30/07/2021

World Press Freedom Index 2021

An alternative way to curtail press freedom

Singapore has been coloured black on the World Press Freedom Index map since 2020, meaning the situation there is now is classified as “very bad”. Despite the “Switzerland of the East” label often used in government propaganda, the city-state does not fall far short of China when it comes to suppressing media freedom. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s government is always quick to sue critical journalists, apply pressure to make them unemployable, or even force them to leave the country.

The Media Development Authority has the power to censor all forms of journalistic content. Defamation suits are common and may sometimes be accompanied by a sedition charge that is punishable by up to seven years in prison. The political control is coupled with an economic straitjacket. Two business groups control all of Singapore’s print and broadcast media. One, MediaCorp, is owned by a state investment company. The other, Singapore Press Holdings, is supposedly privately-owned but the government appoints those who run it. As a result, self-censorship is widespread, including within the alternative independent media, which are intimidated by the judicial and economic pressure.

The red lines imposed by the authorities, known by Singapore’s journalists as “OB markers” (for out-of-bounds markers), apply to an ever-wider range of issues and public figures. After 2015, the authorities have also started sending bloggers emails threatening them with up to 20 years in prison if they don’t remove annoying articles and fall into line. Finally, the Orwellian provisions of the “anti-fake news” law adopted in 2019 forces all media outlets and digital platforms to post “corrections” to any content that the government may arbitrarily deem to be “incorrect”. This censorship bureau 2.0 has enabled the government to impose its own version on a range of subjects including the death penalty, the salary paid to the prime minister’s wife, and its handling of the Covid-19 crisis.


Singapore falls to 160 in 2021 World Press Freedom index; situation classified as “very bad”
Singapore continues its descent at the World Press Freedom ranking in 2021, dropping from 158 to 160

The index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is a barometer that gives an annual ranking of countries based on the organisation’s assessment of the press freedom records of those countries, which is based on several categories including media independence, legislative framework, abuses against the media/reporters, infrastructure, and more.

Singapore has consistently ranked poorly on this index for the past few years. The city-state dropped to 158 in the last ranking from 151 in 2019 – a position that is below countries such as Russia, Thailand, and Indonesia.

In its ranking last year, RSF noted that Singapore had its colour on the Index changed to black, which signifies that the situation in the country is classified as “very bad”.

related:


World Press Freedom Index finds journalism blocked in over 100 countries
Reporters Without Borders said the global level of media freedom had remained largely stable overall for the past year. PHOTO: AFP

The annual report by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said on Tuesday (April 20) that journalism was at least partly blocked in nearly three-quarters of the 180 countries surveyed. Its World Press Freedom Index found that journalism was "totally blocked or seriously impeded" in 73 countries, while it was "constrained" in 59 others. Many governments had used the pandemic to worsen repression. "Journalism is the best vaccine against disinformation," RSF secretary-general Christophe Deloire said in a statement.

Top 10 countries in World Press Freedom Index 2021
  • 1. Norway
  • 2. Finland
  • 3. Sweden
  • 4. Denmark
  • 5. Costa Rica
  • 6. Netherlands
  • 7. Jamaica
  • 8. New Zealand
  • 9. Portugal
  • 10. Switzerland
Worst 10 countries in World Press Freedom Index 2021
  • 1. Eritrea
  • 2. North Korea
  • 3. Turkmenistan
  • 4. China
  • 5. Djibouti
  • 6. Vietnam
  • 7. Iran
  • 8. Syria
  • 9. Laos
  • 10. Cuba


Freedom in the world 2021

Overview - Singapore’s parliamentary political system has been dominated by the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) and the family of current prime minister Lee Hsien Loong since 1959. The electoral and legal framework that the PAP has constructed allows for some political pluralism, but it constrains the growth of opposition parties and limits freedoms of expression, assembly, and association.

Key Developments in 2020:
  • The COVID-19 pandemic was most acute from March to August, with a lockdown imposed from early April to the beginning of June. Migrant workers were disproportionately affected by both the virus and the related movement restrictions. As of late December, there had been a total of nearly 59,000 cases and 29 deaths.
  • In the July parliamentary elections, the ruling PAP won 83 of 93 seats, the same number as in 2015 despite the addition of four new seats to the legislature. The party garnered 61 percent of the popular vote, down from nearly 70 percent in 2015.


related:

29/07/2021

5 emotions that deliver plenty of healthful benefits

When you experience love for someone, your body produces adrenaline and norepinephrine, which makes your heart race, plus dopamine, which makes you feel euphoric. PHOTO: REUTERS

You may have heard this before. Being optimistic helps you steer clear of heart diseases, reduces stress and keeps blood pressure low.

Here is how these five positive emotions - love, hope, empathy, gratitude and happiness - benefit your body.
  • WHEN YOU ARE IN LOVE
  • WHEN YOU FEEL HOPEFUL
  • WHEN YOU FEEL EMPATHETIC
  • WHEN YOU FEEL GRATEFUL
  • WHEN YOU ARE HAPPY

28/07/2021

Too little sleep in middle age linked to raised dementia risk


Sleeping six hours or less per night in your 50s and 60s is associated with an increased risk of dementia, according to a new study of nearly 8,000 British adults followed for more than 25 years. Scientists said that while the research, which was based on data from a long-running survey, could not prove cause and effect, it did draw a link between sleep and dementia as people age.

The study, published on Tuesday (Apr 20) in the journal Nature Communications, showed a higher risk of dementia in those sleeping six or fewer hours per night at the ages of 50 or 60, compared to those who have a "normal" seven hours in bed.

There was also a 30 per cent increased dementia risk in those with consistently short sleeping patterns from the age of 50 to 70, irrespective of cardiometabolic or mental health issues, which are known risk factors for dementia.

27/07/2021

Artificial ripening of fruits

Know About Fruit Ripening Agents & The Harmful Effects Of Artificial Ripening Of Fruits

Food safety and health security should be top concerns of any Government for its citizens. But still, most of the fruit sellers use Chemicals like Calcium carbide for ripening the fruits. This Chemical is extremely hazardous to the human body as it contains traces of arsenic and phosphorus. Although it is banned in many countries of the world, it is freely used in Indian Subcontinent. Thus, we are at a greater risk of short-term as well as long-term health effects simply by eating fruits that are artificially ripened. Artificial ripening of fruits is done to achieve faster and more uniform ripening characteristics at the cost of its Nutritional Values.

So, what is the basic difference between the Natural and Artificial ripening of the Fruits?

Natural ripening is a physiological process which makes the fruit edible, palatable and nutritious. In nature, fruits ripen after attainment of proper maturity by a sequence of complex physical and biochemical events. Whether fruits ripen on the plant or after harvest, the general ripening changes associated with the process are easily recognisable. During ripening fruits soften, changes colour, and characteristic aroma and flavours develop. During the process of ripening several factors like temperature, humidity etc. acts as a catalyst. Whereas in the case of artificial ripening, fruit ripening agents promote ripening and induce colour changes. Although the appearance of such artificially ripened fruits has been found to be improved, the taste and smell are found to be impaired especially when harvested fruits were subjected to treatment without considering their maturity status. Besides, the quantity required of the ripening agent to induce ripening will be much more than the conventional dose, when the fruits are not mature enough.


Ripening
Lemons turn yellow as they ripen

Ripening is a process in fruits that causes them to become more palatable. In general, fruit becomes sweeter, less green (typically "redder"), and softer as it ripens. Even though the acidity of fruit increases as it ripens, the higher acidity level does not make the fruit seem tarter. This effect is attributed to the Brix-Acid Ratio. Underripe fruits are also fibrous, less juicy, and have tougher outer flesh than ripe fruits.

Early in the ripening process, fruit synthesizes compounds, including alkaloids and tannins. These compounds, which are antifeedants, fight infections and cause underripe fruit to taste bitter and astringent. These adaptations are an essential tool for the plants to ward off eager eaters who might take the fruit and the undeveloped seeds before they're ready. At the molecular level, climacteric fruit ripening is controlled through a multilayered regulatory cascade that involves the interaction of several positive and negative regulators of ethylene biosynthesis.

Ripening agents accelerate ripening. An important ripening agent is ethylene, a gaseous hormone produced by many plants. Many synthetic analogues of ethylene are available They allow many fruits to be picked prior to full ripening, which is useful since ripened fruits do not ship well. For example, bananas are picked when green and artificially ripened after shipment by being exposed to ethylene. Calcium carbide is also used in some countries for artificially ripening fruit. When calcium carbide comes in contact with moisture, it produces acetylene gas, which is similar in its effects to the natural ripening agent, ethylene. Acetylene accelerates the ripening process. Catalytic generators are used to produce ethylene gas simply and safely. Ethylene sensors can be used to precisely control the amount of gas. Covered fruit ripening bowls or bags are commercially available. These containers increase the amount of ethylene and carbon dioxide gases around the fruit, which promotes ripening. Climacteric fruits continue ripening after being picked, a process accelerated by ethylene gas. Non-climacteric fruits can ripen only on the plant and thus have a short shelf life if harvested when they are ripe.


Wax On Apples & Fruit waxing

We've all heard that saying, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." Apples are supposed to be one of the healthiest fruits on the market but are they also dangerous for you?

Certain videos popping up online would have you believing they are not only dangerous, they could cause cancer. All you have to do is type "apple" and "wax" into the YouTube search bar and hundreds of search results will load.

The people in the video pour boiling hot water on apples, wait a few minutes and you'll see the apple appears covered in wax. The narrators then go on to make claims about the dangers of eating the wax-covered apples. What’s true is that apples are in fact covered in wax.

26/07/2021

10 tips to have a happy family


Making your own family can be easy as long as you are willing to work for it.

Here are some tips on how to acieve this:
  • Be there for one another
  • Express affection always
  • Communicate effectively
  • Equality
  • Constant family bonding
  • Go one-on-one
  • Sorry is not enough
  • Rewarging good behavoir
  • Exercise together
  • Have fun

25/07/2021

Pasir Panjang Park: Designed & built with the community, for the community

New Pasir Panjang Park to feature elements of natural and cultural history

The new Pasir Panjang Park, scheduled to open in phases from 2021, will include features that allow visitors to experience the natural and maritime history of the area.

The park, stretching from West Coast Park to Labrador Nature Reserve, is part of the Greater Southern Waterfront.

Pasir Panjang, which means long sand in Malay, used to be a long stretch of sandy beach. The area was rapidly developed from the 1970s through land reclamation and the building of Pasir Panjang Terminal.

24/07/2021

Hong Lim Market Beer Lady

Update 4 Dec 2021: Bye Hong Lim Market, says sexy beer stall operator as she focuses on vlogging
This is going to put a damper on the Friyay mood of those who like to hit Hong Lim Market & Food Centre for drinks

Yumi the sexy Vietnamese beer stall operator has shuttered her business for good this week. Running the business by herself for long hours over the past year has left her exhausted, she told Shin Min Daily News on Thursday (Dec 2). "What I'll miss the most are the fellow stallholders here and the yummy food," Yumi said.

On Wednesday, in a video bidding goodbye to Hong Lim Market, the woman said that an encounter with an angry man near her stall frightened her so much, she "didn't dare to go to the toilet by herself". Her risque outfits and friendliness drew crowds to the stall when it opened last August, however, the young woman called customers out in February for tricking her into exposing her breasts and filming her.

While some questioned her wardrobe choices, Yumi said at the time: "Regardless of what I wear, customers should show basic respect."



Sexy Vietnamese Hawker At Hong Lim Told To “Go Back Home”
Don’t judge the owner of drinks stall Yumi by her appearance: “Why blame all Vietnamese girls? Why scold me like a dog?” rages the articulate woman in a series of videos

Vietnamese eateries around the island have been feeling the heat in the wake of last week’s KTV lounge cluster (totalling 215 Covid-19 cases at press time). Cancelled reservations and reduced patronage aside, the bosses of said eateries 8days.sg spoke to didn’t receive any nasty comments directed at their nationality.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for a famous scantily-clad Vietnamese hawker known only as Yumi — she opened an eponymous beer and juice stall in Hong Lim Food Centre last August (according to a video she posted on her popular Facebook page with more than 100K followers). Yumi has had to close her stall and serve a quarantine order at home from July 17 to 31, along with the rest of Hong Lim Food Centre’s hawkers after a cluster related to the Jurong Fishery Port one emerged.

She’s been living in Singapore since 2017 and earned her fame — or notoriety — thanks to a spicy combination of spunk and risqué fashion sense that wouldn’t look out of place at a cosplay convention or sexy night club, all while doling out mugs of beer. She declined to reveal personal information apart from what’s available on her FB page, citing privacy reasons. “What I want to say, [I’ve] already put in my latest video,” she tells 8days.sg.


BEER STALL OWNER ANGRY AFTER MEN UPLOAD FOOTAGE OF HER

Hong Lim’s famous lovely beer lady recently stated on how a man asked to take a photo with her and his friend deliberately aimed his mobile phone at her chest and took footage of her breasts.

The video was uploaded to the internet and the beer stall lady, Yumi, found out about it and was furious. She then vented angrily on Facebook.

