Singapore’s Minister for Health, Mr Ong Ye Kung categorically stated that the country’s return to Phase two (heightened alert) is due to the growing cluster at Jurong Fishery Port and not the “irresponsible behaviour of people in the KTV cluster.”
Addressing citizens through his Facebook post, Mr Ong shared that “we are at risk of an uncontrollable rise in cases.”
He was responding to “several valid queries” of citizens and parents who wished to know if there was any need for the heightened restrictions.
To which he responded by saying, “Like everyone, I am upset with the irresponsible behaviour of people in the KTV cluster, but it is not the reason for the reversion to Phase 2 (HA).”
Return To Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) Due To Jurong Fishery Port Cluster
Image courtesy: Pixabay
Mr Ong mentioned in his Facebook post that given the gravity of the Jurong Fishery Port cluster, the government felt it may not be the time to risk it all now.
He said, “Unfortunately, while our fishmongers and stall assistants were going about earning an honest living, many of them got infected at the port. As they started to go out to work at various markets around the island, many more people thus got infected.”
The Minister further highlighted that the market is frequented by senior citizens and many of them remain unvaccinated.
He further warned that this is extremely worrying and that everyone is at the risk of an uncontrolled rise in cases.
This will again cause a tremendous jump in people suffering from severe illness and also deaths. “So we need to pre-emptively tighten up social activities,” he added.
As for the KTV Cluster, the number of cases here have dipped over the past few days. Around 8 new cases were added to the cluster on Wednesday, thus making it to a total of 215 cases.
Cases Detected At Several Markets And Food Centres In S’pore
As of Tuesday (July 20), coronavirus cases have been detected in at least 35 markets and food centres linked to the growing Jurong Fishery Port cluster.
About 25 cases have been linked to Haig Road Market & Food Centre, and 10 cases were detected at Chong Pang Markets, according to MOH.
To break the chain of transmission, and to do proper cleaning, the above two markets will be closed to all members of the public from July 21 to August 4.
In addition to this, as announced earlier, the market in Ang Mo Kio will close to shut from July 18 to August 1.
According to the list released by MOH, Teban Garden Market, Amoy Street Food Centre, Ang Mo Kio Central Market and Food Centre, Tiong Bahru Market and Tekka Centre have fewer than three cases.
Here is the list of markets linked to the Jurong Fishery Port Cluster that you must know about, specifically if you or any member of your family have visited or were planning to go.
Clusters:
- Chong Boon Market & Food Centre
- Chong Pang Market & Food Centre
- Clementi 448 Market and Food Centre
- Haig Road Market & Food Centre
- Hong Lim Market & Food Centre
- Whampoa Drive Market
With 3 or more cases:
- Boon Lay Place Food Village
- 353 Clementi Market
- Fajar Market
- Geylang Serai Market
- Mayflower Wet Market and Food Centre
- Taman Jurong Market
- Teban Garden Market
- 726 West Coast Market
With fewer than 3 cases:
- Admiralty Wet Market
- Albert Centre Market & Food Centre
- Amoy Street Food Centre
- Ang Mo Kio Central Market & Food Centre
- Bangkit Market
- 216 Bedok Food Centre and Market
- 630 Bedok Reservoir Road Market and Food Centre
- Bukit Panjang Wet Market
- Bukit Timah Wet Market
- Cheng San Market & Cooked Food Centre
- Circuit Road Market and Food Centre
- Geylang Bahru Market
- Jurong Central Plaza
- 497 Jurong West Street 41 Market
- 505 Jurong West Street 52 Market
- Kim Keat Palm Market & Food Centre
- Kim San Leng Food Centre
- 84 Marine Parade Central Market and Food Centre
- Mei Ling Market & Food Centre
- Redhill Market
- 118 Rivervale Drive Market
- Shunfu Mart
- Teck Ghee Market & Food Centre
- 146 Teck Whye Avenue Market
- Tekka Centre
- Telok Blangah Crescent Block 11
- Tiong Bahru Market
- 58 New Upper Changi Road Market and Food Centre
- 622 Yew Tee Market
- 414 Yishun G&G Market
- Yuhua Market & Hawker Centre
Information source: MOM
Suspension Of Dining In At F&B To Remain
In his Facebook post, Mr Ong also talked about the suspension of dining at Food and Beverage outlets, given that no cases have been detected in those settings.
He explained the reason.
He said that let us assume that five people met for dinner, each has five people at home, who also go out to meet their friends in groups of five. This way a network of 125 connections is formed for the virus to work itself through.
Singapore COVID Vaccination Status
Image courtesy: File Image
Mr Ong mentioned that 50 per cent of the total population in the country have received their two doses of the Covid-19 vaccination. He noted that while it is a good rate, but the number needs to go higher.
He said that in the next two weeks, this number will be at 64% or more. The government will then again review the phase two rules.
He urged people to be cautious as Singapore is “so close” to being in a stronger and a confident position.
Remember to mask up, wash your hands and avoid crowded places. Even if you are vaccinated, continue to follow the rules. Stay safe!
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