Businesses in Bedok Central affected by reduced foot traffic will pay only half of their rent and service and conservancy charges for May, officials said [1].
Mandatory tuberculosis (TB) screening began at Bedok Central on May 4, targeting about 700 tenants and employees in the three locations where recent TB cases were found [1]. The screening period was originally set to run through May 7 but has been extended to May 8 to allow more people to register [1].
More public screening slots have also been made available with priority given to hawkers and employees working in the area. This aims to increase participation in the health check, especially among those at higher risk or with more public contact [1].
Tan Kiat How said, "I know they want peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones (by getting) screened," reflecting community concerns [1]. Local hawker Joanne Thng welcomed the setup, saying, "It’s convenient that the Government decided to set up the screening facility here," emphasizing the accessibility of the health service [1].
The Communicable Diseases Agency announced the mandatory screening plan on April 30 as part of efforts to contain the spread of TB in the Bedok Central community [1].
With the screening period extended through May 8, more participants are expected to complete their checks in the coming days, while rental rebates continue through the month for impacted businesses [1].