She has reservations about wearing sexy tops after the incident but she said she will still wear sexy outfits in the future. “I like dressing like this. I’m here running a legitimate business, I have nothing to fear,” she added.


Beer lady at Hong Lim Market and Food Centre sparks debate
Never wear bra, wear sibei fitting and short shorts, this beer lady not only attracted lots of customers but also stirred controversy

According to Zaobao, videos of this said beer lady were seen circulating online. Apparently, the lady is working as a beer lady in Hong Lim Market and Food Centre and was seen dressed in super “cooling” outfit every day – sometimes she will even go braless.

Known as Yumi, the beer lady when interviewed said that she’s from Vietnam. She started working at Hong Lim Market and Food Centre in August this year. She also revealed that the videos circulating on the Internet were shot and uploaded to social media by herself. “I like wearing sexy clothes since I was a child. It is not to show off my figure, I just feel comfortable when I am dressed this way.”

Yumi is also a YouTuber who owns her own YouTube channel. You see you see? Besides being a beer lady, Yumi also pick up new skills and is a YouTuber wor. Who knows, if she decides not to sell beer anymore, she can become full-time YouTuber and earn her own keep!



'Dressing sexy and respect are 2 separate things': Female beer stall operator angry after men uploaded footage of her
Just because something is out there in plain sight, doesn't mean you can abuse it

A young Vietnamese woman operating a beer stall at Hong Lim Market & Food Centre has gained some fame, or notoriety, after her sartorial preferences made the local news.

Local Chinese evening papers reported recently that Yumi enjoys wearing hot pants and revealing tops at work, even going braless at times. This led to some of her male customers conspiring to take and leak videos of her breasts. In a Lianhe Wanbao report published on Feb 27, Yumi told reporters that a man asked to take a photo with her on Jan 16, and his friend then took the opportunity to record the video.

Last week, Shin Min Daily News also reported on an eyebrow-raising job advertisement that Yumi posted on Facebook for a part-time stall assistant. "You'll get extra points if you, like me, don't like wearing a bra," she wrote, adding that it wasn't a prerequisite.


Sexy dress is exposed and photographed and taken away by light beer girl changed to wear tights
Beer girl Yumi said that she was wearing a sexy top and was secretly photographed on her breasts by alcoholics, and then she changed to tights. (Photo by Rao Jinli)

The clothes were too revealing. They were secretly photographed and put on the Internet after being exposed to the light. The Vietnamese beer girl "kicked the iron plate" last month and was scared to change to tights. Some netizens ridiculed her for "putting the blame on her own", but she ridiculed her, claiming that even if she loves dew again, there must be mutual respect between people, "Sexy and respect are two different things"!

Vietnamese beer girl Yumi has been operating a beer stall in Hong Lim Food Center for about half a year. She is “famous” for her sexy wear. She loves to wear short hot pants to show her beautiful legs, her top is often crisp and her breasts are half exposed, and she is even accused of not wearing a bra. “Vacuum” "Go into battle.

In an interview with Lianhe Wanbao a few days ago, Yumi said that on January 16 this year, a male customer asked to take a photo with her, but his other boyfriend took the opportunity to sneak a photo of her breasts. On that day, she wore an ultra-short white top, showing the lower part of her chest, and she did not wear a bra, so she would easily "dew points" when she raised her hand. She said: "The man deliberately asked if the electric light in front of my booth was broken. I inadvertently raised my hand to the electric light and said yes. As a result, he deliberately aimed at my chest with his mobile phone, and all the lights were taken." Yumi learned that the video was posted online a week later and complained about the matter in her Facebook angrily. Many people responded to the post. Some people sympathized with her experience, but many people ridiculed her for taking the blame.


Selling of beer at Hong Lim Hawker Center provokes criticism from a large number of male customers
"Since I was young I like to wear sexy clothes"

Qingliang female name is Yumi. When she was interviewed, she said that she was from Vietnam and started selling drinks at Hong Lim Hawker Center in August this year.

She also revealed that the videos circulated on the Internet were actually shot by herself and uploaded to social media. "I have liked wearing sexy clothes since I was a child, not to show off my figure, but to feel more comfortable to wear like this."

Cool Girl is also a Youtuber. The video has more than one million views, and she is also sexy and hot.


Shin Min Daily News 22 February

The cool female stall owner of the beer stall recently publicly asked for assistants on the Internet. One of the "extra points" application conditions was "in a vacuum", which caused controversy again.

The female internet celebrity Yumi from Vietnam opened a stall to sell drinks at the Chinatown Hong Lim Hawker Center. She likes to go in a vacuum and wear tight shorts, causing controversy.

She posted on Facebook last Wednesday saying that she was looking for a part-time helper. The post wrote: "If you don't like to wear underwear like me, you will get extra points." Yumi said that this is just "plus points", not a requirement. However, some netizens left messages and questioned that her dress and the terms of invitation are all gimmicks to attract customers. (Wu Ruiming/Report)


Yumi Diary 1 June 2021

Yumi Nuts all 100% natural ingredients 🍀
All products have arrived!!!

💙Anyone want self-collect at my stall please book me the date and time then I will be there for you 😘
Today & tomorrow I will be at my stall 6pm-8pm ( Hong Lim market #01-42) - I will update you all daily on Facebook

💙Anyone order delivery : I’ll be arranging deliveries this week.
If you order delivery please paynow me FIRST and msg me the preferred timing, delivery address and payment screenshot ( Paynow UEN 53312026L)

Please message me again if I haven’t replied your message orders 👍🏻

My stall still selling beers , cashew nuts, cuttlefish, masks ( can see details at my last posted
Tks you for support me 💚💚💚💚💚


Sexy Vietnamese Hawker At Hong Lim Told To “Go Back Home” Goes On Epic Rant
Don’t judge the owner of drinks stall Yumi by her appearance: “Why blame all Vietnamese girls? Why scold me like a dog?” rages the articulate woman in a series of videos

Vietnamese eateries around the island have been feeling the heat in the wake of last week’s KTV lounge cluster (totalling 215 Covid-19 cases at press time). Cancelled reservations and reduced patronage aside, the bosses of said eateries 8days.sg spoke to didn’t receive any nasty comments directed at their nationality.

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for a famous scantily-clad Vietnamese hawker known only as Yumi — she opened an eponymous beer and juice stall in Hong Lim Food Centre last August (according to a video she posted on her popular Facebook page with more than 100K followers).

Yumi has had to close her stall and serve a quarantine order at home from July 17 to 31, along with the rest of Hong Lim Food Centre’s hawkers after a cluster related to the Jurong Fishery Port one emerged.


Vietnamese woman who is first Covid-19 case in KTV cluster entered S'pore in February via familial ties lane

The woman who is the first case linked to the growing KTV cluster of Covid-19 infections is a short-term visit pass holder from Vietnam who entered Singapore in February via the familial ties lane, sponsored by her Singaporean boyfriend.

In a joint statement on Friday (July 16), the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Ministry of Manpower (MOM) said that police investigations into possible illegal, including vice-related, activities within this KTV cluster are ongoing.

"If the investigations show any criminal offence on the part of these foreigners, ICA and MOM will take firm action against them, including cancelling their work pass, student pass or visit pass, and deport them," they said.

23/07/2021

Olympic Games Tokyo 2020











related: Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games

TOKYO 2020 PARALYMPIC MEDALS

The official Paralympic medals, medal ribbon and medals case were revealed to the public on 25 August 2019, exactly one year before the start of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. The medal design is centred around the motif of a traditional Japanese fan, depicting the Paralympic Games as the source of a fresh new wind blowing through the world as well as a shared experience connecting diverse hearts and minds. As well as the official Paralympic medals, the medal ribbon and medals case were also revealed on Sunday.

The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Torch

The Paralympic Torch will be lit for the first time in Tokyo in August 2020, based on the “Share Your Light” concept of the Paralympic Games. Uniting tradition and modern technology, the shape of the torch resembles that of a Japanese traditional “Sakuramon” cherry blossom emblem. The name of Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games mascot SOMEITY and its design also come from this flower. It was shaped into this form using the same aluminium extrusion technology used in the manufacture of Shinkansen bullet trains. It forms a seamless, single piece in a form that symbolises the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Torch Relay, created by fusing Japanese tradition and modern technology

THE TOKYO 2020 PARALYMPIC MASCOT

The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic mascot's name is Someity, (pronounced soh-may-tee) which comes from someiyoshino, a popular cherry blossom variety, and additionally echoes the English phrase “so mighty”. Someity has tactile cherry blossom sensors and exhibits enormous mental and physical strength. It represents Paralympic athletes who overcome obstacles and redefine the boundaries of what is possible.

Auditor-General's Report 2020/2021

Auditor-General's Office report: Overpayments, altered records among some lapses found

The Auditor-General's Office (AGO) released its report on Thursday (July 22) highlighting key lapses by various ministries and public agencies. Here is a summary of its findings:
  • Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) - The AGO found that some records could have been photocopies with alterations made to the dates and duration of services rendered while others had pre-printed signatures or showed other signs of weak controls.
  • Ministry of Defence (Mindef) - Mindef overpaid 323 bills totalling $84,300 to a national healthcare institution between September 2019 and March 2021.
  • Ministry of Education (MOE) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) - The AGO noted that improvements were needed in MOE's and MHA's management of facility management contracts.
  • National Library Board (NLB) - The AGO found various lapses in NLB's procurement of a digital film projection system worth $4.75 million. There was inadequate assurance that principles of value for money, fairness and transparency had been adhered to, AGO said.
  • Singapore Polytechnic (SP) - SP did not put up required reports to the central government authority concerning two tenderers who had withdrawn their bids after the close of tenders, but before the tenders were awarded.
  • Accounting and Corporate Reg.ulatory Authority (Acra) - The AGO flagged weak controls over the operating system (OS) user accounts with the highest system access privileges in Acra's online filing and information retrieval system, BizFile
  • Health Promotion Board (HPB) - About 341,000 fitness trackers not put to use for the HPB's National Steps Challenge resulted in $5.39 million of public funds being wasted.
  • Health Sciences Authority (HSA) - HSA's total expenditure on small value purchases between April 2018 and June 2020 was substantial at $8.02 million.
  • Housing Board (HDB) - Housing grants totalling $405,000 were disbursed to ineligible applicants. The AGO also found that quotations for some items could have been created or altered to give the impression that they were obtained from other suppliers.
  • Land Transport Authority (LTA) - The AGO found 36 instances where LTA had delayed refunding advance payments to individuals or companies that requested works such as shifting of streetlights or bus shelters.
  • Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) - Following a complaint, the AGO conducted checks on a $430,000 tender for event and venue management services for a 2018 MPA event and found several lapses, including significant errors in the tender evaluation report.

Report of the Auditor-General for the Financial Year 2020/21

22/07/2021

Singapore Back to Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) from 22 Jul 2021


Updated 21 Nov 2021: COVID-19 Singapore abandoning ‘Zero COVID’ strategy

The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the major topics at this year's G-20 summit. Some countries in Asia have decided that their earlier strategy of zero COVID is futile and that they must learn to live with the virus. 
In Singapore, that shift has ushered in a surge of coronavirus infections.

Singapore has one of the world's highest vaccination rates at 82%, yet cases of COVID-19 are skyrocketing from just double digits in August to well over 3,000 cases a day now. Infectious disease physician Dale Fisher of the National University Hospital says Singapore is letting nature take its course.

Singapore's health experts say exiting the pandemic will mean a carefully calibrated lifting of lids and laying them back on again as needed. Fisher says it may take another year or two. Meanwhile, he says don't expect a Singapore version of the U.K.'s Freedom Day, where almost all COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.



Singapore reports 3,163 new COVID-19 cases; 13 more deaths

Singapore reported 3,163 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Sunday (Oct 31) as 13 more people died from complications due to the virus. The fatalities were aged between 57 and 89. All of them had various underlying medical conditions, except for two unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals who had no known medical conditions. The Ministry of Health (MOH) did not specify what these conditions were. This brings Singapore's death toll from the coronavirus to 407.

Among Sunday's cases, 3,159 infections are locally transmitted, comprising 2,745 in the community and 414 in migrant workers' dormitories. Four are imported cases, MOH said in its daily update released to media at about 11.05pm. The weekly infection growth rate is 1.12 as of . This refers to the ratio of community cases for the past week over the week before.

As of Sunday, Singapore has reported a total of 198,374 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


'End of stabilisation phase': Group size limits for dining in, social gatherings of up to 5 from Nov 22

From Monday (Nov 22), fully vaccinated people can dine together in groups of up to five, even if they are not from the same household. The two-person cap on social gatherings will also be raised to five persons, and households may take in up to five distinct visitors a day from Monday.

The changes came after the Government announced that the Covid-19 "stabilisation phase" will end on Sunday. In a statement on Saturday, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said that Singapore will move into the “transition phase” of its reopening plan, bringing the country back on track on its four-stage roadmap to live with Covid-19.

Right now, fully vaccinated people are allowed to dine at food establishments in groups of up to five only if they are from the same household. If they are from different households, they may only dine in pairs. The easing of measures were in view of the Covid-19 situation having improved since the stabilisation phase was extended for a month in October.


