SINGAPORE, April 10 (NNN-CNA) – Singapore Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, promised, the state would do its best to take care of foreign workers’ health, livelihood and welfare here, and to let them go home, safe and sound, to their family members.
He said that, Singapore appreciates the work and contributions of foreign workers here, and feels responsible for their well-being.
The prime minister said, COVID-19 outbreaks were seen in several foreign worker dormitories. “Many dorms have many cases,” he added.
According to the Ministry of Health, Singapore reported a record high of 287 COVID-19 cases on Thursday, in which 202 cases were linked to foreign worker dormitories. Foreign workers of confirmed cases are from countries like China, India, Myanmar, the Philippines and Bangladesh.
Lee said, the Singapore government responded comprehensively to contain the COVID-19 spread in the dorms, and protect foreign workers. An inter-agency task force was set up to handle the situation, and it deployed Forward Assurance and Support Teams in all the dorms. These teams worked closely with dorm operators and could respond quickly to the workers’ essential needs.
He said, the government worked with employers of foreign workers to make sure the workers would be paid their salaries, and could remit money home. Meanwhile, the government will provide foreign workers with the medical care and treatment that they need.
Lee also asked all Singaporeans to take the Circuit Break, a month-long tighter safe distancing measures started last Tuesday, very seriously.
“Stay home and stop socialising with others,” he said. “If we do not observe this strictly, all our inconvenience, pain and sacrifice will be in vain.”
