PCF with COVID-19 Student Now Closes for 14 Days instead of 1 Day

The COVID-19 situation in Singapore is taking a turn and it seems like stricter measures are being implemented every single day.

For instance, just a while ago, large gatherings under 250 people were good to go as long as measures like safe distancing were implemented.

Now, cinemas, bars and other entertainment venues like karaoke are closed. Well, not now lah bu from 26 March 2020, 11:59pm onwards.

Things have escalated quickly, and the same goes for the COVID-19 incident at PCF Sparkletots located at Fengshan Block 126:

PCF with COVID-19 Student Now Closes for 14 Days instead of 1 Day

Lest you’re unaware, it was first reported that a teacher at a PAP Community Foundation (PCF) Sparkletots centre had tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday.

An e-mail circular was sent to parents from the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) that the pre-school at Block 126 Fengshan will be closed on Tuesday as thorough cleaning and disinfection of its premises will be carried out as a precautionary measure.

The Health Ministry had also reportedly sprung into action and conducted contact tracing.

  • The teacher was on leave from last Wednesday to Friday but came to school for a few hours on Wednesday afternoon
  • She had attended to some work but did not have lessons with the children and had passed temperature taking on that day
  • Developed symptoms on Friday and promptly went to see the doctor
  • PCF Sparkletots already has precautionary measures put in place since last month
  • Precautionary measures include raising the frequency of temperature screening and ensuring personal hygiene of staff and students

They initially only announced the closure of the school for just one day, saying that there would be no need to close the centre for 14 days “based on current available facts.”

Latest Update: ECDA Has Ordered It To Shut For 14 Days

The centre was supposed to be closed on Tuesday to undergo thorough cleaning and sanitisation, and classes were supposed to be conducted as usual today, but on yesterday night, ECDA announced a longer closure.

The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) has now ordered that the pre-school centre in Bedok North to close until 7 April after more than one other staff reported that they have felt ill as of late.

Image: Pinterest

The staff will be tested for the coronavirus, while all staff and children at the PAP Community Foundation (PCF) Sparkletots centre located at Fengshan Block 126 will be undergoing quarantine.

Image: Giphy

The Ministry of Health is also carrying out contact tracing, while the centre is doing their part by closely keeping an eye on the health of its staff and the parents are monitoring the health of their children.

Well, at least it makes sense, and it’s not closed for 14 days for cleaning.

The Situation In Singapore

The coronavirus outbreak in Singapore as of 24 March saw 49 new cases on Tuesday out of which 32 were imported.

This brings Singapore’s total number of coronavirus cases to 558 cases.

The 32 imported cases had travel history to Europe, North America, Australia, the Middle East, ASEAN and other parts of Asia. All except two were returning residents and long term pass holders.

Out of the imported cases, 25 are Singapore citizens or permanent residents while five are long term visitor pass holders.

Four of the 49 new cases are linked to previous cases, while 13 cases are currently unlinked, and contact tracing is ongoing.