COVID-19 in Singapore (2020): Difference between revisions

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''This entry is a part of Wiki.sg's cover''age ''on the evolving COVID-19 situation in Singapore. For more COVID-19 stories, click [https://wiki.sg/p/Category:COVID-19_in_Singapore here].''
<blockquote>This entry is a part of Wiki.sg's coverage on the evolving COVID-19 situation in Singapore. For more COVID-19 stories, click [[:Category:COVID-19 in Singapore|here]].</blockquote>On 4 January 2020, a three-year-old girl from China was reported as the first suspected case of the COVID-19 virus in Singapore. The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Singapore was reported on 23 January 2020.<ref>Goh, Timothy and Toh Ting Wei. "[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/singapore-confirms-first-case-of-wuhan-virus Singapore confirms first case of Wuhan virus]". ''The Straits Times''. January 23, 2020. Accessed on 23 January 2020.</ref> The virus has since been identified as a new coronavirus (2019-nCov) and was officially named COVID-19 in February 2020.<ref>"[https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), Wuhan, China]". ''Centers for Disease Control and Prevention''. January 22, 2020. Accessed on 23 January 2020.</ref><ref>“[https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/novel-coronavirus-named-covid-19-un-health-agency Novel coronavirus named 'Covid-19': WHO]. ''The Straits Times.''  February 11, 2020. Accessed 14 February 2020.</ref> This entry provides a summary of the COVID-19 situation in Singapore and what is known about the COVID-19 virus.


On 4 January 2020, a three-year-old girl from China was reported as the first suspected case of the COVID-19 virus in Singapore. Since then, there has been a growing number of cases in the country. The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Singapore was reported on 23 January 2020.<ref>Goh, Timothy and Toh Ting Wei. "[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/singapore-confirms-first-case-of-wuhan-virus Singapore confirms first case of Wuhan virus]". ''The Straits Times''. January 23, 2020. Accessed on 23 January 2020.</ref> The first confirmed case of a Singaporean infected with the virus was reported on 31 January 2020.<ref>Goh, Timothy. "[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/wuhan-virus-first-singaporean-confirmed-to-have-virus-she-was-on-scoot-flight-from Wuhan virus: First Singaporean case confirmed; she was on Scoot flight from Wuhan]". ''The Straits Times''. January 31, 2020. Accessed on 3 February 2020.</ref> The virus has been identified as a new coronavirus (2019-nCov) and was officially named COVID-19 in February 2020.<ref>"[https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), Wuhan, China]". ''Centers for Disease Control and Prevention''. January 22, 2020. Accessed on 23 January 2020.</ref><ref>“[https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/novel-coronavirus-named-covid-19-un-health-agency Novel coronavirus named 'Covid-19': WHO]”. ''The Straits Times.''  February 11, 2020. Accessed 14 February 2020.</ref>
==Total numbers in Singapore==
Singapore has '''58,218''' cases as of 30 November 2020.


