar, Assistant Chief Executive (Operations) of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), said, “By relocating healthy workers to the floating accommodations, we aim to provide a safe environment for them from the spread of COVID-19.
“We recognise their efforts and contributions to Singapore, and will do our best to take care of their needs and well-being amid the COVID-19 outbreak.”
The MPA has also announced that vessel traffic fell by 14.6% year-on-year (YoY) in March as the COVID-19 pandemic continued to affect operations.
The figures come despite Singapore seeing its increases in TEU and cargo volume (1.1% and 2% respectively), as well as bunker sales.
Singapore was one of the ports hit hardest in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, due to its proximity to and close economic relationship with China.
