SINGAPORE, Dec 31 (NNN-CNA) – Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) reported 27 new COVID-19 cases yesterday, bringing the total confirmed cases in the country to 58,569.
Among the new cases, one was a Singapore Airlines (SIA) pilot, who had tested negative upon returning to Singapore from the United Kingdom, but later developed symptoms, said MOH.
The 40-year-old Singaporean was also one of two new cases who preliminarily tested positive for the potentially more contagious B117 strain circulating in the UK. Further tests will be conducted to confirm the strain, said MOH.
The pilot had travelled to the UK for work from Dec 19 to 22, and was tested on Dec 23, as part of protocols for air crew who travel frequently, said MOH. That test came back negative. He developed a fever on Dec 26 and sought medical treatment at a general practitioner clinic the next day, where he was swabbed. The COVID-19 test came back positive on Dec 29.
Yesterday, 11 more cases were discharged from hospitals or community isolation facilities. In all, 58,411 have fully recovered and have been discharged.
There are currently 52 confirmed cases who are still in hospital. Of these, most are stable or improving, and none is in critical condition.
Furthermore, 77 people, who have mild symptoms, or are clinically well but still test positive for COVID-19, are isolated and cared for at community facilities.
Altogether 29 people have died from complications due to COVID-19 infection.– NNN-CNA
