Building the Right Foundation and Capability

Singapore is a bustling city-nation with a high-density population and a vibrant travel hub. Given its compact size, infectious diseases can become a serious threat very quickly. After the SARS outbreak in 2003 and concerns about Ebola in 2016, Singapore took proactive steps to prepare for potential future pandemics, with the NEA, MOH, and other government agencies playing instrumental roles.

From 2016 to 2020, we collaborated with these agencies to develop comprehensive pandemic cleaning protocols. We contributed to the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), safety requirements, and response plans to ensure readiness for any future pandemics.

Beyond developing the protocols, we ensured that our team members were prepared to implement them. We invested in training programmes to build a pandemic response team capable of managing such situations effectively, calmly, and quickly, using the right procedures and safety practices. In fact, CTM conducts annual exercises with all the agencies to build up our team's readiness capabilities.

With our combination of capabilities and know-how, CTM has been one of the first appointed contractors for NEA, MPA, and MND for disinfection and pandemic cleaning work.
 

Navigating Crisis

  The year 2019 onwards has been a period where our pandemic cleaning team’s capabilities were put to the test. Our team was activated in May 2019 due to an imported monkeypox case in Singapore that required many work area disinfections, and of course, during the arrival of Covid-19 in 2020.

At the initial stage of the Covid outbreak, NEA activated CTM to conduct disinfection processes at various sites. We were also in the first batch of organisations recognised by the agency to address Covid-19 disinfection. During this global pandemic, we cleaned over 100 confirmed case sites, excluding locations associated with suspected cases or preventive measures. Our early involvement made us one of the first approved pandemic cleaning organisations in Singapore. Given the widespread impact of the virus, we also became a key training provider, helping various organisations manage pandemic cleaning safely. This collective effort made a significant impact during a challenging time.

To protect our staff and the public, we emphasised the use of proper safety gear and personal hygiene. At places like Jewel Changi Airport, where a cluster emerged, we swiftly implemented measures such as stopping cross-deployment, conducting staggered break times, and enforcing strict isolation SOPs to curb the spread.
 

Staying Ready for Future Uncertainty

While we hope another pandemic doesn't occur, being prepared is crucial. Our well-trained teams, equipped with the right SOPs and a sense of duty, are ready to handle future challenges and help keep our nation safe.

The skills and procedures developed for pandemic cleaning are also useful in places requiring sterile environments or dealing with hazardous chemical and biohazard, such as in hospitals or chemical plants. This capability allows us to support a wide range of clients, ensuring cleanliness and safety wherever needed.