98 new cases of COVID-19 infection in S’pore; 59 cases linked to North Coast Lodge

As of Monday noon (23 Aug), the Ministry of Health (MOH) has preliminarily confirmed an additional 98 cases of COVID-19 infection in Singapore.This brings the total number of infection cases to 66,576.There are 94 new cases of locally transmitted COVID-19 infection, of which 59 are linked to North Coast Lodge.According to MOH, the 59 cases were detected through testing operations conducted from Saturday (21 Aug) after three residents at the dormitory tested positive for COVID-19 infection on Saturday during Rostered Routine Testing."So far, about 2,200 workers have been swabbed, and testing for the rest of the 3,200 residents is ongoing. As a precautionary measure, all residents at the dormitory have been placed on Movement Restriction Order. The confirmed cases are mostly asymptomatic or have mild symptoms," the Ministry added.Of the remaining 35 cases, 16 are linked to previous cases, and have already been placed on quarantine. 19 are currently unlinked."Amongst the cases are 2 seniors above 70 years who are unvaccinated/ partially vaccinated, and are at risk of serious illness," said MOH.In addition, there are four new imported cases, who have been placed on Stay-Home Notice (SHN) or isolated upon arrival in Singapore. Two were detected upon arrival in Singapore, while two developed the illness during SHN or isolation.The Ministry will share further updates in its press release tonight.

Condition of confirmed cases & progress of national vaccination programme

According to last night's press release, 346 cases are currently warded in hospital. Most are well and under observation.There are currently 22 cases of serious illness requiring oxygen supplementation, and seven in critical condition in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Over the last 28 days, the percentage of unvaccinated who became severely ill or died is 8.6 per cent, while that for the fully vaccinated is 1.7 per cent, said MOH.

"As of 21 August 2021, 78% of our population has completed their full regimen/ received two doses of COVID-19 vaccines, and 82% has received at least one dose," the Ministry added.

MOH reports 11th and 12th COVID-19 deaths in August; death toll at 49

MOH also confirmed two more cases of death from complications due to COVID-19 infection.Case 67456, a 91 year-old female Permanent Resident (PR), is said to have passed away from complications due to COVID-19 infection earlier on Saturday."Her case was first reported on 3 August. She had developed symptoms on 30 July, was tested positive for COVID-19 infection, and was admitted to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases," said MOH."She had not been vaccinated against COVID-19, and had a history of chronic kidney disease, heart disease, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and hyperparathyroidism."The second case, Case 67630, an 87 year-old male Singaporean, is said to have passed away from complications due to COVID-19 infection on Sunday."His case was first reported on 4 August. He had been conveyed to the National University Hospital for an unrelated medical condition on 4 August," said the Ministry."As he was symptomatic, he was tested for COVID-19 and the result came back positive for COVID-19 infection. He had been partially vaccinated against COVID-19, and had a history of advance cancer, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia."In August alone, 12 individuals have died so far. In total, 49 individuals in Singapore have passed away from complications due to COVID-19 infection.