The migrant workers in Singapore have been badly hit by the coronavirus.
Living in cramped dormitories with 12 to 20 other men creates a perfect hotbed for infectious diseases like Covid-19.
That’s why the majority of new cases lately have been migrant workers; only 10 of the reported 657 new cases yesterday were Singaporeans or Singapore PRs.
As a result, many migrant workers have been moved out of their dormitories to vacant HDB flats, to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
While we’re used to bad news when it comes to Covid-19, today’s article might just bring you a little bit of joy.
Video Shows Migrant Workers Enjoying Sea View With Safe Distancing While Quarantining in Cruise Ship
Migrant workers who have recovered from Covid-19 can’t go back to their dormitories, so the authorities have had to find new accommodation for them.
One particular group of workers was housed in a place ideal for relaxation and recuperation: a cruise ship.
A video of the migrant workers on board a cruise ship docked at Marina Bay Cruise Centre was uploaded to Facebook, showing a few workers seated in the open-air lounge area enjoying the view.
There weren’t many workers in the lounge, but those who were there were sitting a safe distance apart from one another.
Housed On Board Two Cruise Ships
Migrant workers who have recovered from the coronavirus will be temporarily housed on board two cruise ships: SuperStar Gemini and SuperStar Aquarius cruise ships operated by Genting Cruise Lines.
In a Facebook post on 1 May, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said SuperStar Gemini has started receiving foreign workers who have recovered from Covid-19 and shared details about the ship’s facilities.
The ship, which is equipped with sick bays and an isolation station, also has WiFi, in-cabin entertainment, en suite toilets, and in-cabin dining.
Safe distancing will be observed at all times, of course, and the workers will also get some scheduled outdoor time.
As STB said, this move is part of the Government’s efforts to “transfer workers to alternative living areas to reduce the spread of the virus within their dormitories”.
They added that the SuperStar Aquarius has also passed the assessment by authorities and is ready to receive foreign workers.
But you’re probably wondering…
Why Cruise Ships?
Well, these two ships, in particular, were chosen because their design enables 100 per cent external fresh air to be filtered and supplied to the cabins and on board public areas, according to Mothership.
This not only ensures a healthy flow of fresh air but also prevents the recirculation of air within the ship.
Recirculation of air can facilitate the spread of the coronavirus as virus particles in return ducts can also re-enter a building when centralised air handling units are equipped with recirculation sectors.
In other words, recirculation is bad.
In any case, it’s certainly nice to see the migrant workers being treated well after being moved out of their homes. Hopefully, once the pandemic dies down, the authorities will look into improving the living conditions of these workers.