Since the Omicron variant was discovered in South Africa last month, Singapore ministers warned that it was only a matter of time before it reached our island city.
On Wednesday (15 Dec), the Ministry of Health (MOH) reported 3 additional cases of the new infectious strain in Singapore.
Among the new cases is a couple who dined at 4 restaurants in Orchard and Newton.
In a press release on Wednesday (15 Dec), MOH reported 3 new cases who tested “preliminarily positive” for the infectious Omicron variant.
1 of the new cases is Case 278256, a 36-year-old man who arrived from the US via vaccinated travel lane (VTL) arrangements.
Despite testing negative on his pre-departure and on-arrival tests on 6 and 8 Dec respectively, the man tested positive for Covid-19 on 10 Dec.
A subsequent PCR test on 11 Dec also returned positive.
The man’s wife was also 1 of the patients who tested preliminarily positive for the Omicron variant.
Known as Case 279395, the 34-year-old woman was quarantined on 14 Dec after being identified as her husband’s close contact.
She tested positive for Covid-19 on the same day.
The couple had dined at 4 restaurants in Orchard and Newton on 8 and 9 Dec:
MOH shared that all customer-facing staff at the restaurants and other patrons who had similar check-in and check-out timings as the couple will be issued Health Risk Warnings (HRW).
The health ministry will also be conducting a one-time PCR test for these individuals.
Those at the premises are advised to monitor their health and minimise social interactions for 2 weeks following their visits. They should also see a doctor ASAP if they feel unwell.
The other new Omicron case involves a loading cabin assistant who works at Changi Airport Terminal 3. The 54-year-old reportedly had no contact with flight passengers.
Identified as Case 279330, the man tested positive for Covid-19 on 14 Dec as part of his rostered routine testing.
A subsequent PCR test also returned positive.
The man had been taking ART daily since 10 Dec. His test results had been negative till 13 Dec.
The National Public Health Laboratory is carrying out procedures to confirm the variant that the individuals had been infected with.
MOH warned that given the infectious nature of the new variant, we should expect more Omicron cases to be detected at our border and within the community.
The ministry also took the chance to remind residents to remain vigilant and get their booster shots when eligible.
16 Omicron cases have been detected in Singapore thus far, including 14 imported and 2 local cases.
The newly-detected Omicron cases in Singapore are expected, given the situation worldwide.
As we’re in the festive year-end period, we hope everyone will heed the advisory to continue adhering to safe distancing measures to mitigate the spread as much as possible.
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Featured image by MS News.
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