SINGAPORE: The Ministry of Health (MOH) on Thursday (Mar 19) reported 32 new COVID-19 cases, taking the national total to 345.
Of the new cases, 24 cases are imported while eight are local cases of COVID-19 infection.
AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 24 imported cases (cases 315, 316, 317,319, 320, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 331, 332, 333, 334, 337, 339, 340, 341, 342, 343 and 344) had travelled to Europe, North America and ASEAN countries such as the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand.
All were returning residents and long-term pass holders, MOH said.
One (case 345) is linked to the cluster at boulder+ gym, while another case is linked to previous cases (case 335 is linked to cases 234 and 311).
Six other cases are currently unlinked.
AdvertisementAdvertisementSeven more patients have been discharged, bringing the total number of recovered cases to 124. Of the 221 who are still in hospital, most are stable or improving. Fifteen are in critical condition in the intensive care unit.
[h=3]READ: ‘Sufficient flexibility and buffer’ in Singapore’s capacity to care for COVID-19 patients: Gan Kim Yong[/h]Several of the new imported cases are family members of previously announced cases.
Case 328, a 63-year-old Singapore permanent resident, is a family member of case 268. She had a previously travelled to the United Kingdom and Switzerland.
Case 329, a 64-year-old Singapore man who had travelled to Turkey, is a family member of case 292.
Case 339, a 66-year-old Singapore man who had travelled to the Philippines, is a family member of case 279.
HEIGHTENED RISK OF IMPORTING COVID-19 CASES INTO SINGAPORE
Singapore authorities on Thursday said that all students and school staff members returning from travel during the March holidays will be put on a leave of absence for 14 days upon their return.
This will apply to those who returned from overseas on or after Mar 14.
[h=3]Explore our interactive: All the COVID-19 cases in Singapore and the clusters and links between them[/h]The measure was announced a day after MOH said that all Singaporeans, permanent residents, long-term pass holders and short-term visitors entering Singapore from 11.59pm on Friday will be issued a 14-day stay-home notice.
Those serving a stay-home notice will have to stay at their place of residence at all times for 14 days after entering Singapore.
Amid a heightened risk of importing COVID-19 cases into Singapore, MOH on Wednesday advised all Singaporeans to defer all travel abroad with immediate effect.
[h=3]BOOKMARK THIS: Our comprehensive coverage of the novel coronavirus and its developments[/h]Download our app or subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on the COVID-19 outbreak: https://cna.asia/telegram??????????????
Let's block ads! (Why?)
More...