5 new COVID-19 cases were reported on Thursday, 26 November, with four imported cases, and one was from the community.
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“The first locally transmitted Covid-19 case after 16 days without any reported community case has shocked everyone a little. They are questioning whether Singapore may still enter phase 3 by the end of 2020.”
Singapore reported 5 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, 26 November, with four imported cases, and one was from the community.
The four imported cases were two dependent’s pass holders from Pakistan, a work permit holder from Malaysia, and a work pass holder from Nepal. They had been placed on stay-home notices upon arrival in Singapore.
Since the first Covid-19 case was reported in Singapore, this was the longest period without new community cases being announced. This first locally transmitted Covid-19 case after 16 days without any reported community case has shocked everyone a little. They are questioning whether Singapore may still enter phase 3 by the end of 2020.
A 36-year-old Singaporean man who works as a service engineer at Master Systems Marine was the new community case reported on 26th November. On the night of 23rd November, the man was having a fever and sore throat. He went to a general practitioner the next day and was tested for Covid-19. When his result came out to be positive on the following day, he was then brought to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases by ambulance.
The source of his infection is still unknown.
His job involves servicing and maintaining ships’ navigational systems by going onboard vessels docked at Marina South Pier and West Coast Pier. The man usually worked alone and made no interaction with his vessel crew. He only made contact with his supervising crew member. When he was not on board, he would be at his office at Vertex Building Tower B, 33 Ubi Avenue 3. As MOH said, the man reported wearing a surgical mask during his working hours at the office and onboard vessels. He has also followed safe distancing measures.
The Health Ministry (MOH) also mentioned that on 21st November, the man had dinner with his 12 family members at Seoul Garden in Tampines Mall. They were seated at three different tables, but it was mentioned that there was intermingling between the groups. All his family members at the dinner and his identified close contacts have been isolated and quarantined and will be tested at the start and end of their quarantine period.
"We urge everyone to continue to exercise social responsibility, and to cooperate with the prevailing measures. This is yet another reminder that the virus has not been eradicated and that new cases and clusters can easily emerge in our community if we let our guard down," said MOH.
Stay safe everyone!!!
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References
The Straits Times (website)
Channel News Asia (website)