===Overview - Monthly confirmed cases===
The following table tracks the number of confirmed cases in Singapore over the months of 2020. For a '''daily''' numerical breakdown of each month, click on the respective hyperlinks in the table.
{| class="wikitable"
!
! colspan="2" |Weekly Numbers
!Monthly Totals
!
! colspan="2" |Weekly Numbers
!Monthly Totals
!
! colspan="2" |Weekly Numbers
!Monthly Totals
|-
| rowspan="4" |'''[[COVID-19: Confirmed Cases in Singapore (Jan - Mar 2020)|January]]'''
|'''Week 1'''
| -
| rowspan="4" |17
| rowspan="4" |'''[[COVID-19: Confirmed Cases in Singapore (May 2020)|May]]'''
|'''Week 1'''
|4,770
| rowspan="4" |18,750
| rowspan="4" |'''[[COVID-19: Confirmed Cases in Singapore (September 2020)|September]]'''
|'''Week 1'''
|273
| rowspan="4" |997
|-
|'''Week 2'''
| -
|'''Week 2'''
|5,194
|'''Week 2'''
|411
|-
|'''Week 3'''
| -
|'''Week 3'''
|3,714
|'''Week 3'''
|154
|-
|'''Week 4'''
| -
|'''Week 4'''
|5,072
|'''Week 4'''
|159
|-
| rowspan="4" |'''[[COVID-19: Confirmed Cases in Singapore (Jan - Mar 2020)|February]]'''
|'''Week 1'''
| -
| rowspan="4" |85
| rowspan="4" |'''[[COVID-19: Confirmed Cases in Singapore (June 2020)|June]]'''
|'''Week 1'''
|3,026
| rowspan="4" |8,901
| rowspan="4" |'''[[COVID-19: Confirmed Cases in Singapore (October 2020)|October]]'''
|'''Week 1'''
|72
| rowspan="4" |247
|-
|'''Week 2'''
| -
|'''Week 2'''
|2,691
|'''Week 2'''
|49
|-
|'''Week 3'''
| -
|'''Week 3'''
|1,491
|'''Week 3'''
|44
|-
|'''Week 4'''
| -
|'''Week 4'''
|1,693
|'''Week 4'''
|82
|-
| rowspan="4" |'''[[COVID-19: Confirmed Cases in Singapore (Jan - Mar 2020)|March]]'''
|'''Week 1'''
| -
| rowspan="4" |864
| rowspan="4" |'''[[COVID-19: Confirmed Cases in Singapore (July 2020)|July]]'''
|'''Week 1'''
|1,233
| rowspan="4" |8,322
| rowspan="4" |'''[[COVID-19: Confirmed Cases in Singapore (November 2020)|November]]'''
|'''Week 1'''
|39
| rowspan="4" |205
|-
|'''Week 2'''
| -
|'''Week 2'''
|1,491
|'''Week 2'''
|64
|-
|'''Week 3'''
| -
|'''Week 3'''
|1,827
|'''Week 3'''
|32
|-
|'''Week 4'''
| -
|'''Week 4'''
|3,771
|'''Week 4'''
|70
|-
| rowspan="4" |'''[[COVID-19: Confirmed Cases in Singapore (April 2020)|April]]'''
|'''Week 1'''
|555
| rowspan="4" |15,243
| rowspan="4" |'''[[COVID-19: Confirmed Cases in Singapore (August 2020)|August]]'''
|'''Week 1'''
|2,592
| rowspan="4" |4,607
| rowspan="4" |'''[[COVID-19: Confirmed Cases in Singapore (December 2020)|December]]'''
|'''Week 1'''
|55
| rowspan="4" |380
|-
|'''Week 2'''
|1,771
|'''Week 2'''
|783
|'''Week 2'''
|52
|-
|'''Week 3'''
|5,873
|'''Week 3'''
|636
|'''Week 3'''
|106
|-
|'''Week 4'''
|7,044
|'''Week 4'''
|596
|'''Week 4'''
|167
|}
===Overview - Monthly recovered cases===
The following table tracks the number of recovered cases in Singapore over the months of 2020. For a '''daily''' numerical breakdown of each month, click [[COVID-19: Recovery Patterns in Singapore (2020)|here]].
{| class="wikitable"
!
! colspan="2" |Weekly Numbers
!Monthly Totals
!
! colspan="2" |Weekly Numbers
!Monthly Totals
!
! colspan="2" |Weekly Numbers
!Monthly Totals
|-
| rowspan="4" |'''January'''
|'''Week 1'''
|0
| rowspan="4" |0
| rowspan="4" |'''May'''
|'''Week 1'''
|468
| rowspan="4" |20,455
| rowspan="4" |'''September'''
|'''Week 1'''
|750
| rowspan="4" |1,831
|-
|'''Week 2'''
|0
|'''Week 2'''
|4,261
|'''Week 2'''
|394
|-
|'''Week 3'''
|0
|'''Week 3'''
|6,144
|'''Week 3'''
|439
|-
|'''Week 4'''
|0
|'''Week 4'''
|9,582
|'''Week 4'''
|248
|-
| rowspan="4" |'''February'''
|'''Week 1'''
|2
| rowspan="4" |72
| rowspan="4" |'''June'''
|'''Week 1'''
|3,187
| rowspan="4" |16,801
| rowspan="4" |'''October'''
|'''Week 1'''
|
| rowspan="4" |
|-
|'''Week 2'''
|15
|'''Week 2'''
|4,703
|'''Week 2'''
|
|-
|'''Week 3'''
|30
|'''Week 3'''
|5,353
|'''Week 3'''
|
|-
|'''Week 4'''
|25
|'''Week 4'''
|3,558
|'''Week 4'''
|
|-
| rowspan="4" |'''March'''
|'''Week 1'''
|18
| rowspan="4" |168
| rowspan="4" |'''July'''
|'''Week 1'''
|2,502
| rowspan="4" |7,991
| rowspan="4" |'''November'''
|'''Week 1'''
|
| rowspan="4" |
|-
|'''Week 2'''
|15
|'''Week 2'''
|1,735
|'''Week 2'''
|
|-
|'''Week 3'''
|35
|'''Week 3'''
|1,847
|'''Week 3'''
|
|-
|'''Week 4'''
|100
|'''Week 4'''
|1,907
|'''Week 4'''
|
|-
| rowspan="4" |'''April'''
|'''Week 1'''
|137
| rowspan="4" |1,024
| rowspan="4" |'''August'''
|'''Week 1'''
|1,821
| rowspan="4" |9,168
| rowspan="4" |'''December'''
|'''Week 1'''
|
| rowspan="4" |
|-
|'''Week 2'''
|233
|'''Week 2'''
|2,737
|'''Week 2'''
|
|-
|'''Week 3'''
|233
|'''Week 3'''
|2,602
|'''Week 3'''
|
|-
|'''Week 4'''
|421
|'''Week 4'''
|2,008
|'''Week 4'''
|
|}
==Landmark cases in Singapore==
===First suspected case (4 January 2020)===
The Ministry of Health (MOH) was notified of the first suspected case of the Wuhan virus in Singapore on 4 January 2020.<ref>Chang, Ai-Lien. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/wuhan-pneumonia-first-suspect-case-identified-here Wuhan pneumonia: First suspected case reported in Singapore]”. ''The Straits Times.'' January 4, 2020. Accessed 9 January 2020.</ref> The patient was a three-year-old girl from China who had pneumonia and a travel history to Wuhan. She had been warded for further assessment and treatment and was isolated as a precautionary measure.<ref>Chang, Ai-Lien. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/wuhan-pneumonia-first-suspect-case-identified-here Wuhan pneumonia: First suspected case reported in Singapore]”. ''The Straits Times.'' January 4, 2020. Accessed 9 January 2020.</ref>
