Singapore uses floating hotels for foreign workers

Singapore is utilizing floating accommodation vessels, dubbed 'floating hotels', to house hundreds of foreign workers as a measure against the rapid spread of the coronavirus in crowded dormitories.

These accommodation vessels are typically used for offshore and marine industry staff and are being prepared to host healthy migrant workers.

Authorities are relocating workers from dormitories, which have become the primary source of infections, to various alternative sites including military camps, an exhibition center, and vacant public housing.

Each 'floating hotel' can accommodate a few hundred occupants and is designed to ensure safe distancing.

The vessels are docked in a restricted port terminal area, and management is being handled by several maritime and accommodation sector companies.

The cabins are basic but clean, with residents having access to a deck for daily exercise and meals delivered to their cabins to minimize contact.

A medical facility is also being established on land near the accommodation vessels.

As of Sunday, Singapore had recorded 2,532 coronavirus cases, with eight deaths.