Residents of Block 559 in Pasir Ris go for swab test after 4 Covid-19 patients detected there

SINGAPORE – All 243 residents of a Housing Board block in Pasir Ris have been asked to undergo a swab test after four Covid-19 cases were detected in two different households there.

Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC MP Desmond Tan said in a Facebook post on Sunday (May 23) morning that this was a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents of Block 559 in Pasir Ris Street 51.

He told The Straits Times there are 79 units in the affected block, comprising a mix of households from young couples to intergenerational families. 

In his Facebook post, he added that there was no need for residents living in the surrounding blocks to get tested unless they had visited households in the block from May 2.

The swab tests will be administered at the regional screening centre at the site of the former Coral Primary School from 9am to 4pm on Sunday and Monday (May 24).

More details are provided on a flyer from the Health Ministry (MOH) that was delivered door-to-door, said Mr Tan, who is Minister of State for Home Affairs and Sustainability and the Environment.

Residents will also receive a text message notifying them about their appointment for the swab.

Mr Tan said he had met residents at the block from before 9am this morning to speak with them. Many of them had asked after their neighbours who had tested Covid-19 positive, he added. 

“I assured them that they are very well taken care of in either the care facilities or the hospital, and that close contacts have also been taken to the quarantine facilities,” he said. 

Other residents had asked whether they should also quarantine themselves, Mr Tan said. 

He assured them that that was not necessary as the swabbing exercise was a precautionary measure. 

“The whole idea is to give us confidence and assurances and peace of mind,” he said. 

He added that they should also work from home as much as possible and minimise their movement, at least until their test results are out.  “But they are not under quarantine.”

The Pasir Ris-Punggol Town Council has worked with the National Environment Agency to thoroughly clean and disinfect the common area at Block 559 and surrounding blocks, he noted.

Mr Tan thanked residents for their understanding and cooperation. 

“My advice to them is the same, to try and stay home. Look out for each other. If you’re unwell, do go and seek medical attention as soon as possible and get yourself tested when you are asked to do this is not so much. Is is really for the for the safety and for the community and your family and loved ones as well.”

This is the second HDB block where several Covid-19 cases have surfaced, after Block 506 in Hougang Avenue 8.

Residents in that block went for mandatory Covid-19 testing on Friday (May 21) and Saturday.