Singapore— Mandatory Covid-19 testing was carried out at Block 506 in Hougang on Friday and Saturday (May 21 and 22) and two additional cases have been detected.
The total number of infected persons in Hougang is now 11, as nine individuals had already tested positive earlier, which prompted the mandatory testing.
Workers’ Party Member of Parliament Gerald Giam provided an update on the swab testing on his Facebook page on Sunday (May 23).
According to Mr Giam, the Ministry of Health said that the cases that have been detected are largely among people who are already under quarantine.
He wrote that since they have not been allowed to leave their homes, “the risk of transmission among residents of the block is greatly reduced, although it cannot be ruled out completely.”
Mr Giam added that MOH is still determining the source of the infections and whether or not the cases are linked.
Cleaning and disinfection at the area have also been carried out, especially after the swab testing was done at the void deck.
The WP MP wrote, “I urge all residents — not just those staying at Blk 506 — to stay at home as much as possible during this Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) period. This will minimise the spread of viruses and help keep our families and neighbours safe.”
He also asked residents to visit a nearby PHPC clinic if they experience any Covid-19 symptoms such as fever, dry cough, tiredness or loss of taste, writing that there are clinics that also test children for Covid-19.
Mr Giam also addressed the issue of residents who have not been able to receive deliveries over the weekend, such as cooking gas cylinders. He reassured them that the relevant company has been contacted and that instruction has been given by their management to resume deliveries so that residents may resume cooking their meals.
On Sunday, MOH also issued updates on swab tests conducted at Hougang, telling CNA that of the 407 swab tests conducted at the block, “405 tests were conclusive and two test results rejected. The two individuals who received the rejected test results were reswabbed and found negative for COVID-19.”
In an earlier announcement on its website, MOH said that the Covid cases in Hougang “are largely Persons Under Quarantine who turned positive for Covid-19. This means that they have been isolated early and ring-fenced, and not likely to be moving around while being infectious. Nevertheless, MOH took all the necessary public health measures to prevent any further spread to the community.”
The individuals confirmed positive are from four different households along the same stack, and “our initial assessment is that airborne transmission along the stack is highly unlikely,” MOH added.
/TISG
https://theindependent.sg/gerald-giam-advises-hougang-residents-about-covid-testing-after-positive-cases-found-in-blk-506/