As of Wednesday (26 May), Singapore reported 23 new COVID community cases and one dormitory case. Among these, 21 were linked to previous infection cases, of which 14 were placed under quarantine, seven were detected through surveillance, and three remained unlinked to previous cases.
There were also two imported cases, which were placed on stay-home notice upon arrival in Singapore, according to a report in CNA.
These additions have taken the tally of newly infected COVID-19 cases to 26. However, the most worrying aspect us still the increase in cases among children.
Singapore Cases Today: Jem/Westgate Cluster Includes Children
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Two primary school students, an ITE student, and a pastor were among the seven new COVID-19 community cases linked to the Jem/Westgate cluster.
Screengrab: Ministry of Health, Singapore
Other cases linked to this cluster include:
- A technician, 29, who worked at the Singapore Refining Company
- A 67-year-old delivery driver for DCH Auriga (Singapore), and;
- Female hairdresser, 29, who worked at Kimage Hair Salon at Lot 1 Shoppers’ Mall in Choa Chu Kang.
It has been reported that the 67-year-old delivery driver – who frequently delivered goods at Jem and Westgate shopping malls– has tested preliminarily positive for the B1617 variant. Incidentally, he is fully vaccinated.
Read: New B1617 Coronavirus Strain: This Is What Is Attacking Children In Singapore
Singapore Cases Today: New Clusters Identified
A new cluster linked to a 15-year-old Westwood Secondary School student was identified. It involved the student, a 46-year-old Singaporean woman, and a 74-year-old Malaysian retiree.
The ministry also identified two more COVID-19 clusters – one linked to the Hong Ye Group cleaners, and another to a 34-year-old technician at Singapore Refining Company.
New unlinked cases
The Singapore cases today also include new unlinked ones that were detected through surveillance. Among them are the following:
- A 58-year-old Singaporean woman who works at Chevy’s Bar and Bistro
- Malaysian man, 38, who works at Rong Chang F&B Services
- A 24-year-year-old Malaysian man who works at McDonald’s at The Woodgrove
Learning Point Cluster & Changi Prison Cluster Grows
The Learning Point cluster now has 32 linked cases. On Wednesday, a 35-year-old Thai woman who works at Santai Cafe at United World College was linked to this cluster.
The Changi Prison Complex cluster grew to 12 cases after another inmate tested positive for COVID-19. Following a rise of cases in this cluster, all inmates’ face-to-face visits were replaced by phone calls with effect from 17 May until further notice.
Here’s a look at some of the other cases:
- One new dormitory case was added to the cluster at Harvest @ Woodlands
- The personal chauffeur cluster has now 8 cases. A 31-year-old Hong Kong citizen who works as a senior executive at Endowus was added to the cluster.
- McDonald’s delivery riders cluster has now 15 cases. On Wednesday, two women were added to the cluster.
- Marina Bay Sands Casino has seven cases. A 36-year-old Malaysian man who works as a dealer is among the new infections.
As of Wednesday, Singapore reported a total of 61,916 COVID-19 cases and 32 fatalities.
Read: Ong Ye Kung Answered FAQs On The Covid-19 Situation And Reassured Parents
Good news is that ICU cases have dipped in Singapore
The good news is that the number of new cases in the community has decreased from 187 cases in the week before to 165 cases in the past week.
The number of unlinked cases in the community has also decreased from 40 cases in the week before to 30 cases in the past week.
The number of people in the ICU unit has reduced to two.
Screengrab courtesy: Ministry of Health, Singapore
Now with the cases showing a marginal dip, you need to be more careful. What is most stressful for parents is that kids are susceptible to the new variant of the highly transmissible virus.
Remember, it is not the time to let your guards down. All the coronavirus guidelines should be followed strictly to help fight against the pandemic.
Just as a reminder, here are some precautions that you and your entire family should follow.
COVID Safety Measures To Teach Your Child
Image courtesy: iStock
Wear masks: Teach your kids to always wear masks whenever they step out of their home. MOH asked people to use masks with better protection. Therefore, see to it that your masks have a better filtration efficiency. We know it may be difficult to make your kids wear masks, but you can try some reusable masks that are made of at least two layers of fabric for better protection.
Wash hands: Even at home, remind your kids to wash their hands frequently. Teach them to thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water. When they are out, make them carry a sanitiser.
Don’t step out unless necessary: We understand that with schools on home-based learning mode, kids may be getting bored at home and want to step out. But, you need to make them understand the importance of staying at home to curb the spread of the infection.
However, in case you need to step out with the kids, you should always avoid the crowds and maintain social distancing in public places.
Stay safe and get vaccinated to help fight the infection!
News source: CNA
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