Two imported cases in Singapore test 'preliminarily positive' for Omicron COVID-19 variant: MOH

SINGAPORE: Two passengers who arrived in Singapore from South Africa on a Singapore Airlines flight on Wednesday (Dec 1) have examined "preliminarily positive" for the Omicron COVID-19 variant, the Ministry of Health (MOH) mentioned on Thursday."Both cases were isolated upon arrival in Singapore on Dec 1, and had not interacted in the community," mentioned the ministry."There is currently no evidence of any community transmission from these cases."The cases are at the moment recovering in isolation wards on the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID). Both are totally vaccinated, and have gentle signs of cough and scratchy throat.Both cases arrived from Johannesburg onboard SQ479 on Wednesday.Case 271487 is a 44-year-old male Singapore everlasting resident who arrived in Singapore from Mozambique, transiting by way of Johannesburg. His pre-departure test in Mozambique on Nov 29 was detrimental for COVID-19 an infection.Case 271598 is a 41-year-old feminine Singaporean who arrived in Singapore from South Africa on Dec 1. Her pre-departure test in Johannesburg on 29 November was detrimental for COVID-19 an infection.They had undergone a polymerase chain response (PCR) test upon arrival in Singapore, and have been instantly conveyed to a stay-home discover devoted facility to be remoted whereas awaiting their test outcomes. Upon affirmation of COVID-19 an infection, they have been taken to NCID.Their PCR test outcomes have revealed the presence of S-gene Target Failure which can be related to the Omicron variant. The National Public Health Laboratory is conducting entire genome sequencing to verify the variant.

CONTACT TRACING ONGOING

Contact tracing is ongoing, mentioned MOH. All 19 different passengers who got here in on the identical flight have examined detrimental for COVID-19 an infection.These people have been all quarantined beneath SHN at designated amenities upon arrival and are subjected to a testing regime which incorporates an on-arrival PCR test and a stay-home discover exit PCR test.Other shut contacts of those cases, if any, will probably be positioned on 10-day quarantine at designated amenities and endure PCR assessments at the beginning and finish of their quarantine.All sufferers suspected or confirmed to be contaminated with the Omicron variant will probably be conveyed to NCID for isolation and scientific administration. Home restoration won't apply."It is important for everyone to continue to play their part and remain vigilant to mitigate the spread of COVID-19," mentioned MOH.