Singapore enters the Stabilisation Phase on 27 September 2021

During this stabilisation period, safe management measures will be tightened to slow down the number of COVID-19 cases. 

From 27 Sep - 24 Oct, social gatherings will be reduced to a maximum of 2 persons. Work-from-home will be the default and home-based learning for Primary and Special Education schools will be extended till 7 Oct. Seniors are also strongly encouraged to stay home as much as possible. 

Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong was speaking at the Multi-Ministry Taskforce press conference on 24 Sept 2021.


Singapore reports 3,112 new COVID-19 cases; 14 more deaths

Singapore reported 3,112 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Saturday (Oct 30) as 14 more people died from complications due to the virus. The fatalities, who were aged between 63 and 98, had various underlying medical conditions. The Ministry of Health (MOH) did not specify what these conditions were. This brings Singapore's death toll from the coronavirus to 394.

The 3,112 new cases reported on Saturday are a decrease from the 4,248 reported on Friday. Among Saturday's cases, 3,108 infections are locally transmitted, comprising 2,608 in the community and 500 in migrant workers' dormitories. Four are imported cases, MOH said in its daily update released to media at about 11.30pm.

As of Saturday, Singapore has reported a total of 195,211 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.



Singapore reports 4,248 new COVID-19 cases; 16 more deaths

Singapore reported 4,248 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Friday (Oct 29) as 16 more people died from complications due to the virus. The fatalities, who were aged between 44 and 90, had various underlying medical conditions. The Ministry of Health (MOH) did not specify what these conditions were. The 44-year-old individual was not vaccinated against COVID-19. This brings Singapore's death toll from the coronavirus to 380.

Among Friday's cases, 4,246 infections are locally transmitted, comprising of 3,710 in the community and 536 in migrant workers' dormitories. Two are imported cases, MOH said in its daily update released to media at 11.43pm.

As of Friday, Singapore has reported a total of 192,099 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


Unvaccinated vs vaccinated Covid-19 deaths in Singapore

Out of 5.5 million people, 500,000 children below the age of 12 are ineligible to receive the vaccine yet. But while they may be carriers of the virus, they are exceedingly unlikely to end up in hospital or suffer serious adverse effects. Among those over the age of 12, 94 per cent have already received their vaccines. Nevertheless, the remaining six per cent translates to a whopping 300,000 people — still an enormous group, which is highly vulnerable to COVID-19.

According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), individuals from among the six per cent of those who are partially or completely unvaccinated comprised 67.5 per cent of deaths in the first three weeks of October.

What’s really sad is that out of 169 deaths reported in that period, 30 were of those who received one dose of the vaccine. This suggests that they got scared some time before they ended up contracting the disease and went to receive their shot, but did not survive long enough to complete the two-dose cycle and develop necessary immunity.


Singapore reports 3,432 new COVID-19 cases, down by more than 1,800 from the previous day; 15 more deaths

Singapore reported 3,432 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Thursday (Oct 28) as 15 more people died from complications due to the virus. The daily caseload is 1,892 fewer than Wednesday's figure of 5,324. The fatalities, who were aged between 62 and 98, had various underlying medical conditions. This brings Singapore's death toll from the coronavirus to 364.

Among Thursday's cases, 3,423 infections are locally transmitted, comprising 3,171 in the community and 252 in migrant workers' dormitories. Nine are imported cases, MOH said in its daily update released to media at 11.18pm.

As of Thursday, Singapore has reported a total of 187,851 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


Singapore's daily COVID-19 cases breach 5,000-mark for the first time; 10 more deaths
Record Daily tally of 5324, the highest since the pandemic began early last year

Singapore's daily new COVID-19 cases breached the 5,000-mark for the first time on Wednesday (Oct 27). The Ministry of Health (MOH) reported 5,324 new cases as of noon, as 10 more people died from complications due to the virus. The fatalities were aged between 54 and 96. All except one unvaccinated case had various underlying medical conditions. This brings Singapore's death toll from the coronavirus to 349.

The number of new COVID-19 infections is an increase from the daily count of 3,277 reported on Tuesday. Among Wednesday's cases, 5,312 infections are locally transmitted, comprising 4,651 in the community and 661 in migrant workers' dormitories. Twelve are imported cases, MOH said in its daily update released to media at about 11pm.

As of Wednesday, Singapore has reported a total of 184,419 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


3,277 new COVID-19 cases, 10 more deaths in Singapore

Singapore reported 3,277 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Tuesday (Oct 26) as 10 more people died from complications due to the virus. The fatalities were aged between 66 and 98. All but one unvaccinated case had various underlying medical conditions. The Ministry of Health (MOH) did not specify what these conditions were. This brings Singapore's death toll from the coronavirus to 339.

The number of new COVID-19 infections is an increase from the daily count of 3,174 reported on Monday. Among Tuesday's cases, 3,272 infections are locally transmitted, comprising 2,984 in the community and 288 in migrant workers' dormitories. Five are imported cases, MOH said in its daily update released to media at about 11.43pm.

As of Tuesday, Singapore has reported a total of 179,095 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


Singapore reports 3,174 new COVID-19 cases and 14 more deaths

Singapore reported 3,174 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Monday (Oct 25) as 14 more people died from complications due to the virus. The fatalities, who were aged between 60 and 93, had various underlying medical conditions. The Ministry of Health (MOH) did not specify what these conditions were. This brings Singapore's death toll from the coronavirus to 329.

Among Monday's cases, 3,165 infections are locally transmitted, comprising 2,843 in the community and 322 in migrant workers' dormitories. Nine are imported cases, MOH said in its daily update released to media at about 11.30pm.

As of Monday, Singapore has reported a total of 175,818 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.



Singapore reports 3,383 new COVID-19 cases and 15 more deaths

Singapore reported 3,383 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Sunday (Oct 24) as 15 more people died from complications due to the virus. The fatalities are eight men and seven women aged between 58 and 100. Eight of them were unvaccinated, one was partially vaccinated and six were fully vaccinated against COVID-19. All of the people who died had various underlying medical conditions. This brings Singapore's death toll from the coronavirus to 315.

The number of new COVID-19 infections is a decrease from the daily count of 3,598 reported on Saturday. Among them, 3,375 infections are locally transmitted, comprising 2,708 in the community and 667 in migrant workers' dormitories. Eight are imported cases, MOH said in its daily update released to media at about 11.20pm.

As of Sunday, Singapore has reported a total of 172,644 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.

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Singapore reports 3,598 new COVID-19 cases and 6 more fatalities

Singapore reported 3,598 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Saturday (Oct 23) and six more deaths from complications due to the virus. The fatalities are two men and four women who were aged between 61 and 91. Four of them were unvaccinated and two were fully vaccinated. All of the latest fatalities had various underlying medical conditions. This brings Singapore's death toll from the coronavirus to 300.

The number of new COVID-19 infections is a drop from the daily count of 3,637 reported on Friday. Among them, 3,594 infections are locally transmitted, comprising 2,804 in the community and 790 in migrant workers' dormitories. Four are imported cases, MOH said in its daily update released to media at about 11.25pm.

As of Saturday, Singapore has reported a total of 169,261 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.



Singapore reports 3,637 new COVID-19 cases and 14 more deaths

Singapore reported 3,637 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Friday (Oct 22) and 14 more deaths from complications due to the virus. The fatalities are seven men and seven women. They include a 41-year-old person who was vaccinated against COVID-19, but was immunocompromised and had severe underlying lung disease, said the Ministry of Health (MOH).

The other 13 people who died were aged between 59 and 97 years. Seven of them were unvaccinated, one was partially vaccinated and five were fully vaccinated. All of them had various underlying medical conditions. This brings Singapore's death toll from the coronavirus to 294.

The number of new cases is an increase from the 3,439 new cases reported on Thursday. Among them, 3,631 infections are locally transmitted, comprising 3,039 in the community and 592 in migrant workers' dormitories. Six are imported cases, MOH said in its daily update released to media at about 10.45pm. As of Friday, Singapore has reported a total of 165,663 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


Singapore reports 3,439 new COVID-19 cases and 16 more deaths

Singapore reported 3,439 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Thursday (Oct 21) and 16 more deaths from complications due to the virus. The fatalities are 12 men and 4 women aged between 61 and 93. Eight of them were unvaccinated against COVID-19, one was partially vaccinated and seven were fully vaccinated. Among the men are 11 Singaporeans and permanent residents, and one Malaysian work permit holder. All the women were Singaporean. Fifteen of the fatalities had various underlying medical conditions. This brings Singapore's death toll from the coronavirus to 280.

Among the new cases, 3,437 are locally transmitted, comprising 2,937 infections in the community and 500 in migrant workers' dormitories. Two are imported cases, MOH said in its daily update released to media at about 11.15pm.

As of Thursday, Singapore has reported a total of 162,026 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


3,862 new COVID-19 cases as Singapore reports 18 more deaths

Singapore reported 3,862 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Wednesday (Oct 20) and 18 more deaths from complications due to the virus. Among the new cases, 3,851 are locally transmitted, comprising 3,221 infections in the community and 630 in migrant workers' dormitories. Eleven are imported cases, MOH said in its daily update released to media at about 11pm.

The fatalities are 16 men and two women aged 55 to 96 years. Eight of them were unvaccinated against COVID-19, one was partially vaccinated and nine were fully vaccinated. Seventeen of the fatalities had various underlying medical conditions. MOH did not specify what these conditions were. One unvaccinated case had no known medical conditions. This brings Singapore's death toll from the coronavirus to 264.

As of Wednesday, Singapore has reported a total of 158,587 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.



Stabilisation Phase extended by a month until Nov 21

SINGAPORE'S Stabilisation Phase, originally meant to end after Oct 24, will be extended by four weeks until Nov 21, with an additional S$640 million support package on the way to help companies and individuals, the multi-ministry taskforce on Covid-19 announced on Wednesday (Oct 20).

"We have explained earlier that we can relax the restrictions only if the pressure eases off on the healthcare system," said taskforce co-chair and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong. While the government is beefing up manpower and capacity, it will take time for these reinforcements to come in, and in the meantime, Singapore faces "considerable risk of the healthcare system being overwhelmed", he said.

Therefore, the current Stabilisation Phase, which began on Sep 27 and includes measures such as the two-person cap on social gatherings and dining at food and beverage (F&B) establishments, will be extended for a month, he said.


US raises Covid-19 travel alert for Singapore to highest risk level

The United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has added Singapore to its list of "very high" risk travel destinations. Under its Travel Notices, the CDC raised Singapore to Level 4, its highest risk category, from Level 3 previously. The notice cited: "Level 4: Very High Level of Covid-19 in Singapore."

The notice asked US residents to "avoid travel to Singapore". "If you must travel to Singapore, make sure you are fully vaccinated before travel. "Because of the current situation in Singapore, even fully vaccinated travellers may be at risk for getting and spreading Covid-19 variants," the CDC said. It asked travellers to "follow recommendations or requirements in Singapore, including wearing a mask and staying six feet (1.83m) apart from others".

The CDC announcement followed a statement on Monday (Oct 18) by the US State Department urging against travel to Singapore due to Covid-19 cases.


7 more COVID-19 deaths, 3,994 new cases in Singapore

Singapore reported 3,994 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Tuesday (Oct 19) as seven more people died from complications due to the virus. This is an increase from the 2,553 new cases reported on Monday. It is the first time in four days that new infections have risen. Among the new cases, 3,981 are locally transmitted, comprising 3,480 infections in the community and 501 in migrant workers' dormitories. Thirteen are imported cases.

The fatalities are five men and two women aged between 57 and 90 years. Three of them were unvaccinated against COVID-19, one was partially vaccinated and three were fully vaccinated. Six of the cases had various underlying medical conditions. MOH did not specify what these conditions were. One unvaccinated case had no known medical conditions. This brings Singapore's death toll from the coronavirus to 246.

As of Tuesday, Singapore has reported a total of 154,725 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.



Why vaccinated people dying from Covid-19 doesn't mean the vaccines are ineffective

Former US Secretary of State Colin Powell died on Monday of Covid-19 complications. His family announced that he was fully vaccinated. He was 84 years old, and had multiple myeloma, a blood cancer.

Health officials worry that anti-vaccine activists will seize upon Powell's death to make the claim that vaccines don't work. If you can still die after being vaccinated for Covid-19, what's the point of getting the vaccine?

What's the answer to that question? I discussed it with CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and professor of health policy and management at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. She is also author of a new book, "Lifelines: A Doctor's Journey in the Fight for Public Health."


Singapore reports 2,553 new COVID-19 cases, 6 more deaths

Singapore reported 2,553 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Monday (Oct 18) with six more people dying from complications due to the virus. The fatalities are four men and two women, aged between 78 and 93. Four were unvaccinated against COVID-19, one was partially vaccinated and one was fully vaccinated. All of them had various underlying medical conditions. This brings Singapore's death toll from the coronavirus to 239.

The 2,553 new cases reported on Monday are a decrease from the 3,058 reported on Sunday, and marks the third consecutive day of decline. Monday's caseload is also the lowest since Oct 11, when there were 2,263 cases. Among the new cases, 2,552 are locally transmitted, comprising 2,008 infections in the community and 544 in migrant worker dormitories. There is one imported case, MOH said in its daily update released to media at about 11pm.