It was revealed that the girl had only contracted a common childhood viral illness unrelated to the Wuhan pneumonia cluster.<ref>“[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/chinese-girl-pneumonia-travel-wuhan-common-illness-no-link-12235280 Tests show Chinese girl warded with pneumonia, Wuhan travel history not linked to outbreak in China: MOH]”. ''Channel NewsAsia.'' January 5, 2020. Accessed 9 January 2020.</ref> This diagnosis was based on “epidemiological investigations, clinical assessment and laboratory test results from the suspect case”.<ref>“[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/chinese-girl-pneumonia-travel-wuhan-common-illness-no-link-12235280 Tests show Chinese girl warded with pneumonia, Wuhan travel history not linked to outbreak in China: MOH]”. ''Channel NewsAsia.'' January 5, 2020. Accessed 9 January 2020.</ref> While the girl had a travel history to Wuhan, she had not visited the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market. She also tested negative for SARS and MERS-CoV.<ref>“[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/chinese-girl-pneumonia-travel-wuhan-common-illness-no-link-12235280 Tests show Chinese girl warded with pneumonia, Wuhan travel history not linked to outbreak in China: MOH]”. ''Channel NewsAsia.'' January 5, 2020. Accessed 9 January 2020.</ref>
In response to news of the outbreak in China, Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH) implemented the following measures to mitigate the outbreak of the virus on the island.<ref>“[https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/precautionary-measures-in-response-to-severe-pneumonia-cases-in-wuhan-china Precautionary Measures In Response To Severe Pneumonia Cases In Wuhan, China]”. ''Ministry of Health''. January 2, 2020. Accessed 5 January 2020. </ref>
{| class="wikitable"
!Location
!Measures
!Purpose
|-
|'''Changi Airport'''
|Temperature checks for inbound travellers from <u>'''Wuhan'''</u>
|Detect symptoms of fever
|-
|'''Changi Airport'''
| rowspan="2" |Health Advisory Posters
| rowspan="2" |Information for inbound travellers from Wuhan
|-
|'''Land & Sea Checkpoints'''
|-
|'''Public Hospitals'''
|Isolation
|Prevent transmission of the virus from suspect cases
|}
===First confirmed case (23 January 2020)===
The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Singapore was reported on 23 January 2020. The infected individual is a 66-year-old Chinese male from Wuhan.<ref>Goh, Timothy and Toh Ting Wei. "[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/singapore-confirms-first-case-of-wuhan-virus Singapore confirms first case of Wuhan virus]". ''The Straits Times''. January 23, 2020. Accessed on 23 January 2020.</ref> The man had arrived in Singapore on 20 January 2020 with his 37-year-old son, who is also suspected to have the virus.<ref>Zhaki Abdullah and Hidayah Salamat. "[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/wuhan-virus-pneumonia-singapore-confirms-first-case-12312860 Singapore confirms first case of Wuhan virus]". ''Channel News Asia''. January 23, 2020. Accessed on 23 January 2020.</ref>
Upon confirmation that the new coronavirus can be transmitted from human to human, MOH ramped up their existing measures to include the following:<ref>Tan, Adeline. “[https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/likely-wuhan-virus-come-singapore Likely for Wuhan virus to come to Singapore]”. ''The New Paper.'' January 22, 2020. Accessed 22 January 2020. </ref>
{| class="wikitable"
!Location
!Measures
!Purpose
|-
| rowspan="3" |'''Changi Airport'''
|'''<u>Quarantine</u>''' the following individuals:
*Those with acute respiratory infection
*Those who have visited any hospital in China within two weeks of symptoms surfacing
*Those who have visited China 2 weeks before showing symptoms
| rowspan="2" |Widening the definition of "suspected" cases
|-
|Temperature checks for <u>'''all travellers'''</u> from China
|-
|Issue health advisory notices to all travellers from China
| rowspan="2" |Informing travellers to seek medical attention if they feel unwell
|-
|'''Land and Sea Checkpoints'''
|Distribute health advisory posters
|-
|'''Public Hospitals'''
|All public hospitals on “'''<u>outbreak response mode</u>'''”
|Readiness to respond to the virus threat
|}
===First Singaporean infected (31 January 2020)===
The Ministry of Health confirmed that the first Singaporean infected was a 47-year-old woman who had been evacuated from Wuhan on 30 January 2020. The individual had been on a holiday in China with her family.<ref>Goh, Timothy. "[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/wuhan-virus-first-singaporean-confirmed-to-have-virus-she-was-on-scoot-flight-from Wuhan virus: First Singaporean case confirmed; she was on Scoot flight from Wuhan]". ''The Straits Times''. January 31, 2020. Accessed on 3 February 2020.</ref>
===First locally transmitted cases (4 February 2020)===
