It’s an expression that’s often used, but living with the Covid-19 pandemic really is like a roller coaster ride.
One minute you feel great and relaxed, and the next minute you’re throwing up and desperately need a change of pants.
For the last six months or so, we’ve received mostly good news about coronavirus-related restrictions, with the exception of leisure travel.
But now, our carriage on the roller coaster is at the top, and is about to fall to the ground at a breathtaking pace.
Community cases are rising at an alarming rate, and now, yet another cluster has formed.
Another New Local COVID-19 Cluster Formed After 19 Jan Cases; New Cases Includes Pri School Student
Among the 30 new Covid-19 cases reported on Tuesday (19 Jan), four are from the community.
Two of the infections are linked to a previous case, meaning we now have a second Covid-19 cluster.
Oh no, it’s starting up again.
The previous case is a food processing worker at Golden Bridge Foods Manufacturing – Case 59343.
One of the two new infections linked to Case 59343 is his co-worker and housemate. He is a 31-year-old work permit holder from China.
The man was quarantined on 15 Jan after being identified as a close contact of his housemate.
When tested on 17 Jan, his result came back positive even though he didn’t exhibit any symptoms.
Without contact tracing, the coronavirus would be impossible to contain.
His serological test result is negative, indicating that this is probably a current infection.
The second community case is a 48-year-old Chinese work permit holder who is the wife of Case 59343.
She is a food processing worker at Soon Lee Heng Satay Foodstuff Manufacturer.
Just like her housemate, she was quarantined on 15 Jan, and tested on 17 Jan.
She too, tested positive while asymptomatic, but got a negative result for her serological test.
Police Para-Vet Cluster Grows
You’re probably aware of the cluster involving the police K-9 unit para-veterinarian. It was our first cluster in many months.
Now, yet another community case has been linked to the cluster – an 8-year-old Singaporean boy.
The boy is the son of Case 59365, a 44-year-old Singaporean man who works as an administrative officer at the same unit as the para-vet, and Case 59393, a 43-year-old woman.
The boy is a student at Chua Chu Kang Primary School and had last gone to school on 15 Jan.
When tested the next day, it returned a negative result.
But a day later, the boy developed a fever and was tested again.
This time, his swab test came back positive for the coronavirus. His serological test result was negative, meaning it’s a fresh infection.
With the boy, this cluster now has seven confirmed infections.
Fourth Community Case Unlinked
The fourth community case is a 39-year-old PR who is currently unlinked.
He works as a sales personnel at BS Industrial & Construction Supply, located at 34 Kallang Place.
He developed a fever on 16 Jan and visited a polyclinic two days later, where he tested positive for Covid-19.
Increase in Community Cases
Just as we were getting used to zero community cases every day, this happens.
According to the Ministry of Health, the overall number of new community cases has increased from six in the week before to 14 in the past week.
Moreover, the number of unlinked cases in the community has also increased from four in the week before to 5 in the past week.
The remaining 26 cases reported on Tuesday were all from abroad, including four Singaporeans.
Pilot for KTV & Nightclubs Delayed
The rise in community cases also means there’s more bad news for KTV fans.
Ever since the country entered the circuit breaker, residents have had to sing into their shower heads while sobbing, as all KTV establishments were ordered to close.
A pilot for reopening KTV outlets and nightclubs was supposed to commence this month, but it has been delayed until further notice.
This is to prevent the risk of further community transmission and formation of clusters in high-risk settings, the authorities said.
So, if we want to return to these entertainment venues, we’ll have to tough it out and adhere to the restrictions for a little longer than anticipated.
Stick to safe distancing rules, always wear a mask when you go out, and most importantly, see a doctor if you feel unwell.
Featured Image: kandl stock / Shutterstock.com (Image is for illustration purpose only)
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