Singapore is considering using cruise ships to house foreign workers who have recovered and tested negative for the novel coronavirus, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Tourism.
“Cruise ships are being considered as they have readily available rooms and en-suite toilets,” according to the statement released on Friday. The Ministry of Tourism added the possibility of moving foreign workers onto cruise ships “is to further manage Covid-19 transmission and to allow health measures to be implemented more effectively in existing dormitories.”
Two cruise ships are being considered and could accommodate up to 2,000 workers. The government says the ships will only be activated if there is “need to supplement other temporary accommodation.”
Last week the government said it would start rehousing some migrant workers from dormitories to empty apartment units, military camps, and floating hotels known as flotels used by offshore workers.
Singapore has seen a spike in locally transmitted cases over the past week, according to the Ministry of Health. At least 2,689 of the 4,427 confirmed cases in the city are linked to foreign workers living in dormitories.
CNN