Singapore reports 942 new Covid-19 cases in biggest daily jump, total reaches 5,992

18 Apr 2020 • 3:38 PM MYT
Malay Mail
Malay Mail

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Swab tests are conducted at STLodge migrant workers’ dormitory during the Covid-19 outbreak in Singapore, in this April 15, 2020 photo obtained via social media. — Picture by Singapore Ministry of Manpower via Reuters

SINGAPORE, April18 — Singapore’s health ministry confirmed 942 more coronavirus infections today, a new daily record, the vast majority of which are among migrant workers living in dormitories.

Authorities have managed to mitigate the spread of the virus and the Covid-19 respiratory disease it causes among Singapore’s citizens by rigorous contact tracing and surveillance, earning praise from the World Health Organisation.

The Ministry of Health reported just 14 cases among Singaporeans and permanent residents today.

But the disease is spreading rapidly within the large migrant worker community, highlighting what rights groups say is a weak link in containment efforts. Authorities have ramped up testing for the disease in the dormitories.

Today’s new cases takes the total in the city-state, which is under a partial lockdown, to 5,992. It has reported 11 deaths from the disease. — Reuters