3,637 New Infections and 14 Deaths Recorded
Singapore has reported a significant rise in COVID-19 cases, with 3,637 new infections and 14 additional deaths from complications related to the virus as of noon on Friday (Oct 22). This update from the Ministry of Health (MOH) indicates seven men and seven women among the deceased, with one case notably being a 41-year-old vaccinated individual with severe underlying lung disease and an immunocompromised state.
The majority of the other fatalities were older, ranging from 59 to 97 years, with varying vaccination statuses: seven unvaccinated, one partially vaccinated, and five fully vaccinated, all with underlying medical conditions not detailed by MOH. This increases Singapore’s total death toll from the virus to 294.
The daily case count rose from 3,439 the previous day, with most new cases (3,631) being local transmissions, split between 3,039 in the community and 592 in migrant workers’ dormitories. Only six cases were imported.
Since the onset of the pandemic, Singapore has now recorded 165,663 cases.
Healthcare Management
In terms of treatment, 71.2% of community cases are recovering at home, while 4,645 are in community care facilities and 921 in treatment facilities. Of the 1,609 hospitalised patients, 338 require oxygen supplementation, and 57 are in intensive care, a slight decrease from the previous day. Over the last 28 days, 1% of infected individuals required oxygen, and 0.1% needed intensive care. Among those critically ill, the vaccination split shows 46.7% fully vaccinated, with the rest either unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.
Active Clusters Under Watch
MOH is keeping a close eye on several clusters, including AWWA Community Home for Senior Citizens, which saw a significant increase to 44 cases. Other notable clusters include Bukit Batok Home for the Aged (129 cases), Banyang Home at Pelangi Village (52 cases), PCF Sparkletots at Zhenghua (19 cases), and MWS Christalite Methodist Home (121 cases), predominantly affecting residents.
Travel Developments with Australia
On the travel front, both Singapore and Australia are in the final stages of establishing a new travel arrangement aimed at facilitating movement for vaccinated students and business travelers, with hopes of expanding to tourists. This comes as Singapore has already opened vaccinated travel lanes with eight other countries this week.
