5 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections in Singapore; 1 new cluster identified
People wearing protective face masks in public on Jun 3, 2021, amid the COVID-19 outbreak in Singapore. (File photo: Marcus Mark Ramos)
SINGAPORE: Singapore reported five new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Wednesday (Jul 7), including two unlinked cases.
Three new infections linked to a previous cases were already in quarantine, said the Ministry of Health (MOH). They were part of a new cluster, identified as the Case 64599, which now has a total of four cases.
The ministry did not provide further details on Case 64599.
There were also seven imported cases, all of which were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival.
Five of these infections were detected upon arrival in Singapore, while two developed the illness during their stay-home notice or isolation.
In total, Singapore reported 12 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday.
23 ACTIVE CLUSTERS IN SINGAPORE
There are currently 23 active clusters in Singapore, ranging between three and 94 infections.
The 115 Bukit Merah View Market & Food Centre cluster remains the largest active cluster in the country, with the number of cases increasing from 93 on Tuesday to 94 on Wednesday.
MOH said the number of new cases in the community has decreased from 68 cases in the week before to 24 cases in the past week.
The number of unlinked cases in the community has also decreased from nine cases in the week before to seven cases in the past week.
The ministry added that 90 cases are currently warded in hospital. Most are well and under observation.
There are currently seven cases of serious illness requiring oxygen supplementation, and three in critical condition in the intensive care unit (ICU).
"There is continuing evidence that vaccination helps to prevent serious disease when one gets infected. Over the last 28 days, 23 local cases required oxygen supplementation, were admitted to ICU or passed away.
"20 are unvaccinated, three are partially vaccinated and none was fully vaccinated," said MOH.
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READ: Groups of five can dine out from Jul 12; work-from-home remains the default
EASING OF COMMUNITY RESTRICTIONS
Singapore on Wednesday announced it will allow groups of up to five people to dine-in from Jul 12. Social gatherings of up to five at workplaces can also resume, although work-from-home arrangements will remain the default.
The easing of measures follows a fall in the number of community cases.
Differentiated safe management measures for people who have been fully vaccinated were also being considered. These could see them allowed to gather in groups of up to eight, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said on Wednesday.
Such measures may be allowed when 50 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated, which is expected to around the week of Jul 26, Mr Ong said.
The sale of DIY COVID-19 test kits will be extended to more general retailers like supermarkets and convenience stores from Jul 16, allowing more people to test themselves, added MOH.
READ: Full COVID-19 vaccination provides 69% protection against infection by Delta variant - Singapore study
AVOID STRENUOUS ACTIVITIES AFTER VACCINATION
Strenuous activities such as swimming, cycling and running should be avoided for one week after the first and second doses of COVID-19 vaccination, said MOH in its latest advisory.
Jogging, lifting heavy weights, competitive sports, physical education classes, as well as ball and racket games should also be avoided, the ministry added.
On Monday, MOH said it was investigating a case of a 16-year-old boy who suffered a cardiac arrest almost a week after receiving his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The boy collapsed at home on the morning of Jul 3 after a weightlifting session at the gym. MOH said on Monday that he was in a critical condition in the intensive care unit.
As of Wednesday, Singapore has reported a total of 62,652 COVID-19 cases and 36 fatalities from the disease.
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