88-year-old Singaporean woman from TTSH cluster dies from COVID-19 complications

An 88-year-old Singaporean woman linked to the cluster at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) has died from complications related to COVID-19. 

Identified as Case 62573, the woman had a history of cancer, hypertension, congestive cardiac failure, stroke and hyperlipidaemia, said the Ministry of Health. 

She was the country’s 31st COVID-19 fatality. She had been staying in Ward 9D in TTSH since Apr 14 and was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Apr 28. 

The TTSH cluster is the first in a Singapore hospital. There are 16 cases linked to it. 

Four hospital wards have been locked down and 76 employees were placed on leave of absence after a nurse working in Ward 9D tested positive for COVID-19 on Apr 27. 

The 88-year-old woman was one of nine patients in the ward to have gotten the virus. 

Close contacts of the cases, which includes patients, visitors and staff, have been placed on quarantine.

Singapore last reported a COVID-19 death on Mar 13, when a 61-year-old man died from complications related to the virus. 

On Saturday, Singapore reported 34 new COVID-19 cases, including seven in the community. Three are linked to the TTSH cluster. 

In a Facebook post on Friday, TTSH said that they are working with MOH to “contain and review our measures, and take our next steps where necessary”. 

“It has been a rough week and we are doing all we can to respond and manage the situation on the ground,” said the Hospital. 

“During this time, our patient relations and welfare officers are here to take care and support the well-being of our patients, staff and their families.”