On 4 February, the Ministry of Health confirmed the first four locally transmitted cases of the virus in Singapore. These individuals did not have a recent travel history to China. All four individuals were exposed to Chinese tourists who were carrying the virus.<ref>“[https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/confirmed-cases-of-local-transmission-of-novel-coronavirus-infection-in-singapore CONFIRMED CASES OF LOCAL TRANSMISSION OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS INFECTION IN SINGAPORE]”. ''Ministry of Health.'' February 4, 2020. Accessed on 5 February 2020.</ref> Two of the individuals were workers at Yong Thai Hang, while one of them is an Indonesian helper working for one of the two above-mentioned individuals. The last infected individual was the tour guide who had brought Chinese tour groups to Yong Thai Hang.<ref>“[https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/confirmed-cases-of-local-transmission-of-novel-coronavirus-infection-in-singapore CONFIRMED CASES OF LOCAL TRANSMISSION OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS INFECTION IN SINGAPORE]”. ''Ministry of Health.'' February 4, 2020. Accessed on 5 February 2020.</ref>
===First reported deaths (21 March 2020)===
Singapore reported its first deaths on 21 March 2020. Both patients were above 60 years old and had existing medical conditions.
Case 90 was a '''<u>75-year-old</u>''' female Singapore Citizen who was linked to the Life Church and Missions cluster. She had immediately been admitted into NCID's ICU on 23 February 2020. According to the Ministry of Health, she had a '''<u>medical history</u>''' of chronic heart disease and hypertension.<ref>"[https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/passing-of-two-patients-with-covid-19-infection PASSING OF TWO PATIENTS WITH COVID-19 INFECTION]". ''Ministry of Health''. March 21, 2020. 23 March 2020.</ref>
Case 212 was a '''<u>64-year-old</u>''' male Indonesian national who had presumably caught the virus while overseas. He had immediately been admitted into NCID's ICU on 13 March. According to the Ministry of Health, he had a '''<u>medical history</u>''' of heart disease. Before coming to Singapore, he had already been warded in Indonesia for '''<u>pneumonia</u>'''.<ref>"[https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/passing-of-two-patients-with-covid-19-infection PASSING OF TWO PATIENTS WITH COVID-19 INFECTION]". ''Ministry of Health''. March 21, 2020. 23 March 2020.</ref>
==Containing COVID-19 in Singapore==
==="Circuit Breaker" measures (7 April 2020 - 1 June 2020)===
On 3 April 2020, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced a month-long "circuit breaker" in Singapore on national television.<ref>"[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/coronavirus-covid-19-lee-hsien-loong-update-address-nation-tv-12606328 In full: PM Lee's address on enhanced measures to deal with COVID-19 situation in Singapore]". ''Channel News Asia''. April 3, 2020. Updated on 6 April 2020. Accessed on 11 May 2020.</ref><ref>"[https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/circuit-breaker-to-minimise-further-spread-of-covid-19 CIRCUIT BREAKER TO MINIMISE FURTHER SPREAD OF COVID-19]". ''Ministry of Health''. April 3, 2020. Accessed on 11 May 2020.</ref> Singaporeans were urged to stay home and to only leave the house for essential activities. Workplaces - except for essential services - were closed on 7 April 2020<ref>Phua, Rachel. "[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid19-workplaces-close-april-one-month-12606684 Most workplaces to close for one month from Apr 7 to curb spread of COVID-19]". ''Channel News Asia''. Accessed on 11 May 2020.</ref> and schools shifted to e-learning on 8 April 2020.<ref>Chew Hui Min. "'[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/schools-to-close-apr-8-ong-ye-kung-covid19-coronavirus-12606672 Right time' to close schools now, says Education Minister Ong Ye Kung]". ''Channel News Asia''. April 3, 2020. Accessed on 11 May 2020.</ref> Restaurants remained open in so far as providing delivery services to their customers. On 21 April 2020, the Singapore government announced an extension of the circuit breaker until 1 June 2020.<ref>"[https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/easing-the-tighter-circuit-breaker-measures-preparing-for-gradual-resumption-of-activity-after-1-june EASING THE TIGHTER CIRCUIT BREAKER MEASURES, PREPARING FOR GRADUAL RESUMPTION OF ACTIVITY AFTER 1 JUNE]". ''Ministry of Health''. May 2, 2020. Accessed on 11 May 2020.</ref><ref>"[https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/ministerial-statement-by-mr-gan-kim-yong-minister-for-health-at-parliament-on-the-second-update-on-whole-of-government-response-to-covid-19-4-may-2020 MINISTERIAL STATEMENT BY MR GAN KIM YONG, MINISTER FOR HEALTH, AT PARLIAMENT, ON THE SECOND UPDATE ON WHOLE-OF-GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO COVID-19, 4 MAY 2020]". ''Ministry of Health''. May 4, 2020. Accessed on 11 May 2020. </ref>
===Controlled lift of "Circuit Breaker" measures===
In a press conference on 19 May 2020, the COVID-19 [https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider5/default-document-library/multi-ministry-taskforce-on-wuhan-coronavirus-and-tor---final.pdf multi-ministry task force] announced that Singapore will be lifting the "circuit breaker" measures in three phases. It is projected that the process will span a few months.<ref>Lai, Linette. "[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/spore-to-lift-circuit-breaker-measures-from-june-2-in-three-gradual-phases Singapore to lift circuit breaker measures from June 2, in three gradual phases]". ''The Straits Times''. May 19, 2020. Accessed on 20 May 2020.</ref>


