Singapore — On Thursday, Dec 2, two imported Covid-19 cases tested “preliminary positive” for the Omicron variant, sparking questions from the public about how this was possible amid border controls in place.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced that both cases were isolated upon arrival in Singapore on Wednesday (Dec 1) and had not interacted in the community.
The two patients are currently recovering in isolation wards at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID).
It was reported that both individuals are fully vaccinated, with mild symptoms of cough and scratchy throat.
The travellers arrived from Johannesburg onboard Singapore Airlines SQ479 on Dec 1.
One is a 44-year-old male Singapore permanent resident who arrived in Singapore from Mozambique, transiting through Johannesburg.
The other passenger is a 41-year-old female Singaporean who arrived in Singapore from South Africa.
MOH noted that their pre-departure tests on Nov 29 were negative for Covid-19 infection.
Their Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests upon arrival yielded a positive result, and they were conveyed to NCID for isolation.
“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,” said MOH.
Contract tracing is ongoing, although all 19 other passengers who came in on the same flight have tested negative for Covid-19 infection.
The passengers are all quarantined under stay-home notices at designated facilities and subject to a testing regime.
In response to the news, members from the online community wondered how the two cases contracted the variant within 48 hours.
“My question is, how did they board the flight without prior testing. And if they were negative at the time of pre-departure testing, how come in 48 hours they have it?” asked Facebook user Anita Cheney Costello.
“Where did they get their arrival PCR testing done? In main area like everyone else or were they whisked away to a separate part of the airport for testing?” she continued.
“Having recently done a PCR test at Changi, once test done you are told to go home and await your results before leaving your home. I’m confused. Have I missed something here?”
“Those working in the air-conditioned airport may be carriers that may spread to the local community. So, what is their latest findings and conclusion? Is it working?” asked another concerned netizen.
Many also questioned the travellers’ permission to enter the country amid border control measures.
On Nov 26, MOH released an advisory regarding border measures for travellers coming from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
MOH highlighted the presence of the Omicron variant in these countries. “Scientists around the world are still finding out more about the new variant of virus, such as whether it is more transmissible than the Delta variant, whether it is more likely to lead to severe illnesses, and efficacy of existing vaccines against this new variant.”
In the meantime, MOH announced “necessary precautions” to reduce the risks of Omicron entering Singapore.
From 23:59 hours on Nov 27, “all long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history to Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe within the last 14 days will not be allowed entry into Singapore or transit through Singapore.”
However, returning Singapore citizens and permanent residents are allowed and subjected to a 10-day SHN at a dedicated facility.
There is currently no evidence of any community transmission from the two cases reported, said MOH.
“It is important for everyone to continue to play their part and remain vigilant to mitigate the spread of Covid-19,” said MOH. /TISG
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