Fishmongers from all markets to undergo Covid-19 testing, after spread from Jurong Fishery Port to Hong Lim market: MOH

SINGAPORE — Fishmongers from all markets will be tested for Covid-19, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Saturday (July 17), after seven people were found to be infected with the disease at Jurong Fishery Port on Friday.

The ministry has arranged with the National Environment Agency to test fishmongers from all the markets at test centres and to distribute antigen rapid test kits to them, so that they can “continue to monitor themselves”.

This is due to the coronavirus spreading from Jurong Fishery Port to Hong Lim Market and Food Centre in Chinatown.

“There is a risk of transmission of the virus to other markets”, it added. 

More details about the testing exercise for fishmongers will be released shortly.

Due to the new cases, the fishery port and Hong Lim Market and Food Centre will be closed from Saturday to July 31 for deep cleaning. 

All those who worked at the fishery port between July 3 and Friday have been placed under quarantine, and special testing operations for all visitors during that period are ongoing. 

MOH also advised visitors to wet markets to avoid crowds and do their marketing during off-peak hours or at supermarkets. 

“We understand that there is now a rush to buy fish... Please be mindful of safe management measures, by keeping a 1m distance from one another and wearing your masks properly while marketing,” it said.