This entry provides a summary of what is known about the COVID-19 virus and its origins in Wuhan City, China. For a complete timeline of COVID-19 developments in Singapore, refer to [[COVID-19: Timeline of Major Events in Singapore (2020)]]. For a complete list of confirmed cases in Singapore, refer to [[COVID-19: Confirmed Cases in Singapore (2020)]].
<div style="display:flex; justify-content:space-around; flex-wrap: wrap;">
==COVID-19 coronavirus==
<div><youtube><nowiki>https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=734&v=rIHPTIMdGW8&feature=emb_title</nowiki></youtube>
</div>
</div>


===Coronavirus comparison===
====Phase 1 (2 June 2020 - 18 June 2020)====
[[File:MERS-CoV1.jpg|thumb|''A microscopic image of the MERS coronavirus. Photo from Wikimedia Commons.'']]
For Phase 1, Singaporeans are still required to stay home unless to run essential errands.<ref>Lim Min Zhang. "[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/spore-to-lift-circuit-breaker-measures-from-june-2-in-three-gradual-phases Circuit breaker to be lifted, Singapore to reopen gradually in 3 phases]". ''The Straits Times''. May 19, 2020. Accessed on 20 May 2020.</ref> The public will be afforded limited social visits to check in on elderly family. Schools will gradually resume on 2 June 2020, starting with daily attendance from the graduating cohorts of primary and secondary school students.<ref>Low Youjin. "[https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/covid-19-circuit-breaker-be-eased-after-june-1-three-phases-ending-new-normal Covid-19: How S’pore will exit the circuit breaker in 3 phases after June 1]". ''TODAY Online''. May 19, 2020. Accessed on 20 May 2020.</ref> Students of other levels will experience a combination of home-based learning and school. Pre-schools will reopen on 2 June 2020 and resume in full by 10 June 2020.<ref>"[https://www.ecda.gov.sg/PressReleases/Pages/PHASED-REOPENING-OF-PRESCHOOLS-AND-EARLY-INTERVENTION-CENTRES-FROM-2-JUNE-2020.aspx PHASED REOPENING OF PRESCHOOLS AND EARLY INTERVENTION CENTRES FROM 2 JUNE 2020]". ''Early Childhood Development Agency''. May 19, 2020. Accessed on 20 May 2020.</ref> Businesses will reopen but employees are required to telecommute wherever possible.<ref>Jalelah Abu Baker. "[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/singapore-exit-circuit-breaker-jun-1-visit-parents-worship-12749222 Singapore to exit circuit breaker on Jun 1, visiting of parents, places of worship allowed with restrictions]". ''Channel News Asia''. May 19, 2020. Accessed on 20 May 2020.</ref> Minister for Trade and Industry, Chan Chun Sing shared that one-third of Singapore's workers can work on-site starting 2 June 2020.<ref>Channel News Asia. "[https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=734&v=rIHPTIMdGW8&feature=emb_title COVID-19: Singapore outlines 3 phases for safe reopening after circuit breaker | Full presser]". ''YouTube''. May 19, 2020. Accessed on 20 May 2020.</ref> On 1 June 2020, Singapore reported zero community cases for the first time since 23 February 2020.<ref>Iau, Jean. "[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/51-year-old-chinese-national-dies-from-covid-19-complications-no-new-community 51-year-old Chinese national dies from Covid-19 complications; no new community cases]". ''The Straits Times''. June 1, 2020. Accessed on 2 June 2020.</ref>
Similar to MERS and SARS, the Wuhan disease outbreak is caused by the coronavirus. The worldwide death toll and infected numbers for COVID-19 are updated daily as per the World Health Organisation's situation reports.<ref>"[https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports Coronavirus disease (COVID-2019) situation reports]". ''World Health Organisation''. Accessed on 24 February 2020.</ref>
 
