Number of Foreigners, Permanent Residents and Singaporeans Tested positive for COVID-19
Ministry of HealthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the COVID-19 infection statistics among incoming travellers and the mandatory testing protocols for those arriving in Singapore. Mr Ang Wei Neng sought data on positive cases among citizens, permanent residents, and foreigners, specifically highlighting work permit holders and foreign domestic workers. Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong shared that from July to December 2020, 191 citizens, 214 permanent residents, and 1,179 foreigners tested positive. He highlighted that non-citizens from high-risk regions must present negative pre-departure PCR tests, while all arrivals are subject to Stay Home Notices. Starting 25 January 2021, all inbound travellers, including citizens and permanent residents, are required to undergo a PCR test upon arrival in Singapore.
Transcript
35 Mr Ang Wei Neng asked the Minister for Health (a) what is the number of foreigners, Permanent Residents and Singaporeans arriving in Singapore from July 2020 and of these, how many have been tested positive for COVID-19; (b) of the foreigners arriving in Singapore since July 2020, how many are work permit holders and domestic helpers respectively and of these, how many have been tested positive for COVID-19; and (c) whether there are plans for foreigners to submit Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test results to the Singapore Government at least three calendar days prior to arrival in Singapore.
Mr Gan Kim Yong: From 1 July 2020 to 31 December 2020, 191 Singapore Citizens (SCs) and 214 Permanent Residents (PRs) tested positive for COVID-19 out of about 64,000 and 32,000 arrivals respectively. Out of the 177,000 foreigners who arrived during this period, 1,179 tested positive for COVID-19. This included 440 Foreign Domestic Workers and 147 Work Permit Holders who tested positive, out of about 14,000 and 28,000 arrivals respectively. All arrivals from high-risk countries or regions are subject to Stay Home Notice (SHN), and all detected cases are sent to appropriate care facilities for isolation. This minimises the risk of transmission to the community.
All inbound travellers who are not SCs or PRs, and who are entering from high-risk countries or regions, are required to present a negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test taken within 72 hours before departure to board the plane to Singapore. Given the emergence of new virus variants and the worsening COVID-19 situation around the world, all inbound travellers (including SCs and PRs) arriving from 25 January 2021 are also required to take a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival in Singapore.