Breakdown of 13.6 Million Swab Tests Performed

Dr Tan Yia Swam asked the Minister for Health (a) of the 13.6 million swab tests that have been performed, what is the breakdown into (i) symptomatic patients, (ii) close contacts of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases and (iii) Rostered Routine Testing (RRT) respectively; and (b) how many positive cases were picked up after symptomatic patients had the deep nasal swab and RRT respectively.

Testing is a key enabler in our efforts to contain COVID-19. As of 30 June 2021, 1,176 of close to 127,000 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) swab tests conducted on close contacts of COVID-19 infected individuals were found to be COVID-19 positive. Additionally, about 959,000 PCR swab tests were conducted on individuals who had respiratory symptoms and presented themselves at our Public Health Preparedness Clinics and Polyclinics. Of these, about 255 tested COVID-19 positive.

Workers in higher risk settings such as our borders, the Construction, Marine and Process (CMP) sectors, inpatient healthcare, as well those living in high density environments, such as dorms, undergo rostered routine testing (RRT). As of 30 June 2021, there are about 550,000 workers who are undergoing PCR RRT, of which, 536 of them had tested COVID-19 positive.

RRT allows us to detect and ringfence cases early. It protects workers and limits the spread of COVID-19 by allowing us to detect spread early and to intervene. RRT also helps us focus public health resources where it is needed. Positive test results allow rapid intervention to protect workplaces and the community. Negative test results are also useful as it provides reassurance to the workers and their clients, and allow these groups of employees in critical roles, to avoid facing further restrictions on social activities.