Covid-19: Number of cases in hospital just above 900, more patients discharged than are left warded

910 cases were discharged.

Jason Fan | May 21, 2020, 10:29 PM

On May 21, the Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed 448 new cases of Covid-19 infection.

This brings the total number of cases in Singapore to 29,812.

910 cases discharged

Here is the breakdown of the new cases.

  • Imported cases: 0
  • Cases in the community: 14 (13 Singaporeans/Permanent Residents (PRs), 1 Work Permit holder
  • Work Permit holders (residing in dormitories): 434

On May 21, a total of 910 cases have been discharged, bringing the total number of discharged cases to 12,117.

10 cases remain in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

A total of 901 confirmed cases remain in hospitals, while 16,771 are isolated and cared for at various community facilities.

Singapore's 23rd death from Covid-19 was reported on May 21 as well.

The deceased is a 73-year-old male Singapore citizen who passed away from complications due to Covid-19.

He had a history of hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and hypothyroidism.

New cluster of 4 residents at Orange Valley Nursing Home

One new cluster was discovered among four residents at Orange Valley Nursing Home (6 Simei Street 3) on Thursday (May 21).

All four are female Singapore citizens, and range in age from 72 to 97 years old.

3 clusters closed

Meanwhile, three clusters were closed after no new Covid-19 infections were reported for the past two incubation periods (28 days).

These are:

  1. The Natureland East Coast cluster (907 East Coast Road)
  2. Wing Fong Court cluster (10 Lorong 14 Geylang), and
  3. the 112 Neythal Road cluster.

Higher-than-usual figure of Singaporeans/PRs

Earlier today, MOH announced that out of the 13 Singaporean and PR infections, seven were picked up by the MOH's active surveillance and screening of nursing home residents and pre-school staff, as part of priority screening for healthcare staffers as well as the reopening of preschools, starting June 2.

Four cases were part of a family cluster linked to a dormitory, while the remaining two cases remain unlinked, with contact tracing ongoing for both cases.

In response to the three pre-school staff who tested positive for Covid-19 during the proactive screening for all preschool and early intervention staff, the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) has directed a 14-day Leave of Absence (LOA) for the group of children and staff who were recent contacts of these confirmed cases.

The preschools involved will be closed for two days for thorough cleaning and disinfection measures, and will then be allowed to reopen for children and staff not placed on LOA.

With 13 Singaporean and PR infections announced today, this is a higher-than-usual figure compared to more than 10 days of single-digit figures.

The last time that Singapore reported a double-digit figure of Singaporean and PR infections was April 27, which saw 14 cases.

Related Stories

Top image from SGH/FB.