As of Monday, Singapore has reported a total of 150,731 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


9 more deaths as Singapore reports 3,058 new COVID-19 cases

Singapore reported 3,058 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Sunday (Oct 17) with nine more people dying from complications due to the virus. The fatalities, who were all Singaporean, are six men and three women, aged between 57 and 100. Seven were unvaccinated against COVID-19 and two were vaccinated. Eight of them had various underlying medical conditions, while one who was unvaccinated had no known medical conditions. This brings Singapore's death toll from the coronavirus to 233.

The 3,058 new cases reported on Sunday were a decrease from the 3,348 reported on Saturday. Among the new cases, 3,055 are locally transmitted, comprising 2,454 infections in the community and 601 in migrant worker dormitories. Three are imported cases, MOH said in its daily update released to media at about 11pm.

As of Sunday, Singapore has reported a total of 148,178 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


9 more deaths as Singapore reports 3,348 new COVID-19 cases

Singapore reported 3,348 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Saturday (Oct 16) with nine more people dying from complications due to the virus. The fatalities, who were all Singaporean, are four men and five women, aged between 60 and 89. Five were unvaccinated against COVID-19, two were partially vaccinated and two were vaccinated. Eight of them had various underlying medical conditions, while an unvaccinated case had no known medical conditions. The Ministry of Health (MOH) did not specify what these conditions were. This brings Singapore's death toll from the coronavirus to 224.

The 3,348 new cases reported on Saturday were a decrease from the 3,445 reported on Friday. Among the new cases, 3,344 are locally transmitted, comprising 2,688 infections in the community and 656 in migrant worker dormitories. Four are imported cases, MOH said in its daily update released to media at about 11.40pm.

As of Saturday, Singapore has reported a total of 145,120 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


Eight more COVID-19 deaths, 3,445 new cases in Singapore

Singapore reported 3,445 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Friday (Oct 15), with eight more fatalities from complications due to the virus. The fatalities are seven men and one woman, aged between 61 and 89 years. Five of them were unvaccinated, while three were vaccinated. Seven of the fatalities had various underlying medical conditions, while one unvaccinated case had no known medical conditions. This brings Singapore's death toll from the coronavirus to 215.

Friday's case count is an increase from the 2,932 infections reported on Thursday. Among the new cases, 3,443 are locally transmitted, comprising 2,823 infections in the community and 620 in migrant worker dormitories. Two are imported cases, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said in its daily update released to media at about 11pm.

As of Friday, Singapore has reported a total of 141,772 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


What we know about Covid-19 deaths among younger adults in Singapore

The 23-year-old and 34-year-old Singaporeans reported on Thursday (Oct 14) to have died of Covid-19 complications were among the youngest deaths in Singapore.

Neither was fully vaccinated, and both had multiple pre-existing health conditions, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said. Checks by The Straits Times found that this was also the case for most of the other deaths from Covid-19 involving younger adults here.

Before Thursday, the youngest person who died of complications due to the virus in Singapore was a 34-year-old man from Ukraine.



Youngest COVID-19 fatality in Singapore reported with 23-year-old person among 15 more deaths

A 23-year-old person became the youngest COVID-19 fatality in Singapore as 15 more people died from complications due to the virus. Singapore reported 2,932 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday (Oct 14), as the death toll from the coronavirus rose to 207. The fatalities are eight men and seven women. The deaths include the 23-year-old who was partially vaccinated and a 34-year-old who was unvaccinated. Both of them had multiple underlying conditions. 

The other 13 individuals who died were aged between 60 and 89. Of these, 8 were unvaccinated against COVID-19, and five were fully vaccinated. All of them had various underlying medical conditions. Among the new cases reported on Thursday, 2,929 infections are locally transmitted, comprising 2,412 in the community and 517 in migrant worker dormitories. Three are imported cases, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) in its daily update released to media at about 11.10pm.

As of Thursday, Singapore has reported a total of 138,327 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


9 more deaths from COVID-19 as Singapore reports 3,190 new cases

Singapore reported 3,190 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday (Oct 13) as nine more people died from complications due to the virus. The fatalities are six men and three women, aged between 52 and 98. Among them, six were unvaccinated against COVID-19, two were partially vaccinated and one was fully vaccinated. This takes Singapore's death toll from the coronavirus to 192.

A total of 3,190 new infections were reported on Wednesday, an increase from the 2,976 cases on Tuesday. Among the new cases, 3,184 infections are locally transmitted, comprising 2,686 in the community and 498 in migrant worker dormitories. Six are imported cases, said the Ministry of Health (MOH).

As of Wednesday, Singapore has reported a total of 135,395 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


Those unvaccinated against Covid-19 can no longer eat at hawker centres, enter malls, from Oct 13

Unvaccinated individuals will no longer be able to dine-in, go to shopping malls, hawker centres and coffeeshops, or visit attractions from next Wednesday (Oct 13).

The Ministry of Health said on Saturday (Oct 9) that this is a move to protect unvaccinated individuals in the community and to reduce the strain on the healthcare system.

The ministry added that epidemiological investigations have identified food and beverage settings such as hawker centres, retail establishments, and shopping centres as settings frequently visited by a significant proportion of Covid-19 positive cases, including those who are unvaccinated, and who later fell very sick.


11 more COVID-19 deaths, 2,976 new cases in Singapore

Singapore reported 2,976 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Tuesday (Oct 12) as 11 more people died from complications due to the virus. This is the third day that the caseload has gone below the 3,000 mark.

The fatalities were all Singaporeans, comprising five men and six women. They were aged between 66 and 98, reported MOH in its daily update released to media at about 11.26pm. Among them, three were unvaccinated against COVID-19, six were partially vaccinated and two were vaccinated. All of them had various underlying medical conditions. This takes Singapore's death toll from the coronavirus to 183. Among the new cases, 2,972 infections are locally transmitted, comprising 2,721 in the community and 251 in migrant worker dormitories. Four are imported cases, said MOH.

As of Tuesday, Singapore has reported a total of 132,205 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


10 more COVID-19 deaths, 2,263 new cases in Singapore

Singapore reported 2,263 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Monday (Oct 11) as 10 more people died from complications due to the virus. This is the second day that the caseload has gone below the 3,000 mark.

The fatalities are all Singaporeans or permanent residents, comprising seven men and three women. They were aged between 73 and 93, reported MOH in its daily update released to media at about 11.40pm. Among them, four were unvaccinated against COVID-19, three were partially vaccinated and three were vaccinated. All of them had various underlying medical conditions. This takes Singapore's death toll from the coronavirus to 172. Among the new cases, 2,255 infections are locally transmitted, comprising 1,949 in the community and 306 in migrant worker dormitories. Eight are imported cases, said MOH.

As of Monday, Singapore has reported a total of 129,229 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


Singapore reports 2,809 new COVID-19 cases; 9 more deaths

Singapore reported 2,809 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Sunday (Oct 10) as nine more people died from complications due to the virus. The fatalities are all Singaporeans, comprising eight men and one woman, aged between 70 and 88.

Among them, four were unvaccinated against COVID-19, three were partially vaccinated and two were vaccinated. All of them had various underlying medical conditions. This takes Singapore's death toll from the coronavirus to 162. New infections have decreased below the 3,000-mark for the first time in six days. Among the cases, 2,807 infections are locally transmitted, comprising 2,176 cases in the community and 631 in migrant worker dormitories. Two are imported cases.

As of Sunday, Singapore has reported a total of 126,966 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


Singapore's Covid-19 'new normal' expected to be 3 to 6 months away: PM Lee

Singapore is entering a trying period in its fight against Covid-19, with daily cases expected to continue rising for some weeks, the healthcare system remaining under pressure, and the Delta virus variant slowed but not stopped.

But with each passing day, Singapore is getting stronger, more resilient, and more ready to live with the virus in its midst - and this "new normal" is anywhere from three to six months away, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Saturday (Oct 9). He was giving a speech to the nation on the Covid-19 situation.

Daily new caseloads in Singapore have stayed above the 3,000 mark for four days straight, and around 1,000 since mid-September. Although almost all cases are asymptomatic or mild, deaths have been reported for 19 days in a row, taking the toll to 142 as at Friday. PM Lee noted that the current surge would level off at some point, with infections starting to dip hopefully within a month or so.


11 COVID-19 deaths as Singapore reports more than 3,000 new cases for fifth straight day

Singapore reported more than 3,000 new COVID-19 cases for a fifth straight day on Saturday (Oct 9) as 11 more people died from complications due to the virus. The fatalities are five men and six women aged between 56 and 90. Four of them were unvaccinated against COVID-19, three were partially vaccinated and four were fully vaccinated. This takes Singapore's death toll from the coronavirus to 153.

New infections inched up, with 3,703 cases reported as of noon on Saturday, the highest number so far. Among them, 3,700 infections are locally transmitted, comprising 2,868 cases in the community and 832 in migrant worker dormitories. Three are imported cases, said MOH in its daily update released to media at about 11.20pm.

As of Saturday, Singapore has reported a total of 124,157 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.



6 more COVID-19 deaths in Singapore; new cases above 3,000 for fourth straight day

New COVID-19 cases in Singapore have stayed above the 3,000 mark for the fourth day in a row on Friday (Oct 8), with six more deaths from complications due to the virus. The fatalities comprise three men and three women, aged between 67 and 93 years. Two were unvaccinated against COVID-19, three were partially vaccinated and one was fully vaccinated. This takes Singapore's death toll from the coronavirus to 142.

A total of 3,590 new infections have been reported as of noon on Friday, an increase from the 3,483 cases on Thursday. All the cases are locally transmitted, comprising 2,825 cases in the community and 765 in migrant worker dormitories. No imported cases were reported, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said in its daily update released to media at about 11.10pm.

As of Friday, Singapore has reported a total of 120,454 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


3 more COVID-19 deaths; more than 3,000 new cases in Singapore for third day in a row

New COVID-19 cases in Singapore have stayed above the 3,000 mark for the third day in a row on Thursday (Oct 7), with three more deaths from complications due to the virus. The fatalities involved two men and one woman aged between 57 and 90. This takes Singapore's death toll from the coronavirus to 136.

A total of 3,483 new infections have been reported as of noon on Thursday, a decrease from the 3,577 cases on Wednesday. Among the new cases, 3,475 are locally transmitted, comprising 2,783 cases in the community and 692 in migrant worker dormitories. Eight are imported cases, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said in its daily update released to media at about 11pm.

As of Thursday, Singapore has reported a total of 116,864 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


3 more COVID-19 deaths, 3,577 new infections in Singapore

Singapore reported more than 3,000 new COVID-19 cases for the second day in a row on Wednesday (Oct 6), with three deaths from complications due to the coronavirus. The fatalities involved Singaporean women aged between 68 and 102. All of them were unvaccinated against COVID-19 and had various underlying medical conditions. This takes Singapore's death toll from the virus to 133.

A total of 3,577 cases were reported as of noon on Wednesday, an increase from the 3,486 infections on Tuesday. Among the new cases, 3,562 are locally transmitted, comprising 2,932 cases in the community and 630 in migrant worker dormitories. Fifteen are imported cases, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) in its daily update released to the media at about 11.30pm.

As of Wednesday, Singapore has reported a total of 113,381 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


Singapore reports record 3,486 new COVID-19 cases; 9 more deaths

Singapore reported a record 3,486 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Tuesday (Oct 5) and nine more deaths from complications due to the coronavirus. The latest fatalities involved six men and three women, aged between 64 and 90. Three of them were unvaccinated against COVID-19, while two were partially vaccinated and four had been vaccinated. All of them had various underlying medical conditions. This takes Singapore's death toll from the coronavirus to 130.

Of the new cases, 3,480 are locally transmitted infections, comprising 2,767 cases in the community and 713 dormitory residents. Six are imported cases, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) in its daily update released to the media at about 11pm. The previous record in daily cases was on Oct 1 when there were 2,909 infections.

As of Tuesday, Singapore has reported a total of 109,804 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


2,475 new COVID-19 cases in Singapore, 8 more deaths reported

Singapore reported 2,475 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Monday (Oct 4), an increase in infections after two days of falling figures. There were also eight more fatalities from complications due to the coronavirus, taking the death toll to 121. Among them were four Singaporean men and four Singaporean women aged between 60 and 94.

Of the new cases, 2,460 are locally transmitted infections, comprising 1,859 cases in the community and 601 dormitory residents. Among these cases are 402 seniors above the age of 60, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) in its daily update released to the media at about 11pm. Fifteen are imported cases.

As of Monday, Singapore has reported a total of 106,318 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


COVID-19 cases in Singapore fall for second straight day with 2,057 infections, 6 more deaths reported

Singapore reported 2,057 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Sunday (Oct 3), the second straight day the country has seen a fall in new infections.

There were also six more deaths from complications due to the coronavirus. Singapore's death toll now stands at 113. There were also eight imported cases, all detected upon arrival in Singapore.

