COVID-19 Wave, Singapore Sets New Record For Monthly Deaths And Daily Infections

Illustration of the atmosphere during the Singapore COVID-19 wave. (Wikimedia Commons/ZKang123)

JAKARTA - The number of deaths from COVID-19 in Singapore has soared, along with a new record number of daily COVID-19 infections the country recorded on Tuesday. Singapore's Ministry of Health reported a new record number of daily COVID-19 infections on Tuesday, as 2,236 new cases of infection were recorded.

The new infections included 2,226 local cases, consisting of 1,711 in the community and 515 among dorm residents. Of these local cases, 483 were seniors over the age of 60. There were also 10 imported cases, Singapore's Ministry of Health said in a media update issued at around 11:50 p.m. local time.

At the same time, the number of deaths from COVID-19 in the Lion Country jumped to 85, along with the addition of five elderly people who died from complications.

All five of the dead were Singaporeans. The four seniors who died were men aged 69 years, 73 years, 74 years and 79 years. The other is a 77-year-old woman.

Among them, Singapore's Ministry of Health said two of them had not been vaccinated against COVID-19. Two other victims have received full doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, while another has already received the first dose.

"All of them have various underlying medical conditions," the Ministry of Health said without elaborating on the information on these conditions, citing CNA Sept. 29.

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

The Singapore Ministry of Health also explained that currently there are 11 active COVID-19 clusters that are being monitored closely. The largest cluster being monitored was currently in the Blue Stars Dormitory. Twenty more cases were linked to him on Tuesday, bringing the total to 401.

A new cluster of 11 cases has been identified at the Man Fatt Lam Elderly Joy Daycare Centre. The cluster involved transmission between clients and staff members, the Health Ministry said, adding 10 of the cases were clients while one was an employee. The center has been closed since September 25, the Health Ministry said.

Other clusters on the list include Avery Lodge with 256 cases and Woodlands Dormitory with 216 infections. Meanwhile, the cluster in Pasir Panjang street vendors has grown to 106, consisting of 96 market workers, four trade visitors and six case household members.

Singapore again tightened restrictions in the community earlier this week amid the ongoing wave of COVID-19 infections. The social gathering limit has been reduced to two people, while the group size limit for dine-in at regular F&B outlets has been limited to two vaccinated people.

Working from home has been implemented for employees who are able to do it. These restrictions will last until October 24, with reviews every two weeks.

Elementary school students grades 1 to 5 will also study at home until October 7, while elementary school students 6 are on holiday until September 29.

To note, as of last Monday 82 percent of Singaporeans had received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, while another 85 percent had received at least one dose of the vaccine.