July 19, 2021, 05:25 PM
Follow us on Telegram for the latest updates: https://t.me/mothershipsg
MOH scientists have found a link between the KTV and Jurong Fishery Port Covid-19 clusters, said Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung today (July 19).
Linked clusters
In a Facebook post today, Ong said that scientists are currently conducting phylogenetic studies.
Based on the studies, cases from the two clusters differ from the Delta variant that infected the Tan Tock Seng Hospital and Changi Airport clusters but are closer to what was detected in imported cases from Indonesia.
He said: "When countries in the region have big outbreaks, we are always at risk."
Ong added that studies are ongoing and the Ministry of Health will explain the findings to the public once there are more conclusive results.
He also said that the KTV cluster is "settling down", with over 5,000 staff, hostesses and patrons tested.
Cases rising worryingly
However, the Jurong Fishery Port cluster is "rising worryingly", because it is seeding cases in various markets and the communities around them, said the minister.
As such, the Ministry of Health has drawn up four rings of defence, which include:
- Quarantining the 700 workers at Jurong Fishery Port.
- Issuing Health Risk Warnings to over 860 fishmongers, from whom 26 Covid-19 cases have been detected.
- Notifying stallholders from other markets to get tested.
- Advising people who stay near markets to minimise movements and social interactions.
Ong advised unvaccinated individuals, especially the elderly, to stay at home as much as possible to suppress the spread of the virus.
Vaccinated Singaporeans who have unvaccinated seniors at home should also minimise their movements and social interactions.
Urged to get vaccinated
The minister ended his post by urging all who are eligible to get vaccinated.
According to him, there are about 80,000 vaccinations a day, with 70 per cent of vaccinations being second doses.
Almost 50 per cent of the population would receive two doses of the vaccine by the "end of today (July 19) or tomorrow (July 20)".
You can read his full post here:
Top image from One Exclusive and Andy Wong.
If you like what you read, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Telegram to get the latest updates.