As of Sunday, Singapore has reported a total of 103,843 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


Singapore tops 100,000 total COVID-19 cases, reports 4 more deaths

Singapore reported 2,356 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Saturday (Oct 2), taking the total number of infections since the start of the pandemic past the 100,000 mark. Saturday's count was the first drop after four days of rising cases.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) also reported four more deaths from complications due to the coronavirus. This brings Singapore’s total death toll to 107. There were also six imported cases, with five detected upon arrival in Singapore and one who developed the illness during the stay-home notice or isolation period.

As of Saturday, Singapore has reported a total of 101,786 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


8 more COVID-19 deaths as Singapore reports 2,909 new cases

Singapore reported 2,909 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Friday (Oct 1) and eight more deaths from complications due to the coronavirus. Seven of the fatalities were Singaporean men and one was a Singaporean woman, they were aged between 66 and 96 years. Singapore's death toll now stands at 103.

Of the new cases, 2,897 were locally transmitted infections, comprising 2,079 cases in the community and 818 dormitory residents. There were also 12 imported cases, with seven detected upon arrival in Singapore and five who developed the illness during the stay-home notice or isolation period.

As of Friday, Singapore has reported a total of 99,430 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


2 deaths as Singapore reports 2,478 new COVID-19 cases; large clusters at care home and 6 dormitories

Singapore reported 2,478 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Thursday (Sep 30) and two more deaths due to complications from the virus. The fatalities were identified as a 79-year-old Singapore permanent resident and an 87-year-old Singaporean. There have been 40 deaths in September alone, a new monthly record. Singapore's death toll now stands at 95.

Of the new cases, 2,474 were locally transmitted infections comprising 2,022 cases in the community and 452 dormitory residents. There were also four imported cases, with three detected upon arrival in Singapore and one who developed the illness during the stay-home notice or isolation period. This is the third day in a row Singapore has reported a record number of new infections, after 2,268 new cases were announced on Wednesday.

As of Thursday, Singapore has reported a total of 96,521 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


8 more COVID-19 deaths as Singapore reports 2,268 new cases

Singapore reported a record 2,268 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Wednesday (Sep 29) and eight more fatalities from complications due to the disease. The five men and three women, all Singaporean, were aged between 72 and 90.

There have been 38 deaths in September alone, a new monthly record. Singapore's death toll now stands at 93. Of the new cases reported on Wednesday, 2,258 are locally transmitted infections comprising 1,810 cases in the community and 448 in migrant worker dormitories. There were also 10 imported cases, said MOH in a daily update released to the media at about 10.55pm.

As of Wednesday, Singapore has reported a total of 94,043 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


CDC raises Covid travel advisory level for Singapore

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday raised its travel advisories for Singapore and Hong Kong by one level each. Singapore was 
raised from Level 2 to Level 3, indicating a “high” level of Covid-19 in the country.

The CDC said unvaccinated travelers should avoid nonessential travel to the Southeast Asian country. “Because of the current situation in Singapore, all travelers may be at risk for getting and spreading Covid-19 variants,” the agency said.

Singapore’s Covid infections have surged to new highs in the past week. Tighter restrictions kicked in on Monday in a bid to slow virus transmission. The U.S. State Department also revised its advisory for Singapore to Level 3, recommending citizens “reconsider travel.” The city-state was previously classified as Level 2, which suggests travelers should “exercise increased caution,” due to Covid-19.

5 seniors die from Covid-19 complications; 2,236 new cases in Singapore

Singapore's death toll from COVID-19 jumped to 85 on Tuesday (Sep 28) as five more elderly people died from complications. The fatalities come as the Ministry of Health (MOH) reported a record 2,236 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Tuesday.

The new infections include 2,226 local cases, comprising 1,711 in the community and 515 among dormitory residents. Of these local cases, 483 were seniors above the age of 60. There were also 10 imported cases, said MOH in a media update issued at about 11.50pm.

There have been 30 deaths in September so far, a new monthly record. As of Tuesday, Singapore has reported a total of 91,775 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


1,647 new COVID-19 cases in Singapore; 2 more fatalities take death toll to 80

Singapore reported 1,647 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Monday (Sep 27), marking the seventh consecutive day new infections have exceeded the 1,000 mark. Of the new cases, 1,642 were local infections comprising 1,280 community cases and 362 dormitory residents. A total of 335 of these local cases were above the age of 60.

There were also five imported cases, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) in an update released to the media at about 10.50pm. Two more fatalities were also reported, taking the national death toll to 80. There have been 25 deaths in September so far, a new monthly record.

As of Monday, Singapore has reported a total of 89,539 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


Singapore reports a record 1,939 new COVID-19 cases, 2 more deaths

Singapore reported a record 1,939 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Sunday (Sep 26), marking the sixth consecutive day new infections have exceeded the 1,000 mark. Sunday's caseload is nearly 300 more than the previous daily high of 1,650 infections, which was reported on Friday.

There were also five imported cases, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) in an update released to the media at about 11pm. MOH reported on Sunday two more fatalities, taking the national death toll to 78. There have been 23 deaths in September so far, a new monthly record.

As of Sunday, Singapore has reported a total of 87,892 COVID-19 cases since the start of the pandemic.


Singapore reports 1,443 new COVID-19 cases; 3 more fatalities take national death toll to 76

Singapore reported 1,443 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Saturday (Sep 25), marking the fifth consecutive day new infections have exceeded the 1,000 mark. The 1,424 local infections, comprising 1,053 community cases and 371 dormitory residents, include 280 seniors above the age of 60.

There were also 19 imported cases, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) in an update released to the media at about 11pm. MOH also announced three more fatalities, taking the national death toll to 76. There have been 21 deaths in September so far, a new monthly record.

As of Saturday, Singapore has reported a total of 85,953 COVID-19 cases.


COVID-19: Singapore, Hong Kong & Taiwan



3 more COVID-19 deaths as Singapore reports 1,650 new cases

Singapore reported 1,650 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Friday (Sep 24), rising for the fourth consecutive day. The 1,646 local infections comprise 1,369 community cases and 277 dormitory residents. The new local cases include 391 seniors above the age of 60.

There were also four imported cases, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) in an update released to the media at about 10.40pm. MOH also announced three more fatalities, taking the national death toll to 73.

As of Friday, Singapore has reported a total of 84,510 COVID-19 cases.


2 more COVID-19 deaths as Singapore reports new high of 1,504 cases

Singapore reported 1,504 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Thursday (Sep 23), the highest since the pandemic began early last year. 
The 1,491 local infections comprise 1,218 community cases and 273 dormitory residents.

There were also 13 imported cases. The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced two more fatalities, taking the national death toll to 70.

As of Thursday, Singapore has reported a total of 82,860 COVID-19 cases.


Singapore reports 1,453 new local COVID-19 cases, 3 more deaths

Singapore reported 1,453 new local COVID-19 infections as of noon on Wednesday (Sep 22), comprising 1,277 community cases and 176 dormitory residents. There were also three new fatalities, bringing Singapore's death toll to 68.

There were also four imported cases, taking the daily tally to 1,457, the highest since the pandemic began early last year.

As of Wednesday, Singapore has reported a total of 81,356 COVID-19 cases and 68 deaths from the disease.



62-year-old woman among three COVID-19 deaths; 1,173 new local cases reported in Singapore

Singapore reported 1,173 new local COVID-19 infections as of noon on Tuesday (Sep 21), comprising 1,038 community cases and 135 dormitory residents. There were also three fatalities, bringing Singapore's death toll to 65.

There were also five imported cases, taking the total number of new cases to 1,178.

As of Tuesday, Singapore has reported a total of 79,899 COVID-19 cases and 65 deaths from the disease.


1,173 new locally transmitted Covid-19 cases in S’pore, including a record 1,038 in the community

Singapore on Tuesday (Sept 21) recorded 1,173 new locally transmitted cases of Covid-19, with a tuition centre added to a list of active clusters under close monitoring. Among the new locally transmitted cases are 311 seniors aged above 60.

Including five imported cases, there were 1,178 new coronavirus infections reported here, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said in its daily update on the coronavirus situation. The new locally transmitted cases comprise a record 1,038 community infections, along with 135 cases involving migrant worker dormitory residents.

This is also the highest number of total cases since April 20 last year, when there were 1,426 infections, most of them involving migrant workers living in dormitories.


Singapore reports 910 new local COVID-19 cases; 2 more fatalities take national death toll to 62

Singapore reported 910 new local COVID-19 infections as of noon on Monday (Sep 20), comprising 832 community cases and 78 dormitory residents.

Two patients also died on Sunday, bringing Singapore's total fatalities to 62. There were also seven imported cases, taking the total number of new cases to 917.

As of Monday, Singapore has reported a total of 78,721 COVID-19 cases and 62 deaths from the disease.


Singapore reports 1,009 new local COVID-19 cases; large clusters at 2 more nursing homes

Singapore reported 1,009 new local COVID-19 infections as of noon on Sunday (Sep 19), comprising 919 community cases and 90 dormitory residents.

This is the second consecutive day that new local cases have topped 1,000. There were 1,004 locally transmitted infections on Saturday. There were also three imported cases, taking Singapore's daily tally to 1,012.

As of Sunday, Singapore has reported a total of 77,804 COVID-19 cases and 60 deaths from the disease.


Singapore’s daily Covid cases breach 1,000 over the weekend — first time since April 2020

Singapore reported more than 1,000 Covid cases for two straight days over the weekend —the first time infections breached that level since April 2020, at the height of the pandemic.

The Southeast Asian country confirmed 1,009 new infections on Saturday, and 1,012 new cases on Sunday, according to data from the health ministry.

That’s the highest number since April 23, 2020 when 1,037 cases were reported. At that time, majority of Singapore’s cases were detected in migrant worker dormitories. Infections hit a record high of 1,426 on April 20, 2020.


S'pore's new Covid-19 cases cross 1,000 mark; unvaccinated man, 90, dies from complications

Singapore saw its 60th Covid-19 fatality when an unvaccinated 90-year-old man died on Friday (Sept 17), said the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Saturday.

Singapore also saw more than 1,000 Covid-19 cases on Saturday, with a total of 1,009 new cases reported, the highest daily number since April 23 last year.

The man had a history of cancer, heart disease and pneumonia and was taken to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases on Friday with symptoms, and tested positive for Covid-19 infection that day.

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Singapore reports 1,004 new local COVID-19 cases; 90-year-old man is the latest fatality

Singapore's daily count of local COVID-19 cases has topped 1,000, after three consecutive days of increases. A total of 1,004 new locally transmitted infections were reported as of noon on Saturday (Sep 18).

There were also five imported cases, taking Singapore's daily tally to 1,009. This is the highest number since Apr 23 last year, when there were 1,037 cases.

As of Saturday, Singapore has reported a total of 76,792 COVID-19 cases and 60 deaths from the disease.

related: 


934 new local COVID-19 infections in Singapore; rise in cases of serious illness

Singapore reported 934 new local COVID-19 infections on Friday (Sep 17), comprising 838 community cases and 96 dormitory residents.

There was also one imported case, taking the total number of new infections to 935.

As of Friday, Singapore has reported a total of 75,783 COVID-19 cases and 59 deaths from the disease.


910 new Covid-19 cases in S'pore, highest since May 2020; unvaccinated woman, 72, dies

Singapore reported 910 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday (Sept 16), the highest daily number since May 1, 2020.

An unvaccinated 72-year-old woman also died from Covid-19 complications, bringing the death toll in Singapore to 59. The woman, who died on Thursday, had developed symptoms on Sept 4, and tested positive for Covid-19 infection on Sept 6.

The total number of Covid-19 infections in Singapore now stands at 74,848 and 59 deaths from the disease.


Unvaccinated 72-year-old woman dies of COVID-19 complications; 906 new local cases in Singapore

Singapore reported 906 new local COVID-19 cases and a death from the disease on Thursday (Sep 16). The latest fatality, a 72-year-old Singaporean woman, was unvaccinated.

There were four imported cases, taking the total number of infections reported in Singapore on Thursday to 910.

As of Thursday, Singapore has reported a total of 74,848 COVID-19 cases and 59 deaths from the disease.



90 reports of suspected adverse reactions to Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine in S'pore

There have been 90 reports of suspected adverse reactions to the Sinovac-CoronaVac vaccine, including five serious ones, as of Aug 31, the authorities announced on Thursday (Sept 16). With 168,439 doses of the vaccine administered in the same period, this amounts to a rate of 0.053 per cent for suspected cases, and about 0.003 per cent for serious ones.

In its fifth safety update on Covid-19 vaccines, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) also said 8,716,085 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines have been administered under the national vaccination programme as of Aug 31. A total of 11,737 suspected adverse reactions - 0.13 per cent - were reported for vaccines under the national vaccination programme in the same period. Of these, 498 reports (0.006 per cent) were classified as serious adverse events.

The most commonly reported symptoms were consistent with those typically observed following vaccination. They include dizziness, shortness of breath, chest tightness or discomfort, palpitations, injection site reactions such as pain and swelling, fever and allergic reactions (such as rashes, itching, hives and swelling of eyelids, face and lips). These typically resolve within a few days, said HSA. Among the serious cases, the most frequently reported were anaphylaxis and other severe allergic reactions.


