24 new cases of COVID-19 infection in S’pore; 1 case in migrant worker dorm, 1 case in community

As of Thursday noon (22 Apr), the Ministry of Health (MOH) has preliminarily confirmed an additional 24 cases of COVID-19 infection in Singapore.

This brings the total number of infection cases to 60,904.

There are two new cases of locally transmitted COVID-19 infection.

“Based on our investigations so far, 1 is in the community, and 1 resides in a dormitory,” said MOH.

In addition, there are 22 imported cases, who had been placed on Stay-Home Notice (SHN) upon arrival in Singapore.

The Ministry will share further updates in its press release tonight.

Travellers from India arriving in Singapore to serve 21-day SHN

As the number of COVID-19 cases continue to soar in India, the MOH has announced on Tuesday (20 Apr) that travellers with recent travel history to India will soon have to serve 21-day SHN once they arrived in Singapore.

This is an increase from the current 14-day SHN at dedicated facilities. MOH explained in a statement that after completing the 14-day SHN at a dedicated facility, travellers will have to serve an additional seven days at their place of residence in Singapore.

They will also be tested twice for the coronavirus, upon the completion of each isolation period.

The Ministry also stated that this updated requirement will kick in from 11.59pm on Thursday (22 Apr), including for those who have not completed their first 14-day SHN by that time.

If that’s not all, MOH will also reduce the number of approvals for people entering the city-state if they are not citizens or permanent residents here and have a recent travel history to the South Asian country.

Travellers from Hong Kong to serve 7-Day SHN; lifting of entry restrictions for travellers from UK, South Africa

Given the improved local situation in Hong Kong, travellers arriving from Hong Kong from 11.59pm this Thursday will undergo a reduced 7-day SHN, which can be served at their place of residence if suitable.

According to MOH, they will be subjected to an on-arrival COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test and another PCR test before the end of their 7-day SHN.

Moreover, long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history to the UK and South Africa within the last 14 days will also be allowed entry into Singapore, after obtaining the relevant entry approvals.

They will also be allowed to transit through Singapore on airlines approved to operate such transfers.