====Phase 2 (19 June 2020 - )====
On 15 June 2020, Singapore announced that Phase 2 of the Circuit Breaker lift will commence on 19 June 2020. Singaporeans are allowed to resume social gatherings with a maximum of five people at each time. Patrons can also opt to dine-in at food establishments.<ref>Yuen Sin. "[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/coronavirus-spore-to-start-phase-2-reopening-on-june-19-dining-in-public-social-gatherings Coronavirus: S'pore to start phase 2 reopening on June 19; F&B dine-in, social gatherings of up to 5 people allowed]". ''The Straits Times''. June 15, 2020. Accessed on 16 June 2020.</ref> Retail outlets will be reopened although shopping malls are expected to keep to the maximum capacity limit. Students of all levels are projected to return to school fully by 29 June 2020.<ref>Jalelah Abu Baker. "[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-phase-2-of-reopening-to-start-from-jun-19-social-12835758 COVID-19: Phase 2 of reopening to start from Jun 19, social gatherings of up to five persons allowed]". ''Channel News Asia''. June 15, 2020. Accessed on 16 June 2020.</ref>
 
==About the COVID-19 coronavirus==
 
===Comparison: Coronavirus outbreak numbers (SARS, MERS & COVID-19)===
Similar to MERS and SARS, the virus in question is the coronavirus. The worldwide death toll and infected numbers for COVID-19 are updated daily as per the World Health Organisation's situation reports.<ref>"[https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports Coronavirus disease (COVID-2019) situation reports]". ''World Health Organisation''. Accessed on 24 February 2020.</ref>[[File:MERS-CoV1.jpg|thumb|''A microscopic image of the MERS coronavirus. Photo from Wikimedia Commons.'']]
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!
!
Line 28: Line 416:
|Wuhan, China
|Wuhan, China
|-
|-
|'''Infected (Worldwide)'''
|'''Infected'''
|8,000 infected
|8,000 infected
|1,100+ infected
|1,100+ infected
|* '''179,112''' infected
|* '''24,257,989''' infected
|-
|-
|'''Death Toll (Worldwide)'''
|'''Death Toll'''
|700 deaths
|700 deaths
|400+ deaths
|400+ deaths
|* '''7,426''' deaths
|* '''827,246''' deaths
|-
|-
|'''Mortality Rate'''
|'''Mortality Rate'''
Line 47: Line 435:
|Wild animals, especially bats and camels
|Wild animals, especially bats and camels
|Wild animals
|Wild animals
| rowspan="4" |<ref>Haitao Guo, Guangxiang "George" Luo and Shou-Jiang Gao. "[https://edition.cnn.com/2020/01/22/health/snakes-wuhan-coronavirus-outbreak-conversation-partner/index.html Snakes could be the source of the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak]". ''CNN Health.'' January 23, 2020. Accessed 23 January 2020.</ref><ref>"[https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), Wuhan, China]". ''Centers for Disease Control and Prevention''. January 22, 2020. Accessed on 23 January 2020.</ref>
| rowspan="3" |<ref>Haitao Guo, Guangxiang "George" Luo and Shou-Jiang Gao. "[https://edition.cnn.com/2020/01/22/health/snakes-wuhan-coronavirus-outbreak-conversation-partner/index.html Snakes could be the source of the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak]". ''CNN Health.'' January 23, 2020. Accessed 23 January 2020.</ref><ref>"[https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), Wuhan, China]". ''Centers for Disease Control and Prevention''. January 22, 2020. Accessed on 23 January 2020.</ref>
|-
|-
|'''Spread'''
|'''Spread'''
| colspan="3" |Animal to human (zoonotic transmission), then human to human
| colspan="3" |Animal to human (zoonotic transmission), then human to human
|-
|-
|'''Principal Symptoms'''
|'''Principal Symptoms**'''
|Fever
|Fever


Line 85: Line 473:


Eventual kidney failure
Eventual kidney failure
|Fever
|Fever (above 37.5°C)
Sore throat  
Sore throat  


Runny nose  
Runny nose  
Body ache


Cough  
Cough  


Difficulty breathing  
Difficulty breathing  
|-
 
|'''Travel History'''
Loss of taste and smell
| colspan="3" |Yes
|}
|}
<nowiki>*</nowiki>The numbers are correct as of 17 March 2020.
<nowiki>*</nowiki>The numbers are correct as of 28 August 2020.
 
<nowiki>**</nowiki> Singapore designed an online COVID-19 symptom checker that can be accessed [https://sgcovidcheck.gov.sg/ here].


