May 21, 2020, 10:44 PM
Four elderly residents at Orange Valley Nursing Home's Simei branch have tested positive for Covid-19, forming a new cluster identified and announced on Thursday (May 21).
These were among the 448 new cases of infections reported by the Ministry of Health on Thursday evening.
This brings the total to 29,812 cases reported in Singapore.
Of the new cases reported on Thursday, 13 are Singaporeans or Permanent Residents, marking the first time in over three weeks that the daily increase in the local community is a double digit.
The last time local cases rose above 10 was on Apr. 27.
Four residents confirmed with Covid-19
Orange Valley Nursing Home is owned by a company called Invest Healthcare Pte Ltd, which is in turn owned by Singapore Press Holdings.
Among its five nursing homes is a branch located at 6 Simei St 3.
All four patients are residents of this home.
The case details are as follows:
- Case 29,516 is a 96-year-old female Singaporean.
- Case 29,634 is a 85-year-old female Singaporean.
- Case 29,635 is a 97-year-old female Singaporean.
- Case 29,692 is a 72-year-old female Singaporean.
According to The Business Times, Orange Valley's homes have more than 900 beds altogether. It charges about S$2,500 to S$2,700 per month for each bed, placing it at the premium end of the Singapore market.
23rd death on May 21
On May 21, MOH also reported Singapore's 23rd death from Covid-19.
A 73-year-old male Singaporean has died from complications due to Covid-19 on May 21, 2020.
The man, who is Case 4,689, was confirmed to have Covid-19 infection on April 17, and had a history of hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and hypothyroidism.
The National Centre for Infectious Diseases has reached out to his family and is extending assistance to them.
All nursing home staff and residents to be tested
It was announced on May 8 that workers in residential care facilities, such as nursing home staff, will need to move into their respective places of employment or be assigned to stay in hotels.
This is a precautionary measure to protect seniors living in care facilities.
All nursing home staff and residents are also in the process of being tested for Covid-19 by June 2020.
Top photo via Orange Valley Nursing Home website
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