Construction worksites to pilot use of ART for those not residing in dormitories

THE use of antigen rapid tests (ART) will be piloted at construction worksites to screen those who are not residing in dormitories, such as those residing in Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats and private residential properties, said the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in a circular on Monday.

"In view of the evolving Covid-19 situation, additional risk mitigating measures are required for the workforce not residing in the dormitories. This will further reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission to the (construction, marine, and processing) worksites," said the circular.

These tests, which will be conducted once every three days, will be administered by workers through self-swab test kits. This is on top of the rostered routine testing (RRT) that workers are currently required to take, in seven or 14-day cycles.

For unvaccinated workers, the ART will be done either once every three days in addition to the 14-day RRT, or once per week in between the existing seven-day RRT. Meanwhile, for vaccinated workers, one additional RRT will be done within their seven or 14-day RRT cycle.

In the circular, BCA said that each employer will appoint trained personnel as supervisors to ensure proper infection prevention controls, safe-management measures, and the correct use of the test kits.

"Some worksites will also designate and train specific personnel who administer the swabs for their colleagues," it added.

The pilot is being overseen by the BCA, the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Health. BCA is currently engaging worksites on the initiative, and they will be commencing their ART operations progressively.

"As we ramp up ART supplies, more sites will be progressively included," said BCA, adding that it will provide more details on the ART requirements and implementation when ready, including the training and preparation required.