No more Imported Case?

Daily Dose: Change of Reporting

If you have been following MOH updates, you would have noticed a subtle yet significant change to the reporting matrix.

All along, MOH had been reporting daily cases in totality for Covid19. For the past 2 days, imported cases are omitted from the headline. Instead, Locally Transmitted Covid19 cases sans Imported cases were reported on the headlines.

Could this change signify the anticipation of Imported cases with borders looking set to open up?

With borders opening, imported cases are expected to rise. The omission of such numbers will take away any attention to rising in imported cases if any. This change could also be made in anticipation of Phase 3 to show that locally transmitted cases are not a threat. Nonetheless, we feel that such omission only sugarcoats the situation. Reports should be based in totality and not provide information that does not tell the whole story.

1) 11 COVID 19 Cases

• 5 Dorms (1 Quarantine, 4 Surveillance)
• 2 Community (Quarantine)
• 4 imported Case

After a couple days of single-digit cases, it is back to double digits. Dorms cases from Surveillance pops up again and this probably means more quarantine for the affected dorms.

For the local cases, they are from a household that has now 2 adults, a teen and a child infected. The child is aged 7.

Source: MOH

2) Ikea, Giant hypermarket in Tampines among places visited by Covid-19 cases while infectious

Given the profile of the recent cases, the visits are highly likely by the household that was infected.

• La Rouge Beauty Parlour at 30 Bayshore Road on Sept 22 between 9.40am and 12.15pm
• Universal Studios Singapore on Sept 24 between 3.10pm and 8.45pm
• Hard Rock Cafe at Resorts World Sentosa on Sept 24 between 8.40pm and 9.30pm
• BearyFun Gym at Katong Swimming Complex on Sept 26 between 3.30pm and 5pm
• NewEcon Top Choice Supermarket at 84 Bayshore Road on Sept 26 between 7pm and 8pm
• Giant hypermarket at 21 Tampines North Drive 2 on Sept 27 between 3.15pm and 4.50pm
• Ikea branch at Tampines on Sept 27 between 5pm and 6.30pm

Source: Today

3)MOH changes reporting matrix

Headline numbers now showing only Locally Transmitted Covid19 cases instead of the total Cases. Imported cases are still reported but not reflected in the headlines.

The change was not explained by MOH

Source: MOH

4) 2 F&B outlets ordered to close for breaching Covid-19 measures; 13 outlets and 21 individuals fined

Twenty-one people have also been fined for breaking the rules set in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19 at various F&B outlets last Friday and Saturday

The other outlet — Invincible Noodle House at 13 Circular Road — had allowed several customers to consume alcohol at 11.40pm. It was also told to close for 10 days, from Oct 3 to Oct 12. 

Noodle House is no so invincible after all...

Source: Today

5)S'pore to negotiate air travel bubbles with safe countries for general travellers say Ong Ye Kung

These two-way travel bubbles are different from reciprocal green lane arrangements meant for business and official travellers. 

Singapore is looking to form these bubbles with safe countries and regions that have comprehensive public health surveillance systems and low rates of Covid-19 infection is comparable to the Republic's.

No dates or countries are determined yet. Do not expect to travel for this year-end holidays or anytime before 2021. Nonetheless, it is a start.