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Compulsory for all new housing projects under the federal government to be installed with insect traps

Sep 06, 2016

It is now compulsory for all new housing projects under the federal government to be installed with insect traps.

The Urban Well-Being, Housing and Local Government Ministry says developers who fail to do so will be suspended, or have their permits suspended.

The move is to curb the spread of mosquito-born diseases such as dengue and Zika.

Meanwhile, the Navy says all personnel returning from assignments in Zika-affected countries will be screened at the docks before being allowed to return home.

This, as Singapore has extended Zika testing subsidies to all nationals showing symptoms of the infection, as the number of locally-transmitted cases rose to 258 yesterday.

Previously, subsidies were only given to those who live, work or study in identified affected areas

Singapore's Health Ministry also says it will no longer be isolating Zika patients, as the method is no longer very effective.

It told Channel News Asia, it has to assume the virus is already widespread in the country, as 3 clusters and several isolated cases have been identified.

It adds, as 80% of infected patients do not show symptoms, it is not effective to isolate the 20% who do.