===Confirmed facts about COVID-19===
===Confirmed facts about COVID-19===
Line 108: Line 499:
|-
|-
|'''Incubation Period'''
|'''Incubation Period'''
|2 - 10 days
|Five to six days (on average)
|United Nations Health Agency
|World Health Organisation
|<ref>[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/wuhan-virus-world-health-organization-spread-12360222 WHO still probing if Wuhan virus can spread before symptoms]. ''Channel News Asia.'' Janury 28, 2020. Accessed 28 January 2020.</ref>
|<ref>"[https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200402-sitrep-73-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=5ae25bc7_2 Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) - Situation Report 73]". ''World Health Organisation''. April 2, 2020. Accessed on 3 April 2020.</ref>
|-
|-
|'''Transmission'''
|'''Symptomatic Transmission'''
|Close human contact
|Close human contact
Respiratory droplets
Respiratory droplets
Contact with contaminated surfaces
|Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
|Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
World Health Organisation
|<ref>"[https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)]". ''Centers for Disease Control and Prevention''. February 17, 2020. Accessed on 19 February 2020.</ref>
|<ref>"[https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)]". ''Centers for Disease Control and Prevention''. February 17, 2020. Accessed on 19 February 2020.</ref>
|-
|'''Asymptomatic Transmission'''
|Suggested*
|World Health Organisation
|<ref>"[https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200402-sitrep-73-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=5ae25bc7_2 Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) - Situation Report 73]". ''World Health Organisation''. April 2, 2020. Accessed on 3 April 2020.</ref>
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" |'''Vaccination'''
| rowspan="2" |'''Vaccination'''
Line 126: Line 525:
|<ref>“Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Wuhan Coronavirus Situation in China.” ''Ministry of Health.'' Accessed 28 January 2020.</ref>
|<ref>“Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Wuhan Coronavirus Situation in China.” ''Ministry of Health.'' Accessed 28 January 2020.</ref>
|}
|}
<nowiki>*</nowiki>Patients can test positive for the COVID-19 virus one to three days before exhibiting symptoms.


==Origins of COVID-19==
==Origins of COVID-19==
Line 133: Line 533:
The World Health Organisation (WHO) was alerted to a cluster of pneumonia cases in China of unknown origin on 31 December 2019.<ref>"[https://www.who.int/westernpacific/emergencies/covid-19 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak]". ''World Health Organisation''. Accessed on 19 February 2020.</ref> According to the WHO, China reported 44 cases of patients afflicted with the mystery virus (later confirmed as COVID-19) on 3 January 2020.<ref>“[https://www.who.int/csr/don/05-january-2020-pneumonia-of-unkown-cause-china/en/ Pneumonia of Unknown Cause – China]”. ''World Health Organization.'' January 05, 2020. Accessed 9 January 2020.</ref> Huanan Seafood Market was identified as the primary hotspot of the virus, given that some of the patients were operating dealers or market vendors.<ref>“[https://www.who.int/csr/don/05-january-2020-pneumonia-of-unkown-cause-china/en/ Pneumonia of Unknown Cause – China]”. ''World Health Organization.'' January 05, 2020. Accessed 9 January 2020.</ref> The market sold seafood and live animals, such as birds and snakes.<ref>Chang, Ai-Lien. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/wuhan-pneumonia-first-suspect-case-identified-here Wuhan pneumonia: First suspected case reported in Singapore]”. ''The Straits Times.'' January 04, 2020. Accessed 9 January 2020.</ref>
The World Health Organisation (WHO) was alerted to a cluster of pneumonia cases in China of unknown origin on 31 December 2019.<ref>"[https://www.who.int/westernpacific/emergencies/covid-19 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak]". ''World Health Organisation''. Accessed on 19 February 2020.</ref> According to the WHO, China reported 44 cases of patients afflicted with the mystery virus (later confirmed as COVID-19) on 3 January 2020.<ref>“[https://www.who.int/csr/don/05-january-2020-pneumonia-of-unkown-cause-china/en/ Pneumonia of Unknown Cause – China]”. ''World Health Organization.'' January 05, 2020. Accessed 9 January 2020.</ref> Huanan Seafood Market was identified as the primary hotspot of the virus, given that some of the patients were operating dealers or market vendors.<ref>“[https://www.who.int/csr/don/05-january-2020-pneumonia-of-unkown-cause-china/en/ Pneumonia of Unknown Cause – China]”. ''World Health Organization.'' January 05, 2020. Accessed 9 January 2020.</ref> The market sold seafood and live animals, such as birds and snakes.<ref>Chang, Ai-Lien. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/wuhan-pneumonia-first-suspect-case-identified-here Wuhan pneumonia: First suspected case reported in Singapore]”. ''The Straits Times.'' January 04, 2020. Accessed 9 January 2020.</ref>


