MOH apologises for slow conveyance in quarantine orders, communication lapses

THE Ministry of Health (MOH) has ramped up quarantine operations to handle the increased load brought about by the outbreak of the KTV and Jurong Fishery Port Covid clusters. Most of the backlog was cleared over the weekend, a spokesperson told BT on Monday.

"This surge has led to slower conveyance to government quarantine facilities and communications gaps for some persons under quarantine," said a MOH spokesperson.

"We apologise to these individuals and their families for delays and lapses. Our operations staff have been working very hard, the Ministry of Health has since ramped up our quarantine operations to handle the increased load."

BT reported last week there was speculation that the surge in cases may be straining the capacity to manage Covid-19 protocols, as Singapore residents took to online channels to vent their frustration on being picked up belatedly for quarantine.

"With Phase 2 (Heightened Alert), we are ... finding that (the) number of contacts per infected persons has come down. With more of the population being fully vaccinated, more individuals are able to serve home quarantine if their homes are suitable. This will reduce the need for conveyancing," said MOH.

As at Aug 1, over 10,000 persons are quarantined at home.

MOH added that individuals allowed to serve home quarantine can also request to go to a government quarantine facility if this fits their circumstances better.

Parents had earlier voiced concerns as school-going children in the same household are unable to go to school until the person serving a quarantine order is moved out of the home to a quarantine facility or completes the quarantine order at home.

In one case, a boy was placed under quarantine order as a classmate tested positive over the weekend. The family was told however that their son would likely have to wait a while for both a place at a quarantine hotel and the results of his swab test.

Read more: Jump in quarantine orders leaves hundreds anxious and frustrated as protocols come under strain