804 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, 2 nursing homes among new clusters

Singapore reported 804 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Wednesday (Sep 15), comprising of 770 community cases and 34 dormitory residents.

There were also three imported cases reported on Wednesday, taking the total number of infections reported in Singapore to 807.

As of Wednesday, Singapore has reported a total of 73,938 COVID-19 cases and 58 deaths from the disease.


832 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore; nursing home in Jurong East among 2 new clusters

Singapore reported 832 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Tuesday (Sep 14), comprising 755 community cases and 77 dormitory residents.

There were also five imported cases reported on Tuesday, taking the total number of infections reported in Singapore to 837.

As of Tuesday, Singapore has reported a total of 73,131 COVID-19 cases and 58 deaths from the disease.


597 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, new cluster at Ren Ci nursing home in Bukit Batok

Singapore reported 597 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Monday (Sep 13), comprising 534 community cases and 63 dormitory residents.

There were also 10 imported cases reported on Monday, taking the total number of infections reported in Singapore to 607.

As of Monday, Singapore has reported a total of 72,294 COVID-19 cases and 58 deaths from the disease.


517 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, new cluster at DHL building in Tampines

Singapore reported 517 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Sunday (Sep 12), comprising 454 community cases and 63 dormitory residents.

There were also three imported cases on Sunday, taking the total number of infections reported in Singapore to 520.

As of Sunday, Singapore has reported a total of 71,687 COVID-19 cases.


550 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore; large cluster identified at Chinatown Complex

Singapore reported 550 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Saturday (Sep 11), comprising 486 community cases and 64 dormitory residents.

Saturday's number of local infections is a slight dip from the 568 cases reported the day before, breaking a chain of five consecutive days of increasesApart from the local cases, five imported infections were reported on Saturday, taking Singapore's daily count to 555.

As of Saturday, Singapore has reported a total of 71,167 COVID-19 cases.


S'pore reports 568 new local Covid-19 cases and 1 death

Singapore reported 568 locally transmitted Covid-19 cases and five imported ones on Friday (Sept 10), the Ministry of Health (MOH) said in its daily update.

This makes a total of 573 new Covid-19 cases.

A partially vaccinated 80-year-old man died from complications due to Covid-19 infection on Friday, bringing Singapore's Covid-19 death toll to 58.


568 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore

Singapore reported 568 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases as of noon on Friday (Sep 10), including 127 seniors who are above 60 years old. An 80-year-old man died on Friday due to complications from COVID-19, bringing Singapore's total fatalities to 58.

Friday marks the fifth consecutive day of increases in the number of local infections. There were also five imported infections, taking Singapore's daily count to 573 COVID-19 cases on Friday.

As of Friday, Singapore has reported a total of 70,612 COVID-19 cases.


Unvaccinated 62-year-old man dies of Covid-19

An unvaccinated 62-year-old man died from complications due to Covid-19 infection on Monday (Sept 6), bringing Singapore's Covid-19 death toll to 57.

The Singaporean man tested positive for the coronavirus on July 21.

He was originally taken to Singapore General Hospital for an unrelated medical condition on July 20. He had a history of cancer and bronchiectasis.


450 new locally transmitted infections in Singapore

Singapore reported 450 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections on Thursday, including 108 seniors who are above 60 years old. Of the 450 locally transmitted cases, 419 were in the community - a new daily record - and 31 were dormitory residents, according to data from MOH's Situation Report.

There were also seven imported cases on Thursday, taking Singapore’s daily count to 457.

As of Thursday, Singapore has reported a total of 70,039 COVID-19 cases and 57 deaths from the disease.



MOH announces new report format; will no longer provide number of linked, unlinked COVID-19 cases

The Ministry of Health (MOH) will no longer report the number of linked and unlinked new coronavirus cases as part of a revamp of its daily COVID-19 press releases.

MOH said in a statement accompanying its daily press release on Wednesday (Sep 8) night that it had revamped its daily COVID-19 reports to reflect "salient issues" as Singapore enters a "very different stage of our battle against COVID-19”.

"We will ... no longer provide information on the number of linked/unlinked cases as this is no longer as relevant as before, given our current strategy of living with COVID-19," said MOH.


Singapore Shifts Covid Focus to Hospitalizations as Cases Set Daily Record

Singapore is shifting the focus of its daily reports to turn attention to its medical capacity alongside the country’s plans to live with the virus, amid an increase of its daily count of Covid cases in the local community to the highest it’s ever been.

The Ministry of Health will now lead its report with data on serious cases as well as provide more information on large emerging clusters, it said Wednesday in a statement accompanying its daily update.

It will no longer state the number of linked and unlinked cases “as this is no longer as relevant as before, given our current strategy of living with Covid-19.”


Unvaccinated 93-year-old woman dies of Covid-19, bringing death toll in S'pore to 56

An unvaccinated 93-year-old Singaporean woman has died of complications due to Covid-19 infection, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Wednesday (Sept 8).

The woman developed symptoms on Sept 2, and was admitted to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases on Sunday (Sept 5). There, she tested positive for the coronavirus. She had a history of diabetes, chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.


347 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections in Singapore

Singapore reported 347 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections on Wednesday (Sep 8), including three people above the age of 70 who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.

There were also two imported cases on Wednesday, taking Singapore's daily count to 349.

As of Wednesday, Singapore has reported 69,582 COVID-19 cases.



COVID-19 - To Boost or not to Boost

How long does the protective immunity provided by the COVID-19 vaccines last? Do we need to “boost” immunity for continued protection? Recently, these questions have thrown science and politics into a contentious situation. The Biden administration has strongly recommended booster shots for COVID-19 beginning this month, with the caveat that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would have to approve. As a result, significant public and political pressure has been put on the FDA to fast-track approval of the booster. The FDA traditionally proceeds slowly and cautiously with insistence on rigorous supporting data and usually does not respond well to pressure.

This conflict recently led to the resignation of the FDA’s director of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER), Dr. Marion Gruber, and her deputy director, Dr. Philip Krause. Both are capable scientists with years of experience evaluating vaccines.

Unfortunately, the Biden administration appears not to have adhered to its plan to follow the science when making the recommendation for vaccine boosters. If vaccine-induced immunity is indeed waning, it would be prudent to ready the supply chain to administer millions of booster shots. However, if robust immunity remains sufficient to protect from severe disease, then this rush to boost wastes valuable resources and compromises the goal of ending the pandemic. This decision requires rigorous scientific evidence that protection afforded by the vaccine is indeed waning.

read more

328 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 185 unlinked infections

Singapore reported 328 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections on Tuesday (Sep 7), including 185 not linked to previous cases.

There were also four imported infections, two of whom were detected upon arrival in Singapore. In total, Singapore reported 332 new COVID-19 cases on Tuesday. This is the highest daily count of COVID-19 cases since Aug 5 last year.

As of Tuesday, Singapore has reported a total of 69,233 COVID-19 cases.


110 unlinked infections among 235 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore

Singapore reported 235 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Monday (Sep 6), including 110 with no links to previous cases.

Six imported cases, who were already on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival in Singapore, were also reported. In total, Singapore reported 241 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Monday, Singapore has reported a total of 68,901 COVID-19 cases.


90 unlinked infections among 186 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore

Singapore reported 186 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Sunday (Sep 5), including 90 with no links to previous cases.

Five imported cases, who were already on stay-home notice or isolated, were also reported. In total, Singapore reported 191 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Sunday, Singapore has reported a total of 68,660 COVID-19 cases and 55 deaths from the disease.


253 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 116 unlinked infections

Singapore reported 253 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Saturday (Sep 4), including 116 infections with no links to previous cases. This is the highest daily number of locally transmitted COVID-19 cases reported since Aug 6, 2020.

There were also six imported cases, who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival. In total, Singapore reported 259 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Saturday, Singapore has reported a total of 68,469 COVID-19 cases.


216 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 109 unlinked

Singapore reported 216 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Friday (Sep 3), including 109 with no links to previous cases.

There were also three imported cases, bringing the total number of new COVID-19 cases on Friday to 219.

As of Friday, Singapore has reported a total of 68,210 COVID-19 cases.


113 unlinked COVID-19 cases among 187 new locally transmitted infections in Singapore

Singapore reported 187 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Thursday (Sep 2), including 113 infections with no links to previous cases.

There were also four imported cases, bringing the total number of new cases on Thursday to 191.

As of Thursday, Singapore has reported a total of 67,991 COVID-19 cases.


90 unlinked COVID-19 cases among 177 new locally transmitted infections in Singapore

Singapore reported 177 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Wednesday (Sep 1), including 90 with no links to previous cases. This is the highest daily number of locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore since Jul 21.

There were also three imported cases who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival, all of whom developed the illness during the stay-home notice or isolation period. In total, Singapore reported 180 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Wednesday, Singapore has reported a total of 67,800 COVID-19 cases.


156 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 79 unlinked

Singapore reported 156 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases as of noon on Tuesday (Aug 31), including 79 with no links to previous infections. This is the highest daily number of locally transmitted cases since Jul 22, when 162 infections were reported.

There were also five imported cases who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival. Three infections were detected upon arrival while two developed the illness during the stay-home notice or isolation period. In total, Singapore reported 161 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Tuesday, Singapore has reported a total of 67,620 COVID-19 cases.


147 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, 52 unlinked

Singapore reported 147 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Monday (Aug 30), including 52 unlinked cases.

There were also eight imported cases, who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival. In total, Singapore reported 155 new COVID-19 cases.

Singapore has reported a total of 67,459 COVID-19 cases as of Monday.


124 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 21 linked to Bugis Junction cluster

Singapore reported 124 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Sunday (Aug 29), including 21 linked to the growing Bugis Junction cluster.

There were also nine imported cases, who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival. In total, Singapore reported 133 new COVID-19 cases.

Singapore has reported a total of 67,304 COVID-19 cases as of Sunday.


113 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore; Jurong East Bus Interchange among 2 new clusters

Singapore reported 113 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Saturday (Aug 28), including a new cluster linked to staff at Jurong East Bus Interchange and another at a foreign workers' dormitory in Kaki Bukit.

There were also eight imported cases, who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival. In total, Singapore reported 121 new COVID-19 cases.

Singapore has reported a total of 67,171 COVID-19 cases as of Saturday.


3 unvaccinated seniors die of Covid-19, bringing the total death toll in the country to 55

Three seniors have died of Covid-19 complications, bringing the total death toll in the country to 55.

A 90-year-old woman & a 80-year-old man died on Thursday while a 70-year-old woman, who died on Friday.

All had not been vaccinated against the virus, said the Health Ministry on Friday (Aug 27).


120 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, with 47 linked to Bugis Junction cluster

Singapore reported 120 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Friday (Aug 27), including 47 linked to the growing Bugis Junction cluster.

There were also two imported cases, taking Singapore's daily case count to 122.

As of Friday, Singapore has reported a total of 67,050 COVID-19 cases.



112 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, with 40 linked to Bugis Junction cluster

Singapore reported 112 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Thursday (Aug 26), including 40 linked to the growing Bugis Junction cluster.

There were also four imported cases, taking Singapore daily case count to 116.

As of Thursday, Singapore has reported a total of 66,928 COVID-19 cases.



2 Singaporeans aged 86 and 95 die of Covid-19 complications; death toll in August rises to 15

A partially vaccinated 86-year-old man and an unvaccinated 95-year-old woman have died from Covid-19 complications, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Wednesday night (Aug 25). The man, who died on Tuesday, tested positive for Covid-19 infection on July 28.

The woman, who died on Wednesday, developed symptoms on Aug 5 and tested positive for the virus on Aug 9 after being admitted to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases. She had a history of Alzheimer's disease.

With these two deaths, 15 people have died in August from issues linked to Covid-19 infection, and Singapore's total death toll stands at 52.


118 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 26 in dormitory in Woodlands

Singapore reported 118 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Wednesday (Aug 25), including 26 linked to the cluster at North Coast Lodge dormitory in Woodlands.

This was Singapore's highest daily number of locally transmitted cases in more than three weeks, since 131 infections were reported on Jul 30. There were also two imported cases, taking Singapore's daily case count to 120.

As of Wednesday, Singapore has reported a total of 66,812 COVID-19 cases.


111 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 24 linked to dormitory in Woodlands

Singapore reported 111 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Tuesday (Aug 24), including 24 linked to the North Coast Lodge dormitory cluster in Woodlands.

There were also five imported cases, taking Singapore's daily case count to 116. This is the highest number of cases reported since Aug 1, when 121 new infections were reported.

As of Tuesday, Singapore has reported a total of 66,692 COVID-19 cases.



Unvaccinated 86-year-old woman dies; total fatalities rise to 50

An unvaccinated 86-year-old woman has died from complications due to Covid-19 infection, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said yesterday.

The Singaporean woman was first identified on Aug 2 as a close contact of a patient who was a confirmed case. She had a history of cancer and hypertension, was admitted to Changi General Hospital on July 23 for an unrelated medical condition, and tested negative for the coronavirus at the time.

She is the 13th person to die from Covid-19 complications this month. Her death takes Singapore's virus death toll to 50.


