Leon Perera on Singapore’s COVID-19 response

What is the timeline for improved standards in migrant worker dormitories to be rolled out nationally, including the role of NEST - the new corporate entity set up by the Government to manage its migrant worker dorms? Will the Government build on the COVID-19 experience to develop a clear plan to manage an infectious disease outbreak in migrant worker dorms, with the “massive logistical challenges” that will entail? These questions were asked by MP Leon Perera in Parliament on Monday (Mar 20). He noted that the COVID-19 outbreak in migrant workers’ dorms “will remain a blight on the report card” of how Singapore managed the pandemic. Mr Perera also asked if GPs could play more of a role in vaccination and surveillance in any future pandemic. This is in view of enhancements that will come about due to Healthier SG, which should see them have enhanced access to IT and data, for example. Mr Perera added that non-governmental organisations should have a stronger role in future crises as well - not just as partners to execute initiatives, but to inform and critique policies and disseminate accurate information to their constituencies.