49 New Covid-19 Cases On 24 Mar With Majority Imported, S’poreans Who Travel To Pay Full Bill If Hospitalised

Singapore Confirms 49 New Covid-19 Cases On 24 Mar

The high daily number of Covid-19 cases seems to be a consistent pattern lately with Singapore recording 49 today (24 Mar).

The Ministry of Health (MOH) revealed that 32 imported cases make up the majority, which appears to be the recurring trend.

Today’s increase brings the total number of Covid-19 cases in Singapore to 558 so far.

Majority of imported Covid-19 cases from the UK

CNA reports that most of the imported cases came from the United Kingdom (UK), citing an update by MOH.

5 had been to the United States (US), while several others visited Australia, France, Malaysia and Indonesia.

25 of the 32 imported cases are Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs).

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5 are long-term pass holders, meaning the remaining 2 are likely short-term visitors who arrived before the ban at 11.59pm yesterday (23 Mar).

Of the 17 local cases, 13 are unlinked, and contact tracing is underway for them.  4 have links to previous cases.

17 others are in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

In perhaps the only positive update, 3 have recovered and left hospitals today.

Singapore residents who still travel to face consequences

Considering the consistent rise in imported cases, the government is clamping down more heavily on residents who still travel despite advice not to.

CNA added in a separate article that residents and pass holders who get hospitalised for Covid-19 symptoms after returning from non-essential travels will have to pay full rates.

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Those who show symptoms within 14 days of entering Singapore won’t enjoy the subsidies everyone else gets.

This decision comes after observation that some have been ignoring advisories and travelling.

They also won’t be able to claim from MediShield Life or Integrated Shield Plans for Covid-19 treatment in public or private hospitals.

Under normal circumstances, the government subsidises Covid-19 treatment so residents won’t have to fork out a lot of money.

Stricter measures to curb Covid-19 spread

In a slew of updates, the Singapore government is pulling out all stops to contain the Covid-19 spread in Singapore.

From regulating social interactions and spaces to doling out punishments for rule-breakers, stringent measures are underway.

With the daily rise in cases not appearing to be slowing down anytime soon, perhaps stricter measures are what we need.

Featured image adapted from TTG Asia.