Breakdown of Monthly Total Testing Capacity for COVID-19 by Tests and Plans to Expand Testing Capacity for Each Type of Test

75 Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Health (a) what is Singapore’s total testing capacity for COVID-19 for each month since the beginning of the pandemic, broken down by types of tests; (b) how many of each type of test have been conducted each month; and (c) how does the Ministry intend to further expand testing capacity for each type of test going forward.

Mr Ong Ye Kung: We have increased our PCR lab test capacity from 2,900 daily tests in April 2020 to 80,000 daily tests today. On average, about 36,000 daily PCR tests are conducted in the past two months. Our reserve lab capacity enables us to mount additional tests when needed to detect and prevent spread.

Around 4,000 to 5,000 Antigen Rapid Tests (ARTs) are administered daily over the past two months. We have established supply chains with major ART manufacturers to ensure quick replenishment of ART if required.

Wastewater testing is another critical component of our testing strategy and has been deployed at worker dormitories, welfare and nursing homes, and HDB blocks where there have been multiple cases. Today, NEA has deployed wastewater testing at over 200 sites and can test 2,500 samples weekly.