Covid-19 Crisis Takes a Toll on Mental Health of Singapore’s Migrant Workers

Only 27 people have died from the disease in the city-state.

Read also: Singapore to Track Incoming Travellers Quarantine Compliance Via Electronic Device

Authorities have said they expect to lift quarantines on all dormitories this month, with the exception of some blocks serving as quarantine zones, and that 89 percent of workers have either recovered or are virus-free.

But reports and images published in local media on Wednesday of a man in blood-stained clothing at the foot of some stairs have fuelled concerns about the mental toll of the lockdowns.

Singapore's Ministry of Manpower — which has overseen the quarantines — said it was aware of the incident in which a worker had "harmed himself", adding that he was now in a "safe and stable condition". Police said the 36-year-old man was detained under the mental health act.

Checks had found there was no indication the man was in distress prior to the incident or was owed any salary, the ministry said in a statement, urging workers not to "act rashly" and reach out to non-governmental organizations for help.

The ministry did not immediately have further comment, but referred to previous remarks saying it was working with NGOs to address mental health needs of migrants by providing services including counseling.

(Writer: John Geddie | Editor: Lincoln Feast)

Source: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-singapore-migrants/singapore-migrant-worker-mental-health-in-spotlight-after-self-harm-incident-idUSKCN2510QP