When we think of COVID-19 clusters, we usually think of outdoor gatherings with a large group of people, some of whom are strangers to each other.
But a COVID-19 cluster can form in your own home too.
That’s the thing about the coronavirus: it’s an opportunist.
That’s why, as this case shows, it’s so important to seek medical attention if you’re ill.
Domestic Worker of SIA Cabin Crew Member is Singular Community Case; New COVID-19 Cluster Formed
Of the seven community cases reported yesterday, only one was from a community case.
The remaining six cases were all from abroad, and had been placed on stay-home notices or isolated upon their arrival here.
The sole community case is a foreign domestic worker employed by a previous Covid-19 case – the Singapore Airlines cabin crew member.
The 35-year-old Indonesian, along with the stewardess and her husband, have now formed a new COVID-19 cluster.
The domestic worker was first placed on quarantine on 9 Feb, after she was identified as a close contact of her employer.
That day, both her COVID-19 and serological tests came back negative.
Then, last Saturday, the woman developed a cough, but did not report her symptoms to the Ministry of Health (MOH).
When she was tested again on Monday (22 Feb), her result came back positive. She was then conveyed to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases.
Her serological test result has also come back positive, but MOH stated this is likely to be a recent infection.
She has also tested preliminarily positive for the B117 strain, which is more contagious, and is pending further confirmatory tests, MOH said.
All Three Cases in Cluster Did Not Seek Medical Attention When Sick
Both the SIA stewardess and her husband, as well as their domestic helper, did not report their symptoms nor sought medical attention when ill.
As for the stewardess, her infection was only detected on Sunday (7 Feb) because she was tested as part of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore’s requirements.
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Similarly, her husband’s infection was only detected on Sunday (21 Feb) as part of MOH’s protocol to test individuals during quarantine.
So, if routine testing hadn’t been carried out, the coronavirus could have easily found its way to the community.
Community & Unlinked Cases Dropping
Singapore now has a total of 59,890 confirmed Covid-19 infections.
Of these, 18 are still in hospital, with one in critical condition under intensive care.
Another 82 patients are isolated at community facilities. They’re carrying the coronavirus but have mild symptoms or are clinically well.
The good news is that the number of new community cases has gone down from six in the week before to two in the past week.
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Similarly, the number of unlinked cases in the community has also dropped from three in the week before to none in the past week.
So, if you’re experiencing any possible COVID-19 symptoms, please be socially responsible and schedule a doctor’s appointment.
Feature Image: kandl stock / Shutterstock.com
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