On 21 May, an entire HDB block of residents was tested for COVID-19 for the first time since the pandemic began last year.

It came after some residents of the block were found to be carrying the virus.

Now, HDB blocks are tested more regularly than YouTubers upload apology videos online.

After more residents tested positive and viral COVID-19 fragments were detected in wastewater samples, two other HDB blocks in the area were tested.

This trend repeated itself, and now even more HDB blocks have to undergo mass testing.

Residents & Shop Staff of 8 HDB Flats in Hougang to Go Through COVID-19 Tests Due to a New Cluster

8 HDB blocks in Hougang will undergo mass testing for COVID-19 after a new cluster was detected at Block 506 Hougang Avenue 8.

This includes all residents and visitors of Block 506 Hougang Avenue 8, as well as shop staff in neighbouring blocks.

The neighbouring blocks are:

• Block 511 – Hougang Avenue 10
• Blocks 681, 683 and 684 – Hougang Avenue 8
• Block 682 – Hougang Avenue 4
• Blocks 685 and 698 – Hougang Street 61

The tested operation will be conducted at Block 507 Hougang Avenue 8 today (4 June) and Saturday (5 June), between 9am and 4pm.

Voluntary Testing For Neighbouring Blocks

In addition to this mandatory testing, the Ministry of Health will also be offering voluntary testing for individuals who were at the blocks between 19 May and 3 June.

This is to detect asymptomatic cases and prevent further spread.

Residents will be provided with more information through leaflets and text notifications.

New Cluster at Block 506 Hougang Avenue 8

The new cluster at Block 506 Hougang Avenue 8 was identified after another resident of the block – a 58-year-old Singaporean woman – tested positive.

Previously, 12 confirmed cases were linked to the cluster.

The 58-year-old homemaker developed a fever on 29 May, a cough on 30 May, and a runny nose on 31 May.

She sought medical treatment at a polyclinic on 1 June, where she underwent both an ART and PCR test, and was immediately isolated when her ART result came back positive on the same day.

Her PCR test result came back positive as well the next day.

The 58-year-old received her first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine on 18 May.

The new cluster includes a subcluster of four cases linked to a 67-year-old retiree. He was confirmed to have the virus on 26 May.

How Did the Virus Spread?

While some residents were initially worried that the virus spread to neighbouring HDB blocks through the wastewater system, experts have since debunked this.

Rather, they suspect that it was transmitted through a contaminated surface, during a social visit, or even a meeting at a coffee shop.

That’s why shop staff at neighbouring blocks have to be tested as well.

It may be a hassle for the Hougang residents, but it’s certainly a necessary one.

Featured Image: Google Maps