Another Filipino Tests Positive for COVID-19 in Singapore

On Saturday (Feb. 29), another Filipino tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Singapore according to the Singaporean Ministry of Health (MOH).

According to the ministry’s report, the Filipina is the employee of another positive case, a 61-year old Singaporean citizen.  

Second Case of Filipino Infected with Coronavirus Confirmed in Singapore 

Furthermore, the report detailed that the 41-year old Filipina domestic worker was among the four new COVID-19 cases in the country, as shared in a report by GMA News Online.

Neither of the two cases had any recent travel history to China, Daegu City, nor Cheongdo County, the report noted.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Brigido Dulay wrote on his Twitter account that the patient “is now in isolation at [Singapore]’s National Centre for Infectious Diseases.”

On February 23, Singapore confirmed its first Filipino COVID-19 patient.

Identified as a 41-year old male Singapore Permanent Resident by the MOH, the Filipino was formerly quarantined at the National Center for Infectious Diseases.

On Friday, the Filipino was released as case 89.

In an update from the MOH, three more cases of COVID-19 infection have been discharged from the hospital last Friday (Cases 52, 79 and 89).

The ministry added that a total of 72 cases in Singapore have recovered from the virus and discharged from the hospitals.

The remaining 30 confirmed cases staying in confinement at hospital facilities were said to be improving or in stable conditions. However, seven cases were reported to be in critical condition and have been placed in the intensive care units (ICUs).

Furthermore, the health ministry also advised travelers to closely monitor their health and seek immediate medical attention upon display symptoms of COVID-19.

In a statement, the MOH shared: “All travelers should monitor their health closely for two weeks upon return to Singapore and seek medical attention promptly if they feel unwell.”

Travellers should inform their doctor about their travel history. If they have a fever or respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of breath), they should wear a mask and call the clinic ahead of the visit,” it added.

As of this writing, Singapore has 102 confirmed cases of novel coronavirus, with 30 of them hospitalized and 72 discharged. 

Also, the level of alert for Singapore is at orange and all residents and citizens are expected to continuously monitor for health advisories and to comply with safety and control measures.

Here is a reference poster of the Disease Outbreak Response System Condition’ (DORSCON) Chart as shared by Singapore’s Ministry of Health:

During the past week, the Singapore government, and the Ministry of Health addressed several issues and rumors brought about by miscommunication. 

The ministry clarified that as of Feb 28, 4 pm, there has been no fatality related to COVID-19 in Singapore.

Also, the ministry clarified that it did not initiate phone calls informing the public to visit MOH’s offices to collect documents.

It explained: “We wish to inform all members of the public that the calls are not made by MOH. We wish to clarify that we will not require anyone to collect documents from MOH’s offices if they do not have any existing matter with us.” 

The ministry also urged the public to not speculate and/or spread baseless rumors. Please visit www.moh.gov.sg for updates on the COVID-19 situation.  

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