While our COVID-19 case numbers are still high, they’re certainly not increasing as fast as a few weeks ago, likely due to the restrictions in place.
Instead of surpassing the 4,000 mark like we’ve been anticipating for some time, it has hovered around the 3,000 to 4,000 range.
Sadly, while our case numbers may be lower than expected, many cases are still succumbing to the disease.
16 COVID-19 Fatalities; 7 Fully Vaccinated
16 more COVID-19 cases passed away from complications, bringing our death toll to 280.
They were 12 men and four women, aged between 61 and 93. Eight were unvaccinated against COVID-19, one was partially vaccinated, and seven were fully vaccinated.
15 of the fatalities had underlying medical conditions, while one vaccinated case had no known medical conditions.
3,439 New COVID-19 Cases
3,439 new COVID-19 cases were reported yesterday (18 Oct), a decrease of 423 from the previous day’s tally.
The cases comprise 2,937 infections in the community, 500 in migrant worker dormitories, and two imported infections.
Among the local cases are 492 seniors above 60.
Three New Clusters Closely Monitored by MOH
The Ministry of Health (MOH) is closely monitoring eight large clusters, including three that were added to the list.
They are:
- Banyan Home @ Pelangi Village – two new cases, 42 in total
- PCF Sparkletots @ Zhenghua (632A Senja Road) – three new cases, 17 in total
- Bo Tien Home for the Aged – one new case, 12 in total
Of the 17 cases in the preschool cluster, 11 are students, five are employees, and one is a household contact of a case.
Our two largest clusters on the list – at Bukit Batok Home for the Aged and at MWS Christalite Methodist Home – swelled to 109 and 118 respectively.
Meanwhile, one new case each was added to the ECON Medicare Centre & Nursing Home cluster as well as the cluster at AWWA Community Home for Senior Citizens.
The nursing home in Buangkok has 65 cases, while the community home in Ang Mo Kio has 22 infections.
Two more cases were also linked to Apex Harmony Lodge, bringing its total to 15.
1,613 COVID-19 Cases in Hospitals; 61 in ICU
At the moment, there are 1,613 COVID-19 cases warded in hospitals, most of whom are well and under observation.
346 serious cases require oxygen supplementation and 61 are in critical condition in the intensive care unit.
In addition, there are 17,617 cases undergoing home recovery, 4,223 in community care facilities, and 880 are in COVID-19 treatment facilities.
Currently, 84% of our population has been fully vaccinated. 85% have received at least one dose.
Of those who have passed away over the last 28 days, 31.4% were fully vaccinated and 68.6% were unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.
Extension of Visits to Hospitals & Residential Care Homes Extended
Earlier, MOH announced the suspension of all in-person visits to hospitals and residential care homes until 23 Oct.
This suspension has now been extended to 21 Nov, the same day the tightened COVID-19 restrictions are due to end.
“In the past two weeks, the rise in COVID-19 cases in the community has increased COVID-19 admissions to the hospitals. There were also several new COVID-19 clusters amongst patients and residents in the hospitals and residential care homes. To protect healthcare capacity during this period, as well as care homes residents who are more vulnerable, in-person visits to hospitals and residential care homes will continue to be suspended,” the ministry explained.
However, the following patient groups may be allowed visitation on a case-by-case basis, as assessed by the hospital:
- Patients who are in critical condition
- Paediatric patients
- Birthing/post-partum mothers
- Patients requiring additional care support from caregivers. (Examples include the assistance of inpatients who have mental incapacities or family members who are undergoing caregiver training to better care for their loved ones after hospital discharge.)
The above patients will only be allowed one pre-designated visitor, with one visit per day.
Patients who are in critical condition may be allowed up to five pre-designated visitors, with a maximum of two visitors at the patient’s bedside at any one time.
Regardless of vaccination status, all visitors approved to visit will need to produce a valid negative antigen rapid test (ART) or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result obtained within the last 24 hours of each visit.
The test must be supervised by MOH-approved COVID-19 test providers.
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Featured Image: kandl stock / Shutterstock.com (Image for illustration purpose only)
