New COVID-19 cluster formed after Indonesian maid working for SIA cabin crew member tests positive

SINGAPORE: A brand new COVID-19 cluster involving three confirmed circumstances has been recognized in Singapore, after the Indonesian maid of a Singapore Airways (SIA) cabin crew member and her husband examined constructive for the coronavirus.

The 35-year-old home helper was among the many seven new COVID-19 infections reported in Singapore as of midday on Wednesday (Feb 24). She was Singapore's sole neighborhood case.

The helper has additionally examined preliminarily constructive for the B117 pressure and is pending additional confirmatory exams.

The remaining six infections have been imported circumstances and have been positioned on stay-home discover upon arrival, mentioned the Ministry of Well being (MOH) in its each day replace.

No new infections have been reported in international employee dormitories.

In its replace, MOH additionally mentioned it acquired the first cargo of Sinovac's COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday, though it has not but been authorised by the Well being Sciences Authority to be used within the nation.

THE COMMUNITY CASE

The Indonesian home employee was recognized as shut contact of the SIA cabin crew member and positioned on quarantine on Feb 9, mentioned MOH.

Her swab and serology exams taken on the identical day have been damaging.

"She developed a cough on Feb 20 during quarantine, but it was not reported to MOH," the ministry mentioned.

READ: Maid who works for SIA cabin crew member additionally preliminarily constructive for B117 pressure

READ: Singapore receives its first cargo of Sinovac's COVID-19 vaccine

She was examined once more on Feb 22 and her outcome got here again constructive for COVID-19 the next day.

She was subsequently taken to the Nationwide Centre for Infectious Illnesses by ambulance.

"Her serological test result has come back positive but this is likely to be a recent infection," mentioned MOH.

IMPORTED CASES

Among the many six imported circumstances, two are work move holders who arrived from India and Japan.

One is a piece allow holder - a international home employee - who arrived from Indonesia.

There was additionally a scholar's move holder who arrived from India for research in Singapore.

The remaining two circumstances are short-term go to move holders. One in every of them arrived from Sri Lanka to go to his member of the family who works in Singapore. The opposite is a sea crew member who arrived from Malaysia on a vessel. He was examined onboard with out disembarking.

READ: COVID-19 vaccination for seniors aged 70 and above begins in Singapore

READ: COVID-19 pandemic has underscored how ‘closely intertwined’ nations and folks have develop into: Teo Chee Hean

8 MORE CASES DISCHARGED

One other eight circumstances have been discharged from hospitals or neighborhood isolation services, taking the whole recoveries to 59,761, mentioned MOH. 

Eighteen are nonetheless in hospital, most of whom are steady or enhancing, with one affected person in important situation within the intensive care unit.

One other 82 circumstances are remoted and cared for at neighborhood services.

As of Wednesday, Singapore has reported a complete of 59,890 COVID-19 circumstances.

VACCINATION EXERCISE BEGINS FOR TAXI, PRIVATE-HIRE DRIVERS

Greater than 50,000 taxi and private-hire drivers will be capable of e book appointments for his or her COVID-19 vaccinations from this week, as a part of Singapore's nationwide vaccination programme.

By the tip of this week, lively drivers will progressively obtain an SMS with a hyperlink for them to e book their COVID-19 vaccination appointments, mentioned the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

They'll select to take the photographs at any of the vaccination centres, polyclinics or public well being preparedness clinics working as vaccination websites.

READ: Police investigating 88 individuals for breaching COVID-19 guidelines in 2 separate incidents

READ: Husband of SIA cabin crew member exams constructive for COVID-19, didn't report creating signs throughout quarantine​​​​​​​

“Vaccination can give our taxi and (private-hire) drivers additional peace of mind by ensuring protection for them and their families,” mentioned LTA chief govt Ng Lang.

It can additionally present assurance to commuters and contribute to the general neighborhood resilience towards COVID-19, he added. 

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