New COVID-19 cluster formed at Woodlands Dormitory

Woodlands Dormitory was identified as a new COVID-19 cluster on Wednesday (Sep 22) by the Ministry of Health (MOH). 

There were 54 cases linked to it. All the cases at the cluster were a result of intra-dormitory transmission and there is no evidence of spread beyond the dormitory.

Singapore reported 1457 new local COVID-19 infections on Wednesday, surpassing the record 1426 cases on Apr 20 last year – most of which were migrant workers in dormitories. 

This is the third time in four days that the number of local infections have risen above 1000.

Of the new local COVID-19 infections on Wednesday, 489 of those infected were between ages 12 and 39. 

There were three deaths reported on Wednesday, bringing Singapore’s total number of deaths related to the disease to 68. 

The first, known as Case 70252, is an 65-year-old man who was not vaccinated against COVID-19. He tested positive for COVID-19 on Sep 1 and had a history of diabetes, end stage renal failure and hypertension, said MOH. 

The second, Case 74791, is a 90-year-old woman who was unvaccinated. She tested positive for COVID-19 on Sep 13 and had a history of stroke, asthma, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. 

The third fatality, Case 75271, is a 50-year-old-man who was unvaccinated. He tested positive for COVID-19 on Sep 13 and had no known medical conditions.

There were also four imported cases who were placed either on Stay-Home Notice or in isolation upon arrival in Singapore.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong assured Singaporeans that the MOH’s COVID-19 case management task group are “doing their best to scale up” operations amid frustrations among members of the public that it takes a long time for them to be contacted when they or their family member test positive. 

In a Facebook post, PM Lee said that the task group has “a very demanding task” and “operates 24/7 in a rapidly changing situation”. 

“They administer the whole process for COVID-19 patients, from detection to recovery. This includes assigning patients to appropriate care facilities, arranging for transport, and briefing them on what they need to do, especially those who choose home recovery,” he said. 

I would like to thank the CMTG for their dedication and tireless efforts. If we all work together, get vaccinated, and wear our masks properly, we can slow down the current wave, and get through safely without overwhelming our hospitals or suffering unnecessary casualties.”