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New housing arrangements for migrant workers in the 'next year or two': Lawrence Wong

SINGAPORE — The Government is looking into new housing arrangements for migrant workers who have recovered from Covid-19, Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong said on Monday (April 27).

Cochrane Lodge 2, one of several dormitories that have been gazetted as isolation areas after an outbreak of Covid-19 infections.

Cochrane Lodge 2, one of several dormitories that have been gazetted as isolation areas after an outbreak of Covid-19 infections.

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SINGAPORE — The Government is looking into new housing arrangements for migrant workers who have recovered from Covid-19, Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong said on Monday (April 27).

At a press briefing by the multi-ministry task force leading Singapore's response to the outbreak, Mr Wong, who co-chairs the group, said this is part of long-term plans for housing foreign workers, who typically live in cramped dormitories provided by private operators.

Their living conditions came under the spotlight recently as Singapore recorded a surge in Covid-19 infections, the majority of which affecting migrant workers living in dormitories.

Mr Wong said that the plan for long-term housing arrangements will begin now and eventually be ready in a year or two.

The Government also has an “extensive plan” to house workers in short- and medium-term facilities, he said, adding that it will involve building new sites.

“It is a whole pipeline of arrangements for the short, medium to long term,” Mr Wong said.

“(We are) thinking holistically what is the ideal arrangement for the housing of our migrant workers, so that is something we will present quite soon to the public, as we pull together all of these plans.”

Last week, the Ministry of National Development told TODAY that the Government was continuing to seek out more space to cater to future medical needs, including facilities for suspect cases or infected workers, and for workers who are recovering or who have fully recovered.

The Tanjong Pagar Terminal is one such site.

This is on top of existing community isolation facilities at D’Resort NTUC in Pasir Ris, the Singapore Expo Convention and Exhibition Centre, and the Changi Exhibition Centre.

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Covid-19 coronavirus Migrant Workers dormitories

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