Singapore has banned workplace social gatherings
Singapore has reported their highest daily COVID cases in over one year – sitting at 807 new cases on Wednesday. Among Singapore's active cases, 822 are in hospital, with 76 needing oxygen supplementation, and nine in critical condition in the intensive care unit (ICU), according to the Ministry of Health.
"238 seniors above the age of 60 were infected today. Seniors are at higher risk of serious illness when infected. A booster dose would ensure high levels of protection against COVID-19," the ministry tweeted.
Update on COVID-19 situation (15 Sep 2021):
— Ministry of Health (@sporeMOH) September 15, 2021
238 seniors above the age of 60 were infected today. Seniors are at higher risk of serious illness when infected. A booster dose would ensure high levels of protection against COVID-19.
For the full details: https://t.co/vqbTCBS0wg pic.twitter.com/20uXMZejbu
With the city-state recording such high numbers of COVID-19 cases, the government has decided to pause reopening plans and reimpose further restrictions. This includes banning social gathering in offices pantries and canteens - after recent clusters were reported in workplaces. The Ministry of Manpower has already ordered an immediate 14-day work-from-home scheme for any employee who tests positive for the virus. All staff members affected should self-isolate and self-swab every two to three days during that 14-day period.
Read more: MOM expands vaccine policy to high-risk sectors
Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, also the co-chair of the coronavirus taskforce, told the media last week that a key indicator to reopening will be the number of patients in ICU in the next two to four weeks, The Guardian reported. Singapore already begun inoculating seniors with booster shots on Wednesday, 3,200 rolling up their sleeves. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said in a Facebook post that over 12,000 seniors have also booked appointments to get their booster shots.
"This is an encouraging start, and we hope more seniors can take their booster shot. The booster shot will better protect you for many more months, or even longer," he added.
As of September 14, 81% of Singapore’s population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, while 84% have received their first dose.
