MOH urges Singapore employers not on mandatory testing regime to nonetheless carry out regular testing

Further, MOH announced that more Singapore sectors will be onboarded into the FET rostered routine testing regime.

More sectors with frequent interactions with the community would be progressively onboarded onto seven-day Fast and Easy Test (FET) Rostered Routine Testing (RRT) regime, Singapore's Ministry of Health shared on 10 September 2021 (Friday). "Together, this intensified testing will improve our sentinel surveillance, allowing us to detect cases early and slow down the spread of the virus."

Previously announced on 6 September 2021, the frequency of mandatory FET RRT regime will be increased from once every fortnight to once a week.

Currently, this applies to sectors with higher transmission risk settings such as food and beverage (F&B), personal care services, and gym and fitness studios. In addition, retail mall workers, supermarket staff, last-mile delivery personnel (including parcel and food delivery personnel), and public and private transport workers (taxi drivers, private hire car drivers and all public transport frontline staff).

Further, MOH announced that workplaces not on mandatory RRT should nonetheless carry out regular testing for their onsite staff over a two-month period. As such, the Ministry will begin to distribute the Antigen Rapid Test (ART) self-test kits "from next week onwards" for companies to undertake this regular testing.

"More details on the application process, the coverage, and delivery of kits etc. will be provided soon," MOH added.

Beyond workplace testing, MOH also encouraged Singaporeans to use the ART kits that are currently being distributed to all households by 27 September 2021, to self-test themselves before visiting crowded places, attending events or visiting vulnerable seniors as "this will help us keep our community safe."

As of 12 September (Sunday), there is a total of 520 new cases of COVID-19 infection, with 780 cases currently warded in hospital; 54 cases requiring oxygen supplementation, and seven in critical condition in the intensive care unit (ICU).

ALSO READ: Singapore implements compulsory vaccination or regular testing regime for employees in selected sectors from 1 October 2021

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