If you thought we were inching closer to easing of measures, think again. Because as of 11 August, the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced three new clusters with one found at Superland Preschool in Kreta Ayer Community Centre. The preschool previously closed after 5 children and a staff member test positive for COVID-19.
While there were three clusters announced in the ministry's press release last week, no new clusters were found on Tuesday (17 August). But new COVID-19 cases in Singapore continue to be uncovered.
Three New Clusters Detected, One At Superland Preschool
Among the three new clusters announced MOH, Superland Preschool has four cases linked to it. Two of which are linked to two other COVID-19 cases and have a total of nine infections linked to them.
Within the preschool, five students and one staff were confirmed to have COVID-19, which has resulted in the centre being closed until 20 August.
All individuals infected are from the same class. When the first child was found to be positive for COVID-19, the others infected were also detected during testing of close contacts.
A Superland spokesperson tells The Straits Times that the infected staff member is fully vaccinated.
The Superland Preschool centre at the Kreta Ayer area expects to resume operations by 21 August.
New Cases In Singapore Continue To Be Found Today
As of 17 August, MOH reports there have been a total of 56 new infected cases in Singapore today. About 52 of which were locally transmitted.
Among the new COVID-19 cases, 35 were linked to previous cases and have already been quarantined. There were also three linked cases that were not in quarantine when they tested positive for infection.
According to MOH's daily update, there are a total of 14 unlinked cases.
In addition to this, there were four imported cases detected and isolated upon arrival in Singapore. This brings the country's total number of infected cases to 66,281 as of Tuesday.
As the country moves towards living with COVID-19 as an endemic disease, the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) says cases in Singapore preschools are to be expected today and onwards. The agency adds that preschools will continue to remain vigilant and adhere to safe management measures in their centres.
ECDA urges parents to seek medical attention if their child is unwell and to stay home if there are household members who feel ill as well.
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