SINGAPORE (April 17): The Singapore government is studying the feasibility of using two mid-sized cruise ships as temporary accommodation for foreign workers who have recovered from Covid-19 and tested negative for the virus. The SuperStar Gemini and the SuperStar Aquarius may be used to complement other interim facilities such as SAF military camps and vacant HDB blocks, if deemed suitable.

In a statement on its website today, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said that the SuperStar Gemini arrived today from Hong Kong and is berthed at Marina Bay Cruise Centre Singapore waiting to undergo assessment. With the support of the ship’s operator, Genting Cruise Lines, STB will consider the ship’s ventilation systems, security protocols and infection control measures. The SuperStar Aquarius may be activated for assessment at a later date.

With readily available rooms and en-suite toilets, both cruise ships may accommodate up to 2,000 foreign workers. The ships will only be activated, if there is necessity for supplementary accommodation.

“If activated, every effort will be made to uphold the health, welfare and security of foreign workers on board the ship, where they will be expected to observe the highest standards of safe distancing at all times,” it said.

STB said that the foreign workers will also be allowed scheduled outdoor time on board and provided with SIM cards and Wifi broadband for wireless surfing.

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