Though the emergence of new infection clusters seems to be a norm now, the cluster at popular shopping mall Bugis Junction may be of greater concern.
In an evening update yesterday (25 Aug), the Ministry of Health (MOH) added 38 new Covid-19 cases to the cluster, bringing the total so far to 61.
Since the majority are staff working at department store BHG, the outlet’s closure has been extended for 5 more days.
When news of the Bugis Junction cluster first surfaced, many were understandably anxious as the mall is a popular spot among locals.
It seems like the worry isn’t waning any time soon, as MOH reported 38 new Covid-19 cases on Wednesday (25 Aug).
Now with 61 cases, tests are ongoing to detect any possible community infections among recent visitors.
According to MOH, 51 of the cases involve employees working at the mall. 46 of them in particular are BHG staff.
10 others are visitors to Bugis Junction.
Following the detection of a large number of cases among BHG staff, the store has extended its closure till 30 Aug (inclusive).
Employees working at affected shops at the mall are undergoing Covid-19 tests, while close contacts of cases will serve quarantine.
MOH urges members of the public who visited Bugis Junction or used the services and facilities there between 17-24 Aug to get tested too.
If this happens to concern you or anyone you know, visit the link here for more details.
Though MOH didn’t report any new clusters yesterday (25 Aug), they did note a possibly worrying growth at Selarang Halfway House.
The Government-run facility provides aftercare support for higher-risk ex-offenders as part of a Singapore Prison Service initiative.
MOH added 10 new cases there, bringing the total now to 19.
17 are reportedly supervisees, while 2 are their household or workplace contacts.
Other close contacts are now under quarantine. All staff as well as residents of the affected block have taken their swab tests.
From our past experience with the Jurong Fishery Port and KTV clusters, we can perhaps anticipate further growth of the Bugis Junction cluster.
However, with cooperation from staff and visitors there, we hope MOH will be able to ringfence infections.
For now, let’s remain vigilant even as we’re out socialising with friends.
Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.
Featured image adapted from Streetdirectory.
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