If you know yesterday’s COVID-19 case count, your jaw is still probably on your bedroom’s floor, waiting to be picked up.
After over a week of fewer than 10 cases, the daily case count went up to 19 on Tuesday (13 July) before shooting up to 56 yesterday (14 July).
Fortunately, the authorities know where most of these infections came from: KTV lounges.
Reader: Huh? I thought KTV lounges were closed?
Well, they are, dear reader. Some KTV lounges had started operating as F&B establishments due to the COVID-19 restrictions which greatly affected their business.
It appears that these lounges have been undetected areas of transmission for quite some time, and the authorities now have to scramble to fish out all linked infections.
4 More KTV Lounges Are Closed & People Who Have Visited Them Urged to Take Free COVID-19 Tests
Four more KTV lounges have been closed to the public due to the likelihood of ongoing COVID-19 transmission, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said.
These four outlets, just as the other KTV lounges previously closed, were operating as F&B establishments.
They are:
- One Exclusive (114 Middle Road)
- Level 9 (L9) (114 Middle Road)
- Terminal 10 (Clarke Quay)
- Club M (114 Middle Road)
MOH said it’s investigating cases of COVID-19 infection amongst social hostesses who had frequented KTV lounges or clubs currently operating as F&B outlets, and their close social contacts.
Those who have visited these clubs or similar KTV lounges operating as F&B outlets between 29 June and 14 July are urged to come forward for a free COVID-19 test.
All visitors, and those who had interacted with social hostesses of any nationality, are advised to monitor their health closely and minimise social interactions as far as possible for 14 days from their date of visit or interaction, the ministry said.
“They are encouraged to see a doctor immediately if they feel unwell.”
The four lounges will be closed to the public from today (15 July) to 29 July for deep cleaning.
Confidential Testing For Those Who Visited KTV Lounges or Interacted With Hostesses
Due to the nature of some of these visits and interactions, visitors may not want to come forward for a test, even if it’s free.
This is why Health Ministry Ong Ye Kung announced yesterday (14 July) that the testing process for those who have visited KTV lounges or interacted with hostesses will be confidential.
He reminded these visitors to book appointments at screening centres to protect both themselves and their loved ones, assuring them that their privacy is protected.
Those who are uncomfortable coming forward for a test, should “at the very least” isolate themselves and get their family members to buy them antigen rapid tests (ARTs), he said.
They should also monitor their health for the next 14 days and minimise social interactions. And if they feel unwell, they should seek medical attention right away.
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