From May 2 to May 8, 2026, about 700 tenants and employees at Heartbeat@Bedok, Block 216 Bedok Food Centre & Market, and Singapore Pools Bedok Betting Centre underwent mandatory tuberculosis (TB) screening following the discovery of three TB clusters involving 13 genetically similar cases at Bedok Central [1, 2, 3].
A total of 3,169 individuals took part in the screening, including both the mandatory group of 1,255 people and voluntary participants who had spent extended time at these locations since 2023 [1, 2, 3]. Of those screened, 85.1%, or 2,696 people, tested negative for TB infection [1, 2, 3]. Meanwhile, 473 people, or 14.9%, had positive blood test results and will be contacted to undergo chest X-rays to check for active or latent TB [1, 2, 3].
Most of those positive are expected to have latent TB infection, which is non-infectious. About 90% of healthy adults with latent TB carry inactive bacteria and cannot spread the disease [1, 2, 3]. The screening results were announced on May 13 by the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA), with Senior Minister of State for Health Tan Kiat How saying, "The screening results so far are within normal expectations" at Heartbeat@Bedok [1, 2, 3].
As of May 12, 41 individuals from the mandatory screening group had not undergone or booked screening appointments [1, 2, 3]. Free TB screening is being offered until June 5 to encourage completion of the process [1, 2]. Those with positive blood tests are receiving free chest X-rays through May 15 at Heartbeat@Bedok [3].
The TB situation and screening outcomes at Bedok Central are similar to a previous screening in February 2024 at ABC Brickworks Market and Food Centre in Jalan Bukit Merah [1, 2, 3]. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said on May 5 that no active TB cases were found among residents in that area following the earlier screening, and the seven cases discovered were among people living outside the area [1, 2, 3].
The authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and follow up with individuals testing positive for TB infection to prevent spread. The deadline for the free TB screening remains June 5.