The coronavirus, much like the typical Singaporean, enjoys eating out, shopping, and eating satay at KTV outlets.
That’s why it’s no surprise that hawker centres and shopping malls have been major sources of infections since the pandemic began.
The latest victim is Bugis Junction, where 20 new cases of COVID-19 infection were discovered yesterday; all infected individuals in the cluster are staff members who work at the mall.
It turns out that one of the infected employees works in a BHG Department Store outlet there, and you know what that means.
BHG Department Store in Bugis Junction Closed for Cleaning
BHG Singapore closed its department store in Bugis Junction yesterday (24 Aug) for deep cleaning, the retail company announced in a Facebook post.
BHG Singapore said it was informed that an employee had tested positive on Monday (23 Aug).
It has since place the employee’s close contacts on quarantine and instructed them to undergo swab tests.
“To safeguard the wellbeing of our shoppers and staff, and also in adherence to the Ministry of Health’s advisory, Bugis outlet will be closed for two days from 24 Aug to 25 Aug to facilitate deep cleaning of the store,” it said.
During this time, the fulfilment of online orders will also be suspended.
“We seek our customers’ understanding of any delays on their online orders,” BHG said.
The store will reopen tomorrow (26 Aug).
Mall Allegedly Has Fewer Visitors After Cluster Emerged
One staff member who works at the mall told The Straits Times that fewer people visited the mall today, which is a popular dining and shopping spot.
They are probably afraid after hearing news of the cluster, she surmised.
Free COVID-19 Testing to Those Who Have Visited Bugis Junction
Due to the cluster, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said it’s now investigating cases of infection among those who worked at the mall.
To uncover further potential community infections, MOH said it’s offering free COVID-19 testing to those who visited the retail shops or used the services or facilities at Bugis Junction between 17 August and 24 August.
If you fall under this category, you can head here for details on the testing operations.
Just as in BHG’s outlet, all other staff working in shops affected by the outbreak will be quarantined, as will their close contacts.
As for the mall, it’s increasing the frequency of cleaning high-touch surfaces and enhancing air circulation.
What’s more, workers in high-risk settings in malls, such as dine-in restaurants, were already under the fast and easy testing regime, which requires them to undergo antigen rapid tests every 14 days.
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Featured Image: BHG Singapore