Before yesterday (26 Oct), our case count had decreased on two consecutive days. This gave us hope that we would finally reach that weekly infection growth rate of 1 that the authorities are aiming for.

But, as it always seems to do, COVID-19 case numbers went back up again yesterday, though not to an excessive degree.

The number that continues to sadden us all, however, is the number of deaths reported every day.

10 More COVID-19 Fatalities

Ten more COVID-19 cases have succumbed to the virus, according to the Ministry of Health (MOH).

Aged between 66 and 98, all but one of the fatalities who was unvaccinated had various underlying medical conditions.

With these 10 deaths, Singapore’s death toll now stands at 339.

3,277 New COVID-19 Cases

3,277 new COVID-19 cases were reported yesterday (26 Oct), an increase of 103 from the previous day’s tally.

The cases comprise 2,984 infections in the community, 288 in migrant worker dormitories, and five imported infections.

Among the local cases are 506 seniors above 60.

Clusters at IMH and Aged Care Home Continue to Grow

The cluster at the Institute of Mental Health (MOH) continues to grow, as four more cases were linked to it. It now has a total of 138 infections, comprising 128 patients and ten staff members.

There are currently six large clusters closely monitored by the health ministry, the largest of which is at the Bukit Batok Home for the Aged. The cluster swelled to 156 infections after two cases were added to it.

Maple Bear Loyang, a preschool, was a new addition to the list with 14 cases. 12 are students while the other two are employees.

The other three clusters on the list are:

• NTUC Health (Jurong West) Nursing Home – one new case, 15 in total
• Banyan Home @ Pelangi Village – six new cases, 77 in total
• AWWA Community Home for Senior Citizens – eight new cases, 79 in total

1,787 COVID-19 Cases in Hospital; 146 in ICU

At the moment, there are 1,787 COVID-19 cases warded in hospitals, most of whom are well and under observation.

289 serious cases require oxygen supplementation and 146 are in the intensive care unit, comprising 79 cases who are unstable and under close monitoring to prevent further deterioration, and 67 who are critically ill and intubated.

In addition, there are 19,013 cases undergoing home recovery, 4,570 in community care facilities, and 878 are in COVID-19 treatment facilities.

Currently, 84% of our population has been fully vaccinated. 85% have received at least one dose. 13% have received their booster shots.

MOH Setting Aside More ICU Beds

MOH said that it’s setting aside more ICU beds for COVID-19 patients, due to the rise in the number of COVID-19 patients receiving care at hospitals.

The next 100 beds have been “triggered”, the ministry said, and will be ready next week.

“While we are able to stand up ICU beds at short notice, the increased load of patients adds strain and pressure on the healthcare system and our healthcare workers,” it said.

It urged unvaccinated individuals to minimise unnecessary movement and social interactions to not only protect themselves but to help ease the pressure on the healthcare system.

Read Also:

• Vaccinated Travel Lane Extended to Australia & Switzerland from 8 Nov
• China Couple Who Lied to MOH at the Beginning of COVID-19 Outbreak Convicted of All Charges

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