Singapore – Amid a “likely ongoing transmission” among individuals who visited JEM and Westgate malls, the two malls will be closed for two weeks to break any potential chain of transmission, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Saturday (May 22).
MOH announced in its daily Covid-19 update that ten recent Covid-19 cases are linked to the malls, with four being detected by MOH’s special testing operations.
The special testing operations, including for staff who worked at the two malls, are still ongoing, noted MOH.
Epidemiological investigations have found that there is likely an ongoing transmission among individuals who visited these malls, said MOH.
“To break any potential chain of transmission and enable deep cleaning of the premises, JEM and Westgate shopping malls will be closed to all members of the public starting May 23 and reopen 14 days later on Jun 6.”
MOH mentioned that members of the public will still be able to access Ng Teng Fong General Hospital through Westgate. Office towers at the premises will also remain open.
Visitors of the two malls are advised to monitor their health closely for 14 days from their date of visit.
Free Covid-19 testing to all visitors to JEM and Westgate from May 10 to May 14 is also being offered, added MOH.
“They are encouraged to visit a Regional Screening Centre or ‘Swab and Send Home’ (SASH) Public Health Preparedness Clinic for the free Covid-19 test if they feel unwell.”
Overall, the number of new cases in the community has increased from 103 cases in the week before to 199 cases last week. The number of unlinked cases in the community has also increased from 14 cases in the week before to 61 cases last week, said MOH./TISG
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