Scientists in Singapore are concerned with a new virus on the loose, as it appears to be more infectious than the coronavirus.
Called “inconsideratis”, individuals who contract the disease also exhibit symptoms of the coronavirus, but choose not to see the doctor for some reason.
Even though shunning medical attention could potentially lead to more infections, these individuals with inconsideratis seem indifferent to the risks.
This, coupled with a relaxation in restrictions recently, has lead to an alarming rise in community cases.
And unfortunately for us, the rate of spread doesn’t seem to be slowing down.
New COVID-19 Cluster in Workplace Grew to 7 Cases
Four community infections were reported on Thursday (21 Jan), a number we’re sadly getting used to.
Of these, three are linked to a cluster at BS Industrial & Construction Supply.
The other community case – a 42-year-old Singaporean who works as a diver at Ocean Works Asia – is unlinked.
The remaining 34 cases were all from abroad.
The first case in the cluster was a salesperson at the firm who tested positive on 18 Jan.
With the additional three cases, the number of infections in the cluster has grown to 7.
Two of the new cases in the cluster lived in the same households as other infected employees from the company.
One of them – a 43-year-old Singaporean woman – is the wife of the 39-year-old PR who was the first case detected in the cluster.
She doesn’t interact with clients as she’s an online trader. She was quarantined on 18 Jan, and tested positive for the disease on 20 Jan.
The other is a 46-year-old Malaysian work pass holder who lives with a 28-year-old finance employee from the company who tested positive on 20 Jan as well.
The woman works in sales and also doesn’t interact directly with clients.
The third new case in the cluster is a 35-year-old PR who works in sales at the company.
He developed a sore throat on 18 Jan but did not seek medical treatment. Even after being contacted by the Ministry of Health and told he was a close contact of a confirmed case, he failed to report his symptoms.
And this is something that has been happening a lot, lately.
Cluster Formed on 20 Jan: Two Cases Continued to Work While Sick
The BS Industrial & Construction Supply cluster formed on 20 Jan, when three new community cases were found to be linked to Case 59429.
One of the employees in the cluster developed a sore throat on 14 Jan and a loss of smell and taste on 18 Jan.
Despite this, he chose not to seek medical attention, and even continued to go to work.
Another confirmed infection in the cluster developed a sore throat and difficulty in breathing on 16 Jan.
But like her colleague, she continued to work and even interacted in the community.
Rise in Community Cases
The number of community cases has increased to 21 in the past week, up from three in the week before.
The number of unlinked cases in the community has also increased to six in the past seven days from one in the previous seven.
On Monday (18 Jan), co-chair of the Covid-19 task force said the authorities are considering additional measures to contain the coronavirus, due to the rise in community cases.
He also urged residents to see a doctor when sick.
“Please cooperate with all the safe management measures – wear your masks, see a doctor when sick, and do your part to reduce transmission risks,” he said.
This simple act can prevent many others from potentially contracting the disease.
Featured Image: kandl stock / Shutterstock.com
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