8 more COVID deaths, 2,475 new cases in Singapore

SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Health (MOH) on Monday (4 October) confirmed 2,475 new COVID-19 cases in Singapore, bringing the country's total case count to 106,318, as well as eight more deaths due to the disease.

Monday marks the seventh day in a row where there were over 2,000 daily new cases reported in Singapore. It is also the 15th day in a row where fatalities from the virus are reported.

Singapore's 114th through 121st COVID-19 fatalities are all Singaporeans: four men and four women aged between 60 and 94. They were among 20 people who have succumbed to the disease here this month.

Among the fatalities reported on Monday, three had been unvaccinated against COVID-19, and five had been fully vaccinated. All of them had various underlying medical conditions.

Of the new cases, 2,460 are local infections: 1,859 are in the community, while 601 are dormitory residents. Among the local cases are 402 people above the age of 60, said the MOH.

The remaining 15 cases are imported, of whom nine were detected upon their arrival in Singapore, while six developed the illness during their stay-home notice or isolation period.

Eight active COVID-19 clusters in Singapore, including five dorms, are being closely monitored, said the MOH. All five dorm clusters have been classified as intra-dormitory transmissions among residents, with no evidence of spread beyond the premises.

Of the list of monitored clusters, the highest number of 25 new cases – all quarantined – was added to the cluster at ASPRI-Westlite Papan dorm. The cluster now has 156 cases.

Fourteen new cases – all quarantined – were added to the cluster at the PPT Lodge 1B dorm, now totalling 124 infections. Eight new cases – all quarantined – were added to the cluster at the Tampines dorm, now totalling 169 infections.

Three new cases were also added to the Learning Vision @ Changi Airport daycare centre, now totalling 12 infections. All but two – both staff members – are students.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung in Parliament on Monday said while the government is ramping up healthcare capacity to handle up to 5,000 cases, it is already planning how to handle 10,000 infections.

Co-chair of the multi-ministry COVID-19 taskforce Lawrence Wong on Saturday said many people in Singapore will end up catching COVID-19, and there is no need to be fearful or embarrassed about it.

But the Finance Minister also said the current rise in COVID cases may not be "the last wave" in Singapore.

226 require oxygen supplementation; 35 in ICU

As of Monday, 1,355 cases are currently warded in hospital, most of whom are well and under observation.

There are currently 226 cases of serious illness requiring oxygen supplementation and 35 in critical condition in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Of those who have fallen very ill, 221 are patients above the age of 60, said the MOH.

Apart from the 121 patients who have died from COVID-19 complications, 15 others who tested positive for the virus were determined to have died from unrelated causes, including three whose deaths were attributed to a heart attack and another four whose deaths were attributed to coronary heart disease.

Over the last 28 days, the percentage of local cases who were asymptomatic or had mild symptoms is 98.2 per cent. Over the same period, 544 cases required oxygen supplementation, 54 had been in the ICU, and 61 died.

As of Sunday, about 9.28 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered under the national vaccination programme. Some 4.59 million have received at least one dose of the vaccine, with some 4.51 million having completed the full vaccination regimen.

To date, about 550,000 eligible seniors have been invited to receive their booster doses – 299,155 of them have received their booster shots while another 105,000 have booked their appointments.

Separately, 201,573 doses of other vaccines recognised in the World Health Organization’s Emergency Use Listing (WHO EUL) have been administered as of Sunday, covering 104,100 individuals.

This means that 82 per cent of the population have completed their full regimen, or received two doses of COVID-19 vaccines, and 85 per cent have received at least one dose.

Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore