COVID-19 antigen rapid testing will be made compulsory for all those working in the construction sector, including non-dormitory workers and visitors.
COVID-19 antigen rapid tests will be made mandatory for the construction sector, including non-dormitory workers and visitors to construction sites, revealed the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) on Saturday (7 August).
The mandatory testing will also apply to construction account workers that are currently on rostered routine testing and working on projects such as lift and escalator installation works, renovation, repair and re-decoration works, as well as minor works.
In May, BCA introduced antigen rapid tests as a pilot at construction sites to screen workers who are not living in dormitories.
With this, a COVID-19 case was recently detected at one of the pilot sites, allowing for swift actions to isolate the worker without compromising the worksite’s safety immediately.
“This is a good example of how administering antigen rapid tests at construction worksites serves as an effective safeguard on top of the current rostered routine testing, in ringfencing worksites against COVID-19 transmission and lowering the risk of clusters forming,” said BCA.
It noted that the mandatory testing will be implemented in two stages to ensure works continue with minimal disruptions.
“All large worksites with project value of more than $3 million and all construction supply works premises will be required to implement and administer antigen rapid test to screen personnel who are not residing in dormitories (i.e. those residing in HDB and private residential properties) before they enter the worksites, by 20 August 2021,” said BCA.
Meanwhile, the testing for small worksites with a project value of $3 million or less and construction account workers should be implemented by 3 September, it added.
Looking for a property in Singapore? Visit PropertyGuru’s Listings, Project Reviews and Guides.
Cheryl Chiew, Digital Content Specialist at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact her about this story, email: cheryl@propertyguru.com.sg.
