Singapore’s DBS Bank evacuated 300 employees from its office at the Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3 on Wednesday following news of a confirmed coronavirus infection.
An internal memo sent out to colleagues around noon and seen by Coconuts Singapore announced that a single case of COVID-19 was found on the 43rd floor of the DBS Asia Central building. Those working on that floor were asked to evacuate and work from home for the time being while officials investigate who might have come into contact with the unidentified employee.
“I regret to inform you that there is one confirmed case of coronavirus at DBS Asia Central (MBFC Tower 3) on Level 43 today. This is indeed unfortunate and we will be providing our colleague and his family every support and guidance during this period,” the memo read.
The bank issued a statement Wednesday afternoon saying it had learned of the confirmation this morning after the employee was tested the day before. It said employees would receive free masks, thermometers, hand sanitizers, and vitamin C supplements next week. DBS said it’s also prepared a medical helpline, lined up a panel of virtual doctors and will host medical webinars should employees need more assistance.
Temperature screenings have been in place at all of its office buildings since Monday.
Other precautionary measures to be taken by the company included “deep cleaning” of the office including lift lobbies and toilets.
The company also said in the memo that it would provide those on leaves of absence with support such as grocery deliveries.
“DBS will continue to closely monitor the situation to ensure that the well-being of employees customers and partners is safeguarded,” the unsigned statement said.
The evacuation comes after another infection was confirmed Sunday in Tower 1 of the financial center, which is mostly occupied by Standard Chartered Bank along with Baker & McKenzie and Wellington International Management. The firm employing the infected patient was not named in the Bloomberg report.
None of the confirmed cases announced by the Ministry of Health so far has been linked to the Marina Bay Financial Center.
It was unclear whether the reported case was already included in the official tally of 47 known infections since the outbreak began.
Related:
Singapore nurses share stories of discrimination amid coronavirus outbreak
Singapore private cop who worked during Chingay parade infected with coronavirus
3 linked to evacuated housing block test positive as Hong Kong coronavirus total jumps to 49
Thousands of face masks stolen in Kowloon amid coronavirus-induced shortage
Duterte on the lookout for that ‘f**king coronavirus,’ vows to ‘slap the idiot’
Thailand turns away cruise ship with no known virus infections
Reader Interactions