Singapore has put nearly 20,000 migrant workers under quarantine for two weeks after a growing number of Covid-19 infections were detected in their dormitories, authorities said on Sunday (Apr 5).
Singapore has told 20,000 foreign workers to stay in their dormitories for 14 days as coronavirus cases increase in the city state. Two dormitories have been isolated: one with 13,000 workers and 63 cases, and one with 6,800 workers and 28 cases.
They are typically home to men from South Asia who work in construction.
The workers will be paid and given three meals a day - but some have complained of overcrowded and dirty conditions.
Although Singapore was praised for its proactive response to the virus, the number of locally-transmitted cases is increasing - and a "lockdown" begins on Tuesday.
Singapore has recorded more than 1,300 cases and six deaths.
Although most cases were initially imported, local transmission is rising and on Sunday, 120 new cases were confirmed - the highest daily rise so far.
On Friday, the government announced a "circuit breaker" policy, similar to the lockdowns seen in other countries. Schools and non-essential businesses are set to close this week, and people have been encouraged to stay at home.
- Source: News websites
