SINGAPORE - Mandatory tuberculosis screening is underway for workers and tenants at three Bedok Central locations after 13 genetically similar cases were identified across three clusters from January 2023 to February 2026.
The affected sites are Heartbeat@Bedok, Block 216 Bedok Food Centre & Market, and the Singapore Pools Bedok betting centre. Approximately 700 people will undergo mandatory screening.
Voluntary testing is also being offered to members of the public who spent at least 96 hours at these locations since January 2023. Both mandatory and voluntary screening are free of charge.
Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How addresses workers, stallholders, and residents at a townhall at Heartbeat@Bedok on Apr 30, 2026.
The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said epidemiological investigations and whole genome sequencing linked the new cases to a previous cluster from 2021. Of the 13 infected, seven completed treatment, five are undergoing treatment, and one died from causes unrelated to tuberculosis. All were treated upon diagnosis and are no longer infectious.
CDA Chief Executive Professor Vernon Lee said the cases had overlapping activity patterns at the three locations over time, suggesting prolonged or repeated exposure.
Singapore Pools Bedok Betting Centre at Block 215 Bedok North Street 1 on Apr 30, 2026.
On-site screening runs May 4-7 at Heartbeat@Bedok atrium. Appointments are required. Testing is also available at SATA CommHealth Bedok Clinic on May 2.
Authorities stress it is safe to visit these locations. Tuberculosis is treatable and curable with medication. Singapore recorded 1,019 new active TB cases last year, down from 1,156 in 2024.