Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh and fellow Aljunied GRC Member of Parliament (MP) Gerald Giam visited residents of Block 506 Hougang Avenue 8 on Friday (21 May) morning, following the mandatory COVID-19 tests taking place there.
It was reported earlier that the Ministry of Health (MOH) will be conducting a mandatory COVID-19 test for all residents at Block 506 Hougang Avenue 8 on Friday and Saturday (22 May), after a few cases were found to be living there.
In a Facebook post, Mr Giam stated that “a small number” of residents in Block 506 were tested positive for COVID-19.
He noted that the mandatory swab of all residents will take place from 1pm to 8pm on Friday, and at 9am to 4pm on Saturday, at the void deck.
Residents are required to bring along their NRIC and TraceTogether Token or App when attending the COVID-19 test, and will have to keep at least a two-metre distance from other residents.
“If you have questions or there is anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m praying that all residents will be healthy and keep safe!” said Mr Giam.
Mr Singh also wrote about the swabbing operation on his Facebook page, noting that residents from the lower floors will be tested today, while those on the upper levels will be tested tomorrow.
“A key concern at the moment before the swabbing facility opens at 1pm later is the number of residents who may come down immediately, crowding the void deck,” he said.
To address this, Mr Singh said the Health Promotion Board (HPB) has sent out an SMS to residents with an indicative timing for testing.
“Our request to residents is to stick to this timing so that the safe distancing ambassadors deployed at the block do not have a difficult time,” he added.
Mr Singh expressed his appreciation of the support from various agencies that have helped set up the swabbing facility and their assistance during the swabbing operation.
“Thankful for the support of staff from various agencies including NEA and PA in the effort. A team of Aljunied-Hougang Town Council conservancy workers are undertaking a thorough wipe-down of the block.
“Gerald and I thanked them for their efforts and the TC will make sure they get a swab test done as well. Thank you to AHTC for assisting in communications with residents as well,” he wrote.
