Written Answer by Ministry of National Development on availability of studies on how pandemic vulnerability is shaped by urban design, demographics and movements of residents

Nov 3, 2021

Dr Tan Wu Meng: To ask the Minister for National Development (a) whether studies are being done on how pandemic vulnerability is shaped by urban design, demographics and movements of residents; and (b) if so, what are the findings to date and lessons for future urban planning.

Answer:

We have always taken a holistic view towards urban planning, to provide a liveable and quality environment for all to live, work, and play in. This includes planning and designing a city that keeps its residents safe from various threats, including health-related ones. Beyond our immediate responses to managing the impact of COVID-19, we are also continually studying and reviewing the design of our environment and buildings to future-proof our city against public health threats, including pandemics.

While many of these studies are ongoing, current findings indicate the importance of adequate ventilation to mitigate airborne disease transmission risk. To this end, BCA already requires new developments and existing developments undergoing major addition and alteration works to be designed for adequate ventilation. For example, all naturally ventilated spaces are required to have a minimum area of openings (e.g. windows) to facilitate air flow. For air-conditioned spaces, buildings are required to take in outdoor air at a minimum rate specified in the Singapore Standard for air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation (ACMV) in buildings. In May 2020 and May 2021, taking into consideration lessons from COVID-19, BCA, NEA, and MOH issued guidelines for building managers to further improve ventilation and indoor air quality.

As another example, MOM, MND and MOH recently developed improved standards for new migrant worker dormitories to strengthen their resilience against future pandemics and enhance liveability. With these improved standards, dormitory rooms and toilets will have improved ventilation to reduce virus accumulation. For instance, new dormitories will need to include one exhaust fan per toilet and an adequate number of fans in dormitory rooms to ensure sufficient air circulation. The improved standards will also reduce intermixing amongst dormitory residents by modularising dormitory living and segmenting communal facilities.

The Government will continue to study how to improve the planning and design of our environment to better mitigate against future pandemics.