Residents at two HDB blocks in Hougang Avenue 8 to undergo COVID-19 tests

Residents at blocks 501 and 507 Hougang Avenue 8 will have to undergo mandatory COVID-19 tests from Jun 1 to Jun 3. 

The announcement was made by the Ministry of Health (MOH) after COVID-19 viral fragments were found in wastewater samples collected from the block. This is despite having no COVID-19 cases confirmed at either block.

The COVID-19 tests will be conducted as a precautionary measure for all residents. The tests will be held at the void deck of block 507 from Jun 1 to Jun 3 between 9am and 4pm.

All residents at the blocks will receive leaflets and SMS notifications from MOH regarding the tests. They are also advised to monitor their health and consult a doctor immediately if unwell. 

Aljunied GRC MP Gerald Giam stated in a Facebook post that the town council has since activated cleaners to disinfect the surrounding at the affected blocks. 

The COVID-19 testing is part of the ministry’s surveillance measures to detect and prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in the community. All close contacts will be tested and quarantined once a positive case is confirmed. 

The move comes a few weeks after residents from Block 506 Hougang Avenue 8 were required to undergo mandatory COVID-19 testing in May. 11 cases were reported from at least four households while two cases were detected from the testing exercise