Update on precautionary measures for stallholders

1.      As announced by the Ministry of Health (MOH) on 17 July 2021, COVID-19 clusters have been uncovered involving fishmongers who visited the Jurong Fishery Port to collect their stock and sell at the markets.

2.       As a precautionary measure, fresh fish and seafood stallholders at markets managed by the National Environment Agency (NEA) or NEA-appointed operators were disallowed from operating this morning in order to prevent any further transmission. These stallholders have or will be receiving an SMS Health Risk Warning (HRW) from MOH. The HRW means that the person is required by law to get a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test at designated testing centres. Until tested negative, the person is required to self-isolate and not leave their home.

3.       Affected fish and seafood stallholders can also walk in to specified Regional Screening Centres (Annex) today should they wish to get their PCR tests done as soon as possible. Stallholders who receive a negative PCR test result are able to resume business immediately.

4.       In addition to the PCR test, fresh fish and seafood stallholders will be issued with self-test Antigen Rapid Test (ART) kits and are required to self-administer an ART test on the seventh day from the last exposure. They will also be required to undergo another PCR test at designated testing centres around the 14th day from their date of last known exposure.

5.       MOH has also arranged with NEA to conduct COVID-19 testing for all stallholders and stall assistants of market stalls and cooked food stalls at hawker centres and markets managed by NEA or NEA-appointed operators. These stallholders and stall assistants will receive an SMS notification with details of the scheduled test. Stalls not selling fresh fish or seafood can remain in operation while the testing of stallholders is taking place over the next few days. We urge all stallholders and stall assistants to get tested, for their benefit and that of their patrons.

6.       We advise all visitors to the markets and food centres to avoid crowds, to visit during off-peak hours where possible, and to strictly observe safe management measures.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT AGENCY
18 JULY 2021