Two imported cases test preliminary positive for Omicron variant; 1,101 new cases reported on Dec 2

Two passengers arriving from Johannesburg, South Africa have tested preliminarily positive for the Omicron variant on Dec 2.

Both cases were isolated upon arrival in Singapore on Dec 1, and had not interacted in the community. They showed mild symptoms of cough and scratchy throat.

“There is currently no evidence of any community transmission from these cases,” said the Ministry of Health (MOH).

Case 271487 is a 44 year-old male Singapore Permanent Resident who arrived in Singapore from Mozambique, transiting through Johannesburg. His pre-departure test in Mozambique on Nov 29 was negative for COVID-19 infection.

Case 271598 is a 41 year-old female Singaporean who arrived in Singapore from South Africa on Dec 1. Her pre-departure test in Johannesburg on Nov 29 was negative for COVID-19 infection.

The two are fully vaccinated.

They had undergone a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test upon arrival in Singapore, and were immediately conveyed to a Stay-Home Notice (SHN) dedicated facility to be isolated while awaiting their test results.

Upon confirmation of the COVID-19 infection, they were conveyed to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) where they are now recovering in isolation.

MOH added: “Their PCR test results have revealed the presence of S-gene Target Failure which may be associated with the Omicron variant. The National Public Health Laboratory is conducting whole genome sequencing to confirm the variant.”

The other 19 passengers who were on the same flight have tested negative for the COVID-19 infection.

Contact tracing is ongoing and any close contacts will be placed on 10-day quarantine at designated facilities and undergo PCR tests at the start and end of their quarantine. All patients suspected or confirmed to be infected with the Omicron variant will be conveyed to NCID for isolation and clinical management. Home recovery will not apply.

Singapore reported 1,101 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday (Dec 2).

Of the new infections, 1,050 were from the community and 464 of those infected were aged between 12 and 39.

No new clusters have been identified.

There were nine COVID-19-related deaths reported on Dec 2. They were aged between 56 and 99 years old and all had underlying medical conditions that interfered with their recovery.

The national death toll now stands at 735.