94 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 59 at Woodlands dormitory

Singapore reported 94 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Monday (Aug 23), including 59 cases linked to North Coast Lodge dormitory in Woodlands.

There were also four imported cases who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival. In total, Singapore reported 98 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Monday, Singapore has reported a total of 66,576 COVID-19 cases.


2 more people in S'pore die of Covid-19 complications

A 91-year-old woman who was unvaccinated and an 87-year-old man who was partially vaccinated died of Covid-19 complications at the weekend.

They are the 11th and 12th people to have died of Covid-19 complications in August.

With the latest deaths, announced by the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Sunday night (Aug 22), Singapore’s virus death toll stands at 49.


29 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 17 unlinked

Singapore reported 29 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Sunday (Aug 22), including 17 with no links to previous cases.

There were also six imported cases who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival. In total, Singapore reported 35 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Sunday, Singapore has reported a total of 66,478 COVID-19 cases.



32 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 16 unlinked

Singapore reported 32 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Saturday (Aug 21), including 16 with no links to previous cases.

There were also five imported cases, taking Singapore's daily tally of infections to 37.

As of Saturday, Singapore has reported a total of 66,443 COVID-19 cases and 47 fatalities.



Unvaccinated 82-year-old man becomes 10th fatality this month

An 82-year-old man died of complications due to Covid-19 infection on Thursday, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said last night.

His is the 10th death to be recorded this month. The man developed symptoms on July 30, and was admitted to Alexandra Hospital after testing positive the next day. He was unvaccinated, and had a history of heart disease, damage to the heart, kidney disease and high blood pressure.

In total, 47 people have died of Covid-19 complications.


36 new locally transmitted cases, 14 unlinked

Singapore reported 36 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Friday, including 14 with no links to previous cases.

There were also four imported cases, who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival. Singapore reported a total of 40 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Friday, Singapore has reported a total of 66,406 COVID-19 cases.


Unvaccinated 64-year-old S'porean man dies from Covid-19 complications; 9th death in August

An unvaccinated 64-year-old man died on Monday (Aug 16) due to Covid-19 infection, the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced on Wednesday.

The Singaporean had developed a cough on Aug 2 and was taken to Raffles Hospital the next day after suffering from heart problems. He had a history of end-stage kidney failure, ischaemic cardiomyopathy, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, added the ministry.

This is the ninth death due to the coronavirus in August. In all, 46 people have died from complications due to Covid-19 infection.


29 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, 13 unlinked

Singapore reported 29 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Thursday (Aug 19), including 13 with no links to previous cases. This was the lowest daily number of locally transmitted cases in more than a month. On Jul 13, there were 19 locally transmitted infections.

There were also three imported cases, who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival. Singapore reported a total of 32 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Thursday, Singapore has reported a total of 66,366 COVID-19 cases.



49 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 19 unlinked

Singapore reported 49 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Wednesday (Aug 18), including 19 with no links to previous cases.

There were also four imported cases, taking Singapore's daily tally of new cases to 53.

As of Wednesday, Singapore has reported a total of 66,334 COVID-19 cases.


90-year-old man dies from Covid-19 complications, the first death of fully vaccinated person in S'pore

A 90-year-old man who was fully vaccinated but had a history of chronic kidney disease and hypertension died from Covid-19 complications on Tuesday (Aug 17), the Ministry of Health (MOH) said. He is the first fully vaccinated person to die from issues linked to Covid-19 in Singapore.

The man developed symptoms on July 29 and tested positive for Covid-19 on Aug 1 as part of community surveillance testing. He had been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, but was advanced in age and had a history of chronic kidney disease and hypertension, said MOH in its daily update.

In total, 45 people have died from complications due to the Covid-19 infection.


52 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 14 unlinked infections

Singapore reported 52 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases as of noon on Tuesday (Aug 17) including 14 infections with no links to previous cases.

There were also four imported cases. In total, Singapore reported 56 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Tuesday, Singapore has reported a total of 66,281 COVID-19 cases.



Singapore reports 48 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases, 9 unlinked

Singapore reported 48 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Monday (Aug 16), including nine with no links to previous cases.

There were also five imported cases who were all were detected upon arrival, taking Singapore's daily count of new cases to 53.

As of Monday, Singapore has reported a total of 66,225 COVID-19 cases.


50 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, 14 unlinked

Singapore reported 50 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Sunday (Aug 15), including 14 with no links to previous cases.

There were also three imported cases who have been placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival in Singapore. All were detected on arrival, said MOH. In total, Singapore reported 53 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Sunday, Singapore has reported a total of 66,172 COVID-19 cases.


Unvaccinated 84-year-old S'porean dies from Covid-19, 44 deaths

An unvaccinated 84-year-old Singaporean died of complications due to Covid-19 on Friday (Aug 13).

The man developed symptoms on July 28 and was admitted to National University Hospital the next day. There, he tested positive for the coronavirus. He had a history of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Friday night in its daily update.

This brings the total number of Covid-19 deaths in Singapore to 44.


57 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 17 unlinked infections

Singapore reported 57 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases as of noon on Saturday (Aug 14), including 17 with no links to previous cases.

There was also one imported case, who was detected and isolated upon arrival. In total, Singapore reported 58 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Saturday, Singapore has reported a total of 66,119 COVID-19 cases.



45 new locally transmitted cases in Singapore, including 13 unlinked

Singapore reported 45 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Friday (Aug 13), including 13 with no links to previous cases. This is the lowest daily number of locally transmitted COVID-19 cases reported in Singapore since Jul 15.

There were also four imported cases who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival. In total, Singapore reported 49 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Friday, Singapore has reported a total of 66,061 COVID-19 cases and 43 deaths.


69-year-old unvaccinated Singaporean man dies from Covid-19, 43 deaths

A 69-year-old Singaporean died from complications due to Covid-19 on Wednesday (Aug 11).

The man, who was not vaccinated, developed symptoms on July 28 and was admitted to Tan Tock Seng Hospital the next day, where he tested positive for the coronavirus, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Wednesday night in its daily update. He had a history of stroke, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and high cholesterol.

This brings the total number of Covid-19 deaths in Singapore to 43.


59 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 19 unlinked

Singapore reported 59 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Thursday (Aug 12), including 19 with no links to previous cases.

Among the new cases, five are people above the age of 70 who were unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. They are at risk of serious illness, said MOH. There were no new imported cases.

As of Thursday, Singapore has reported a total of 66,012 COVID-19 cases and 43 deaths.



61 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 17 unlinked

Singapore reported 61 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Wednesday (Aug 11), including 17 with no links to previous cases.

There were two imported cases that were both detected upon arrival, taking Singapore's daily count of new infections to 63.

As of Wednesday, Singapore has reported a total of 65,953 COVID-19 cases and 42 fatalities from the disease.


Those given Sinovac, Sinopharm or AstraZeneca jabs counted as fully vaccinated from 10 Aug

From Tuesday (10 August), those in Singapore who receive COVID-19 jabs that are not under the national programme but are under the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) emergency use listing will also be recognised as fully-vaccinated two weeks after completing the vaccine regimen.

This means that those who received shots made by AstraZeneca, Covishield, Janssen or Johnson & Johnson, Sinopharm, and Sinovac will be eligible for the vaccination-differentiated safe management measures and be counted under Singapore's daily vaccination numbers, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on Friday (6 August) during a virtual multi-ministry press conference.

"As our vaccination coverage increases ... we are collectively more resilient, the consideration will change. What is important now is the difference between those vaccinated and non-vaccinated, and less so between different vaccines," said Ong.


53 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 15 unlinked infections

Singapore reported 53 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Tuesday (Aug 10), including 15 with no links to previous cases.

There was also one imported case, who was detected and isolated upon arrival, taking Singapore's daily tally of new infections to 54.

As of Tuesday, Singapore has reported a total of 65,890 COVID-19 cases and 42 fatalities from the disease.


69 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 20 unlinked infections

Singapore reported 69 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections on Monday (Aug 9), including 20 with no links to previous cases.

There were also three new imported cases, who had been placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival. In total, Singapore reported 72 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Monday, Singapore has reported a total of 65,836 COVID-19 cases and 42 fatalities from the disease.


73 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 21 unlinked

Singapore reported 73 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections on Sunday (Aug 8), including 21 with no links to previous cases.

There were also five new imported cases, who had been placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival. All cases were detected upon arrival in Singapore. In total, Singapore reported 78 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Sunday, Singapore has reported a total of 65,764 COVID-19 cases and 42 fatalities from the disease.

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80-yr-old S'porean woman dies from Covid-19 complications; fifth death in 7 days

An 80-year-old Singaporean woman has died from Covid-19 complications on Saturday (Aug 7), making her Singapore's fifth Covid-19 death in a week.

The woman was unvaccinated and developed symptoms on July 21. She was admitted to Tan Tock Seng Hospital two days later, after testing positive for the coronavirus. The Ministry of Health (MOH) said she had a history of diabetes, hypertension and atrial fibrillation, a heart condition that causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate.

Singapore's coronavirus death toll now stands at 42.


75 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore; 16 unlinked infections

Singapore reported 75 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Saturday (Aug 7), including 16 infections with no links to previous cases.

There were also six imported cases who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival. Two infections were detected upon arrival in Singapore, and four developed the illness during the stay-home notice or isolation period. In total, Singapore reported 81 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Saturday, Singapore has reported a total of 65,686 COVID-19 cases and 41 deaths.



Unvaccinated 63-year-old S'porean man dies of Covid-19, 41 deaths

A 63-year-old man died of complications due to Covid-19 on Thursday (Aug 5). He had developed a fever and cough on Tuesday and was sent to Khoo Teck Puat Hospital on Thursday after collapsing at home, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Friday night in its daily update on the Covid-19 situation in Singapore. 

He was confirmed to have Covid-19 after his death. The man had not been vaccinated against Covid-19 and had a history of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

This is the fourth Covid-19 death in the past five days. In all, 41 have died of complications due to the coronavirus.

93 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore; including 29 unlinked

Singapore reported 93 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Friday (Aug 6), including 29 infections with no links to previous cases.

There were also four imported cases, who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival. All the infections were detected upon arrival in Singapore. In total, Singapore reported 97 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Friday, Singapore has reported a total of 65,605 COVID-19 cases.



Covid-19 death toll rises to 40 as 79-year-old unvaccinated Singaporean dies

A 79-year-old Singaporean man died from complications due to Covid-19 on Wednesday (Aug 4). He went to Sengkang General Hospital earlier that day with shortness of breath and low blood pressure, and tested positive for the virus.

He had not been vaccinated and had a history of heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypertension, said the Ministry of Health in an update on Thursday. This is Singapore's third death from the virus in four days, bringing the total to 40.

On Monday, a 58-year-old woman, also unvaccinated, died from the virus. On Sunday, a 34-year-old Ukrainian crewman who arrived in Singapore on board a vessel on July 28 died from Covid-19 complications.


96 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 38 unlinked infections

Singapore reported 96 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Thursday (Aug 5), including 38 with no links to previous cases.

There were also two imported cases, who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival. One infection was detected upon arrival while one developed the illness during the stay-home notice or isolation period. In total, Singapore reported 98 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Thursday, Singapore has reported a total of 65,508 COVID-19 cases.



Unvaccinated woman dies of Covid-19; she was contact of patient who visited Samy's Curry

A 58-year-old Singaporean woman died on Monday (Aug 2) of Covid-19 complications. 

She had not been vaccinated and had no underlying medical conditions. The woman was confirmed on July 29 to have the virus and was a household contact of a patient who had visited Samy’s Curry Restaurant in Dempsey Road, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said in an update on Wednesday night.

This brings the number of deaths from the virus in Singapore to 39.


92 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 30 unlinked infections

Singapore reported 92 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Wednesday (Aug 4), including 30 infections with no links to previous cases.

There were also three imported cases, who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival. In total, Singapore reported 95 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Wednesday, Singapore has reported a total of 65,410 COVID-19 cases.



98 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 31 unlinked infections

Singapore reported 98 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Tuesday (Aug 3), including 31 with no links to previous cases. This is the first time in about two weeks that new daily locally transmitted cases have fallen below the 100 mark. The previous time was on Jul 18, when there were 88 cases in the community.

There were also four imported cases, who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival. In total, Singapore reported 102 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Tuesday, Singapore has reported a total of 65,315 COVID-19 cases.


34-year-old seaman from Ukraine dies from Covid-19 complications in S'pore

A seaman with Covid-19 died of complications from the virus on Sunday (Aug 1), said the Ministry of Health (MOH) in its update on Monday night.

The 34-year-old man from Ukraine was a sea crew member who arrived in Singapore on board a vessel on July 29. He had developed a fever, cough and lethargy on July 25, and breathlessness on July 31. He was taken from the vessel to the Singapore General Hospital on Aug 1, and was confirmed to have Covid-19 infection the same day.

The latest case brings the total number of Covid-19 deaths here to 38.


34-year-old Ukrainian dies from COVID-19 complications; 106 new locally transmitted cases in Singapore

Singapore reported 106 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as noon on Monday (Aug 2), including 25 with no links to previous cases.

