Update on local COVID-19 situation (19 July)

       As of 19 July 2021, 12pm, Ministry of Health (MOH) has confirmed and verified that there are 163 cases of locally transmitted COVID-19 infection, of which 116 are linked to the Jurong Fishery Port cluster and 20 belong to the KTV cluster. Of the 163 cases today, 44 are linked to previous cases, and have already been placed on quarantine. 102 are linked to previous cases and were detected through surveillance. 17 are currently unlinked^[1]. Amongst the cases is 1 senior above 70 years who is unvaccinated, and is at risk of serious illness.

2.     There are 9 imported cases, who have already been placed on Stay-Home Notice (SHN) or isolated upon arrival in Singapore. 3 were detected upon arrival in Singapore, while 6 developed the illness during SHN or isolation.

3.     In total, there are 172 new cases of COVID-19 infection in Singapore today. There are currently 5 cases of serious illness requiring oxygen supplementation, and 1 in critical condition in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Figure 1: Number of community unlinked cases, and linked cases by already quarantined / detected through surveillance, and dormitory resident cases^[2]

Summary of trends for local cases

4.     Overall, the number of new cases in the community has increased from 19 cases in the week before to 480 cases in the past week. We are likely to see rising cases in the coming days as we step up efforts to detect them to contain their spread in the community. The number of unlinked cases in the community has also increased from 8 cases in the week before to 45 cases in the past week. The 7-day moving average number of all linked community cases and all unlinked community cases are 62.1 and 6.4 respectively.

Figure 2: 7-day moving average number of community unlinked and linked cases^[3]

Summary of trends for imported cases

5.     There are a total of 9 imported cases today. 3 were detected upon arrival in Singapore, while 6 developed the illness during SHN or isolation.

Figure 3: Number of imported cases by detected upon arrival / detected during SHN or isolation

Active clusters under monitoring

6.     There are currently 28 active clusters, ranging between 3 and 193 infections. MOH has been monitoring existing clusters for any further transmission. As there have been no more cases linked to 121 Bukit Merah View cluster for the past two incubation periods (i.e. 28 days), the cluster has now been closed.

Figure 4: Number of active clusters

Figure 5:

Collection of ART self-test kits for visitors of selected markets and food centres

7.     MOH is investigating cases of COVID-19 infection involving markets and food centres which are likely seeded by fishmongers who visited Jurong Fishery Port to collect their stock and sell at the markets and food centres. There are currently clusters detected at Hong Lim Market & Food Centre and Chong Boon Market & Food Centre. We have also detected cases amongst fishmongers working at Albert Centre Market & Food Centre, Ang Mo Kio Central Market & Food Centre, 630 Bedok Reservoir Road Market 7 Food Centre, 497 Jurong West Street 41 Market, 505 Jurong West Street 52 Market, Kim Keat Palm Market & Food Centre, Mayflower Wet Market & Food Centre, Teck Ghee Market & Food Centre, 146 Teck Whye Avenue Market and Tekka Centre.

8.     We are closely monitoring the situation and taking action to quickly contain and manage the cases, including contact tracing, quarantine and aggressive testing. As an added layer of ringfencing to help to identify cases and prevent further transmission, MOH is working with the People’s Association to distribute antigen rapid test (ART) self-test kits to individuals who had visited selected markets and food centres in the last 14 days, such as residents living in the vicinity of these centres. The collection will run from 20 to 21 July 2021 at Residents’ Committee Centres in the vicinity of the following locations:

• Cheng San Market & Cooked Food Centre (527 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10);

• Chong Boon Market & Food Centre (453A Ang Mo Kio Ave 10);

• Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre (1 Geylang Serai); and

• Haig Road Market & Food Centre (14 Haig Rd).

9.     Eligible persons are strongly encouraged to collect and perform self-testing using these ART kits. Please refer to https://www.gowhere.gov.sg/art to check on the nearest Residents’ Committee Centre for self-collection.

Ongoing transmission at KTV clubs/lounges

10.     MOH is investigating cases of COVID-19 infection amongst social hostesses who had frequented KTV lounges or clubs currently operating as F&B outlets, and their close social contacts. Our epidemiological investigations have found that there is likely ongoing transmission at Dynasty Classic KTV (1 Sophia Road) and True Love (211 Geylang Road).

11.     All visitors to the affected premises are advised to monitor their health closely, and minimise social interactions as far as possible, for 14 days from their date of visit or interaction. They are encouraged to see a doctor immediately if they feel unwell. We also advise all visitors to markets and food centres to avoid crowds and to do your marketing during off-peak hours, or at supermarkets, and to strictly observe the safe management measures.

Condition of confirmed cases

12.     289 cases are currently warded in hospital. Most are well and under observation. There are currently 5 cases of serious illness requiring oxygen supplementation, and 1 in critical condition in the intensive care unit (ICU). None amongst these 6 cases is fully vaccinated.

Figure 6: Number of active cases in ICU or requiring oxygen supplementation

Figure 7: Deaths and active cases in ICU or requiring oxygen supplementation by age group

13.     There is continuing evidence that vaccination helps to prevent serious disease when one gets infected. Over the last 28 days, 12 local cases required oxygen supplementation, were admitted to ICU or passed away. 8 are unvaccinated, 4 are partially vaccinated and none was fully vaccinated.

Figure 8: Local cases in the last 28 days by vaccination status and severity of condition^[5]

Figure 9: Deaths and active cases in ICU or requiring oxygen supplementation, by vaccination status^[5]

14.     As of 18 July 2021, we have administered a total of 6,794,394, doses of COVID-19 vaccines under the national vaccination programme. The total number of doses administered was 6,794,394, covering 4,153,143 individuals. 2,747,489 individuals have completed the full vaccination regimen, consisting of 106,238 recovered persons who received at least one dose and 2,641,251 who received their second dose.

Figure 10: Progress of National Vaccination Programme

Figure 11: Percentage of vaccinated individuals who received at least the first dose by age group^[6]

Figure 12: Percentage of individuals who completed full regimen^[7] of COVID-19 vaccine by age group

15.     Please refer to MOH’s daily Situation Report (www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/situation-report) for details.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

^[1] This is updated from the afternoon press release as 9 more cases have been linked to previous cases following epidemiological investigations.
^[2] Incorporates re-classifications of earlier reported cases.
^[3] Incorporates re-classifications of earlier reported cases.
^[4] Includes new cases added today.
^[5] Fully vaccinated - more than 14 days after completing vaccination regimen (both doses of the vaccine or one dose for recovered individuals). Partially vaccinated – received 1 dose of 2-dose vaccine or COVID-positive within 14 days of completing vaccination regimen.
^[6] Based on National Immunisation Registry data.
^[7] Full regimen refers to individuals who have received both doses of the vaccine or one dose for vaccinated recovered individuals.