Detected Infected With Omicron Variant Upon Arriving From South Africa, Two Singaporeans Immediately Go Into Isolation

Illustration of Singapore Changi Airport. (Wikimedia Commons/ProjectManhattan)

JAKARTA - Two passengers who arrived in Singapore from South Africa on a Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight had positive initial results for the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, the Ministry of Health said.

"The two were immediately isolated upon arrival in Singapore on December 1 and have not interacted in the community. There is currently no evidence of community transmission of these cases," the ministry said, quoted from CNA December 2.

Both cases are recovering in an isolation ward at the National Center for Infectious Diseases (NCID). Both have been fully vaccinated and have "mild symptoms of cough and itchy throat", the MOH added.

The two passengers are understood to have arrived in Singapore from Johannesburg, South Africa on Singapore Airlines flight SQ479 on Wednesday. The two are named as case 271487 and case 271 598.

The ministry explained that case 271487 was a 44-year-old permanent resident of Singapore who arrived in Singapore from Mozambique, transiting through Johannesburg. His pre-departure test in Mozambique on November 29 was negative for COVID-19.

Meanwhile, case 271598 is a 41-year-old Singaporean woman who came from South Africa. His pre-departure test in Johannesburg on 29 November was negative for COVID-19.

They underwent a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test upon arrival in Singapore, and were immediately taken to a special facility to stay at home pending test results. After confirmation of COVID-19 infection, they were taken to NCID.

"Their PCR test results revealed an S-gene Target Failure which may be related to the Omicron variant. The National Public Health Laboratory is conducting whole-genome sequencing to confirm the variant," said the Ministry of Health.

From 11:59pm on 27 November, all long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with a history of travel within the last 14 days to Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe are not permitted to enter or transit in Singapore.

In relation to this condition, contact tracing is ongoing and all 19 other passengers who were on the same flight have tested negative for COVID-19, the ministry said.

Passengers are quarantined upon arrival and served stay-at-home notice at designated facilities. They are also "subject to a testing regime", including a PCR test on arrival and a stay-at-home notification PCR test.

"Other close contacts of the case, if any, will be placed in a 10-day quarantine at a designated facility and undergo PCR tests at the start and end of their quarantine," the Health Ministry said.

All patients suspected or confirmed to be infected with the Omicron variant will be taken to NCID for isolation and clinical management. They will not be allowed to undergo recovery at home.

"It is important for everyone to continue to play their role and remain vigilant to mitigate the spread of COVID-19," the Ministry of Health appealed.

Separately, Singapore Airlines (SIA) said in response to CNA's inquiries it was unable to disclose any information about passengers and crew members due to confidentiality reasons.

It said the pilot and crew on board flight SQ479 had undergone a COVID-19 test, and were in self-isolation, in accordance with guidance from authorities.

"SIA will assist health authorities in all necessary contact tracing efforts," SIA said in a statement.