Even as PM Lee announced the extension of Circuit Breaker measures to June 1, the Multi-Ministry Task Force today (April 21) also emphasised its concerted effort to actively test and treat migrant workers, following consecutive days of a four-figure increase in positive cases in the dormitories.

One of the new isolation facilities, which opens this Saturday (April 25) is now sending out an urgent call for medical workers. 

Healthcare workers – from doctors to dentists to healthcare assistants – are needed at the new Community Isolation Facility (CIF) at Changi Exhibition Centre (CEC).

These are paid roles.

The 33,000-sq-metre hall has an average capacity to house 2,800 migrant workers who have just been diagnosed with COVID-19. The CIF will also house recovering migrant workers who are waiting for their 2x negative swab tests.

“There is a tremendous need for round-the-clock care,” Dr Chng Shih Kiat, medical director of Raffles Medical, told Salt&Light. Raffles Medical Group has been tasked to provide the medical care for CEC CIF.

“The doctors and nurses are needed to run the sick parade for the infected workers daily,” said Dr Chng, referring to the ‘parade’ of workers who report for regular assessment.

“They are also needed to assess all new workers checking into the facility as well as to out-process those who have two negative swabs tests. Workers who have worsened clinically will be evacuated to the government hospital for further management.”

Medical workers who can also speak native languages of the migrant workers will be able to help in translation during Webinars for the teleconsultation of patients.

Salt&Light understands that dentists who are keen to provide assistance can be called upon to help perform daily swabs for recovering patients.

“Such facilities help free up capacity at our hospitals for patients who need greater medical care,” said Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean in his Facebook page of April 13, 2020. According to Teo, setting up the facility at Changi Exhibition Centre was a collaborative effort. In his post, he thanked “all our hardworking staff from various GLCs, private sector & govt agencies for getting the place ready in less than a week”.

Doctors and dentists who are keen to respond to this call, please email:
• Ms Jeline Tai, [email protected]         
• Ms Evelynn Lau, [email protected] 

Nursing staff who are keen to help, please email:
• Ms Belinda Lim, [email protected]
• Ms Cecilia Kum, [email protected]