SingPost Is Singapore’s Latest Covid-19 Cluster, Package Processing Operations Temporarily Suspended
Singapore Post (SingPost) next to Paya Lebar MRT emerged as Singapore’s latest Covid-19 cluster on Friday (27 Mar) after 3 employees tested positive for the coronavirus.
49 More Covid-19 Cases On 27 Mar, New Cluster Emerges At SingPost Centre With 3 Infections
On the same evening, SingPost issued a statement via Facebook with details about the 3 employees.
Notably, the 2 full-time staff who tested positive for Covid-19 apparently did not have contact with members of the public during their line of work.
Customers awaiting parcels from SingPost should also expect delays as the company has suspended all packet processing operations until Monday (30 Mar) to allow for cleaning and disinfection.
1 contract staff and 2 full-timers at SingPost test positive for Covid-19
According to the Facebook post, the first employee – a contract staff – tested positive for Covid-19 last Thursday (19 Mar). The 47-year-old male Singapore Permanent Resident, AKA Case 581, was last at the packet-processing facility on 19 Mar.
Subsequently, 2 other full-time employees working on the same floor were found to be infected on Friday (27 Mar).
3 employees from SingPost test positive for Covid-19
Source
The 2 full-timers – Cases 689 and 724 – comprised a 76-year-old Singaporean woman and a 29-year-old male Work Pass holder from Malaysia. They did not have contact with members of the public in their line of work.
According to SingPost’s Facebook page, the transmission happened despite the strict health-screening and social distancing protocols implemented for all contractors and staff members.
Contact tracing by authorities is underway to identify possible transmissions.
Package deliveries likely face delay
The confirmed cases are reportedly from SingPost’s packet-sorting area.
Hence, all packet processing operations at SingPost Centre were suspended from 26-27 Mar for deep cleaning and disinfection.
Employees working on the same floor as the confirmed cases were also told to stay home until further notice.
As such, customers should note that delivery of packages could be slightly delayed. Letter mail delivery is not affected during this time.
Operations are expected to continue on Monday (30 Mar).
In ending, SingPost emphasised that,
There is no known risk of contracting the virus through physical items so far.
Seeking the kind understanding of the public
While this certainly proves to be a hassle, the health and safety of all staff come first.
SingPost seeks the kind understanding of the public during this time.
The postal service pledged:
Even as SingPost renders support to its affected team members, we remain fully committed to our delivery obligations to the Nation.
Kudos to SingPost for their utmost commitment to continue their service in the safest manner.
Featured image adapted from Google Maps.
