5-year-old Is Among New COVID-19 Cases, The Orange Tree Preschool Branch To Be Closed For 10 Days

A five-year-old Singaporean is among the 10 new cases confirmed to have COVID-19 on Monday (9 March), the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced in its daily update.

The boy, identified as Case 160 in Singapore, is a family member of Case 145, a 67-year-old Singaporean woman who tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday (8 March). She is linked to the cluster involving the private dinner function at the Joy Ballroom at SAFRA Jurong.

Image: Safra Jurong | Source: Facebook

5-year-old patient is a student at The Orange Tree pre-school

The student goes to the  Choa Chu Kang branch of The Orange Tree pre-school.

Image source: Google Maps

In a statement, Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) said that it has ordered the temporary closure of The Orange Tree branch located at 10 Choa Chu Kang Road. The preschool will be closed for 10 days, from 10 to 20 March in light of the confirmed case.

The closure dates cover the 14-day incubation period from when the student last attended preschool on 6 March. The preschool resumes programmes on 21 March.

ECDA added that the pre-school will conduct a thorough cleaning and disinfection of the premises. It also said it is closely monitoring the health of its staff and pupils.

“All students, teachers and staff will be given a leave of absence during the closure period,” said ECDA. It added that contract tracing is ongoing.

“In accordance with MOH’s guidelines, staff and children are advised to stay at home during the closure period. Staff and children should avoid going to crowded places and attending social gatherings,” it added.

The agency reminded preschools to be vigilant when conducting health checks and to observe high standards of personal and environmental hygiene.