The senior minister for security said this was after a sudden surge of Covid-19 cases, with 113 infections reported.

Of the total, 79 were detainees, 22 were staff and 12 were family members.

“On the advice of the health ministry, the government agreed to implement an EMCO from Feb 3 to Feb 16.”

Ismail said that an EMCO will allow for targeted screening of all detainees, staff and close contacts.

Separately, Ismail said some 826 were arrested for flouting the SOPs, of which 776 were issued a compound and 50 remanded.

Among the offences committed were failing to observe social distancing, travelling to another state without approval and not wearing face masks.

He also said authorities nabbed 20 undocumented migrants and seized five land vehicles and three vessels under the ongoing Op Benteng.

Meanwhile, a total of 6,641 foreign workers had been tested for Covid-19 last night, with 85 testing positive.

This increases the number of Covid-19 cases among foreign workers to 4,867.

“And starting today, the government is making it mandatory for employers nationwide to ensure their workers are screened with the cost to be borne by employers,” he said in a statement.

We are live on Telegram, subscribe here for breaking news and the latest announcements.