Singapore is preparing to quarantine hundreds of foreign workers in “floating hotels” typically used by the marine industry as it struggles to contain a second surge of the Covid-19 virus now spreading rapidly through the city-state.

On Sunday, infections topped 2,500, with the biggest source of new cases emerging from the tens of thousands of migrant South Asian workers who underpin the economy through manual labour and who have not been afforded the chance to reduce the risk of contracting Covid-19 through social distancing.

The sudden rise in cases has been a blow to the Southeast Asian nation of 5.7 million, which had been globally lauded in the first phase of the pandemic for keeping the virus at bay. It also highlights the social inequalities that have contributed to the sudden spike of the respiratory disease.

Migrant labourers, who survive on meagre wages, are normally crammed tightly into dormitories, aiding the rapid spread of the virus. Tens of thousands are currently being forced to quarantine in basic workers’ lodging, prompting the government to race to find an alternative solution.

The proposed accommodation vessels would typically be used for offshore and marine industry staff and will be used alongside military camps, an exhibition centre and vacant public housing blocks to house healthy workers.