There were also five imported cases, who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival. In total, Singapore reported 111 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Monday, Singapore has reported a total of 65,213 COVID-19 cases.



113 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 38 unlinked infections

Singapore reported 113 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Sunday (Aug 1), including 38 infections with no links to previous cases.

There were also eight imported cases, who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival. In total, Singapore reported 121 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Sunday, Singapore has reported a total of 65,102 COVID-19 cases.


117 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 42 unlinked infections

Singapore reported 117 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Saturday (Jul 31), including 42 infections with no links to previous cases. The Jurong Fishery Port cluster has grown to 1025 cases and remains the largest active cluster in the country.

There were also three imported cases, who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival. In total, Singapore reported 120 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Saturday, Singapore has reported a total of 64,981 COVID-19 cases.


131 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, 10 new clusters

Singapore reported 131 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Friday (Jul 30), including 52 infections with no links to previous cases.

There were also eight imported cases who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival in Singapore.  In total, Singapore reported 139 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Friday, Singapore has reported a total of 64,861 COVID-19 cases.

129 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 50 unlinked infections

Singapore reported 129 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases as of noon on Thursday (Jul 29), including 50 infections with no links to previous cases.

There were also four imported cases who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival in Singapore.  In total, Singapore reported 133 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Thursday, Singapore has reported a total of 64,722 COVID-19 cases.


130 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 48 unlinked infections

Singapore reported 130 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Wednesday (Jul 28), including 27 cases linked to the Jurong Fishery Port/Hong Lim Market & Food Centre cluster and two to the cluster in KTV lounges. The Jurong Fishery Port cluster has grown to 929 cases and remains the largest active cluster in the country.

There were also six imported cases who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival in Singapore.  In total, Singapore reported 136 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Wednesday, Singapore has reported a total of 64,589 COVID-19 cases.


136 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 55 unlinked

Singapore reported 136 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Tuesday (Jul 27), including 36 cases linked to the Jurong Fishery Port cluster and two to the cluster in KTV lounges. As of Tuesday afternoon, there were 894 cases linked to the Jurong Fishery Port/Hong Lim Market & Food Centre cluster, which remains the largest active cluster in the country.

There were also three imported cases, who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival. In total, Singapore reported 139 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Tuesday, Singapore has reported a total of 64,453 COVID-19 cases.


129 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 61 linked to Jurong Fishery Port cluster

Singapore reported 129 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Monday (Jul 26), including 61 cases linked to the Jurong Fishery Port cluster and six to the cluster in KTV lounges.

There were also six imported cases, who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival. In total, Singapore reported 135 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Monday, Singapore has reported a total of 64,314 COVID-19 cases and 37 fatalities from the disease.


117 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, including 46 linked to Jurong Fishery cluster

Singapore reported 117 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Sunday (Jul 25), including 46 cases linked to the Jurong Fishery Port cluster and five to the cluster in KTV lounges.

There were also eight imported cases, who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival. In total, Singapore reported 125 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Sunday, Singapore has reported a total of 64,179 COVID-19 cases and 37 fatalities from the disease.



127 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in Singapore, with 75 linked to Jurong Fishery Port

Singapore reported 127 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections on Saturday (Jul 24) and its 37th COVID-19 fatality, an 83-year-old woman who was not vaccinated.

There were also three imported cases, who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival. In total, Singapore reported 130 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Saturday, Singapore has reported a total of 64,054 COVID-19 cases and 37 fatalities from the disease.


130 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections in Singapore, 78 linked to Jurong Fishery Port

Singapore reported 130 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Friday (Jul 23), including 78 cases linked to the Jurong Fishery Port cluster and six to the cluster in KTV lounges. As of Friday afternoon, a total of 638 cases have been linked to the Jurong Fishery Port/Hong Lim Market & Food Centre cluster, making it the largest active cluster in Singapore.

There were also three imported cases who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival. In total, Singapore reported 133 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Friday, Singapore has reported a total of 63,924 COVID-19 cases.


Vaccinated people in Singapore make up three-quarters of recent COVID-19 cases

Three quarters of Singapore's COVID-19 infections in the last four weeks were among vaccinated individuals, government data shows, as a rapid ramp-up in the city state's inoculations leaves fewer people unvaccinated.

Singapore has already inoculated nearly 75% of its 5.7 million people, the world's second highest after the United Arab Emirates, a Reuters tracker shows, and half its population is fully vaccinated. It reported 1,096 locally transmitted cases in the last 28 days, of which 484, or 44%, were fully vaccinated people, while 30% were partially vaccinated and the remaining 25% were unvaccinated. There were only seven severe cases requiring oxygen support and six of them were unvaccinated and one was partially vaccinated, the health ministry said.

"There is continuing evidence that vaccination helps to prevent serious disease when one gets infected," the ministry said, adding all of the fully vaccinated and infected people showed no symptoms or mild symptoms. Experts said infections reported by vaccinated people do not mean vaccines are ineffective.


Return to Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) Measures

The Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) has announced the reversion to Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) measures which will take effect from 22 July to 18 August (both dates inclusive). This is done to contain the growing COVID-19 clusters linked to the Jurong Fishery Port, as we push ahead with the vaccination of individuals.

These measures will supersede those that were introduced on 19 July 2021:
  • Reduction of social gathering group sizes from a maximum of 5 persons to a maximum of 2 persons, with a cap of 2 distinct visitors per household per day. Grandchildren being cared for daily by their grandparents will be not be counted towards this cap.
  • Work-from-home to remain the default at workplaces. Employers who need staff to return to workplaces need to ensure no cross-deployment at various worksites, and enforce staggered start times and flexible working hours. Social gatherings at workplaces will not be allowed.
  • Cessation of dine-in at all F&B establishments (including hawker centres and food courts), with only takeaway and delivery options allowed. All staff at such establishments must continue with regular 14-day Fast and Easy Test (FET) requirement, which will remain free-of-charge during this period.
  • Cessation of all strenuous indoor exercise classes, including individuals and group indoor sports and exercise activities.
  • Mask-off personalised services (e.g. facials, saunas, make-up services) will not be allowed. This will not apply to medical and dental consultations that require patients to remove their masks.
  • Reduction of event sizes and event size caps, with mandatory pre-event testing (PET) for some cases. Playing of wind or brass instruments will not be allowed.


GOING BACK TO PHASE 2 HEIGHTENED ALERT

In response to growing COVID-19 clusters detected at KTV lounges or nightclubs that had pivoted as Food & Beverage (F&B) establishments, the Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) had earlier announced a tightening of community measures under Phase 3 (Heighted Alert) from 19 July 2021 through 8 August 2021. Since then, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has uncovered more clusters linked to the Jurong Fishery Port, especially in wet markets and hawker food centres. This is very concerning, as it can affect many people in our community all over the island.

Furthermore, unlike the KTV cluster, which had spread first amongst younger population segments, the current wave of infection affects a wider spectrum of the population including many seniors. At the current rate of transmission, it is likely that infection cases will rise sharply, and many people in the community will catch the virus. While close to 50% of the population have completed their vaccination regimen, there remains a number of vulnerable individuals, such as our seniors, who have yet to take up vaccination. Unvaccinated individuals are at higher risk of being infected, and higher risk of being seriously ill if infected. Hence, in the meantime, we must act decisively to contain the current outbreak and minimise the risk of our hospital capacity being overwhelmed, while we race ahead to vaccinate those who have not completed or started their vaccination. We remain on track to having two-thirds of our population complete the vaccination regimen by National Day, and are aiming for much higher coverage amongst our seniors.

Update on Local Situation - Within the community, we have several clusters emerging around (i) multiple nightlife establishments, (ii) the Jurong Fishery Port (JFP), and (iii) several wet markets and hawker food centres. We have cast a wide net and are testing widely to ringfence possible emerging transmissions. We have placed all JFP workers under quarantine and have started mass surveillance testing of all stallholders and stall assistants of market and cooked food stalls at markets and hawker centres managed by the National Environment Agency (NEA) or NEA-appointed operators. NEA and Town Councils have also started progressively implementing access control with interim fencing and mandatory SafeEntry check-in at markets where COVID-19 cases have been detected amongst stallholders and stall assistants. Residents living near such markets are advised to minimise their movement and social interactions, and to collect and perform self-testing using antigen rapid test (ART) kits that will be made available at Residents’ Committee Centres near them. Those who are vaccinated but who live with seniors who are unvaccinated should also limit their social interactions and movement, as they may inadvertently bring the virus home and infect the unvaccinated seniors.


Singapore back to Phase 3 (Heightened Alert) from 14 Jun 2021

Singapore reported 162 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections as of noon on Thursday (Jul 22), including 87 cases linked to the Jurong Fishery Port cluster and five to the cluster in KTV lounges.

There were also 8 imported infections, who were placed on stay-home notice or isolated upon arrival. In total, Singapore reported 170 new COVID-19 cases.

As of Thursday, Singapore has reported a total of 63,791 COVID-19 cases.



Singapore approves Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine
Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Sinovac: A look at three key COVID-19 vaccines

By the end of this week, people in the country worst-hit by COVID-19 could gain access to a second COVID-19 vaccine. On Tuesday (Dec 15), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) endorsed mRNA-1273 - the vaccine candidate made by American biotechnology company Moderna - as safe and effective. Singapore has also approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, with the first shipment expected by the end of the year. A third COVID-19 vaccine, developed by China's Sinovac Biotech, is also currently in late-stage trials. Indonesia already has 1.2 million doses of CoronaVac, the vaccine it has been testing since August. Here’s a look at how the three COVID-19 vaccines differ:
  • PFIZER-BIONTECH (Type: mRNA) - The COVID-19 vaccine developed by US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech was the first COVID-19 vaccine to be approved by the US FDA for emergency use. How it works: The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine uses messenger RNA (mRNA) technology. mRNA vaccines teach our cells to make a protein that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. This is different from traditional vaccines which put a weakened or inactivated germ into our bodies.
  • MODERNA (Type: mRNA) - The initial results from Moderna's vaccine were described a month ago by the US' leading expert on infectious diseases Anthony Fauci as "stunningly impressive". How it works: Just like the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the Moderna vaccine uses mRNA technology.
  • SINOVAC (Type: Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus) - Developed by China's Sinovac Biotech, the vaccine, known as CoronaVac, is currently undergoing phase 3 clinical trials in places such as Brazil and Indonesia. How it works: Sinovac's vaccine uses inactivated vaccine technology, which utilises virus particles that have been killed to stimulate our bodies to produce an immune response. This vaccine is similar to the flu vaccine.


Understanding COVID-19: Asymptomatic & Symptomatic Presentation
The COVID-19 pandemic has spread fear around the world. Life has not been the same since early 2020. However, the pandemic has also united people who want to help stop the spread of the disease. Unfortunately, asymptomatic presentation of COVID-19 makes this difficult

Experts continue their extensive research on asymptomatic and symptomatic cases of COVID-19. New findings provide a better understanding of the disease, which allows us to remain calm and cautious. Staying informed and prepared helps keep you and your loved ones healthy and safe. Because COVID-19 does not always present with symptoms, it’s challenging to determine the exact number of cases across the United States. Asymptomatic cases also make it hard to know who may or may not be infected. Therefore, always protecting yourself and your family in situations where you encounter other people is imperative.

We’re here to help you understand the differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 so you can keep your family safe and take the proper measures if you believe you’ve been exposed. Symptomatic & Asymptomatic COVID-19:
  • In symptomatic cases of COVID-19, people may present a wide variety of symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), symptoms may present within two to 14 days of exposure. Common symptoms include fever, coughing, and trouble breathing, though the CDC also notes several others.
  • When someone is asymptomatic, they do not show any signs that the disease is present in their body. The CDC estimates that 35% of COVID-19 cases are asymptomatic. In asymptomatic cases, people don’t know they are infected. There is no way for others to know either.
  • Regardless of how COVID-19 presents, the disease is contagious and can easily transmit to others. The possibility that an asymptomatic person could infect other people is exactly the same as in symptomatic cases.
Considering so many COVID-19 cases are asymptomatic, it’s vital to continue to practice preventative measures such as social distancing, thoroughly washing your hands, and wearing a mask. Doing so will help keep you safe from others — and others safe from you — in the event that someone is unaware that they have the disease.


Singapore confirms first case of Wuhan virus on 23 Jan 2020
Guests at Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa yesterday. A man from China who is the first to test positive for the Wuhan virus in Singapore had stayed at the resort, said the Health Ministry. ST PHOTO: TIMOTHY DAVID

A China national has tested positive for the Wuhan virus in Singapore, with another likely to have the virus.

The 66-year-old man, a Wuhan resident, arrived in Singapore with nine travelling companions on Monday (Jan 20), and stayed at Shangri-La's Rasa Sentosa resort, the Ministry of Health said at a briefing on Thursday night (23 Jan 2020).

All the rooms at the hotel where the man and his travelling companions stayed in have been sanitised and sealed off.


COVID-19 infections in Singapore:
Singapore reports deaths from COVID-19



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Singapore confirms cases of COVID-19 Virus