===Death toll (China)===
===Confirmed cases & death toll (China)===
As of 16 August 2020, there are '''89,761''' confirmed cases and '''4,710''' reported deaths in China.<ref>"[https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports Coronavirus disease (COVID-2019) situation reports]". ''World Health Organisation''. Accessed on 24 February 2020.</ref>
[[File:Wuhan Huanan Seafood Market virus.jpg|thumb|''Inside Huanan Seafood Market. Photo from [https://www.chinadailyhk.com/article/118311 China Daily].'']]
[[File:Wuhan Huanan Seafood Market virus.jpg|thumb|''Inside Huanan Seafood Market. Photo from [https://www.chinadailyhk.com/article/118311 China Daily].'']]
The first death from the mystery virus was reported on 11 January 2020.<ref>Law, Elizabeth. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-reports-first-death-in-wuhan-pneumonia-outbreak China reports first death in Wuhan pneumonia outbreak]”. ''The Straits Times.'' January 11, 2020. Accessed 13 January 2020. </ref> The victim was a 61-year-old man who had died from severe pneumonia on 9 January 2020. It was also revealed that he had pre-existing abdominal tumours and chronic liver disease and did not respond well to treatment. The man was a regular buyer at the Wuhan Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market.<ref>Law, Elizabeth. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-reports-first-death-in-wuhan-pneumonia-outbreak China reports first death in Wuhan pneumonia outbreak]”. ''The Straits Times.'' January 11, 2020. Accessed 13 January 2020. </ref>
The first death from the "mystery virus" was reported on 11 January 2020.<ref>Law, Elizabeth. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-reports-first-death-in-wuhan-pneumonia-outbreak China reports first death in Wuhan pneumonia outbreak]”. ''The Straits Times.'' January 11, 2020. Accessed 13 January 2020. </ref> The victim was a 61-year-old man who had died from severe pneumonia on 9 January 2020. It was also revealed that he had pre-existing abdominal tumours and chronic liver disease and did not respond well to treatment. The man was a regular buyer at the Wuhan Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market.<ref>Law, Elizabeth. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-reports-first-death-in-wuhan-pneumonia-outbreak China reports first death in Wuhan pneumonia outbreak]”. ''The Straits Times.'' January 11, 2020. Accessed 13 January 2020. </ref> The following table details the three subsequent deaths that are on the record.
 
The following table details the 3 subsequent deaths that are on the record.
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
!Case No.
!Case No.
!Date of Death
!Date of Death
!Victim Profile
!Victim Profile
!Pre-existing Medical Conditions
!Medical History
!Refs.
!Refs.
|-
|-
Line 163: Line 562:
|<ref>“[https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-says-fourth-person-dies-in-wuhan-pneumonia-outbreak Wuhan virus: China reports fourth death in pneumonia outbreak; 15 medical workers infected]”. ''The Straits Times.'' January 21, 2020. Accessed 21 January 2020.</ref>
|<ref>“[https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/china-says-fourth-person-dies-in-wuhan-pneumonia-outbreak Wuhan virus: China reports fourth death in pneumonia outbreak; 15 medical workers infected]”. ''The Straits Times.'' January 21, 2020. Accessed 21 January 2020.</ref>
|}
|}
As of 16 March 2020, there are '''3,231''' reported deaths caused by the virus in China.<ref>"[https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports Coronavirus disease (COVID-2019) situation reports]". ''World Health Organisation''. Accessed on 24 February 2020.</ref>
===Initial spread in China===
 
The first instances of the virus spreading beyond Wuhan was reported in Beijing and Guangdong.<ref>“[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/wuhan-pneumonia-virus-outbreak-deaths-china-beijing-shenzhen-12287274 China confirms 139 new cases of pneumonia, virus spreads to Beijing and Shenzhen]”. ''Channel News Asia.'' January 20, 2020. Accessed 20 January 2020. </ref> In a statement on 19 January 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said that the new cases did not appear to be directly linked to the Huanan Seafood Market. On 23 January 2020, Wuhan was put on “lockdown” mode where outbound flights and rail services from the city have been suspended.<ref>“[https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/chinese-virus-hit-city-of-wuhan-closes-transport-networks-state-media Wuhan virus: China quarantines city, shuts down flights and public transport as outbreak grows]”. ''The Straits Times.'' January 23, 2020. Accessed 23 January 2020.</ref> The city has also suspended outbound travel by bus, subway and ferry. The lockdown on Wuhan city was lifted on 8 April 2020.<ref>Zhong, Raymond, Wang, Vivian. "[https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/07/world/asia/wuhan-coronavirus.html China Ends Wuhan Lockdown, but Normal Life Is a Distant Dream]". ''The New York Times''. April 7, 2020. Accessed on 17 April 2020.</ref>
==Spread of virus==
==Highest confirmed cases: Worldwide==
The first instances of the virus spreading beyond Wuhan was reported in Beijing and Guangdong.<ref>“[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/wuhan-pneumonia-virus-outbreak-deaths-china-beijing-shenzhen-12287274 China confirms 139 new cases of pneumonia, virus spreads to Beijing and Shenzhen]”. ''Channel News Asia.'' January 20, 2020. Accessed 20 January 2020. </ref> In a statement on 19 January 2020, the World Health Organisation said that the new cases did not appear to be directly linked to the Huanan Seafood Market.
Beyond China, the virus has spread to over 160 countries/territories as of March 2020.<ref>Tan, Adeline. “[https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/likely-wuhan-virus-come-singapore Likely for Wuhan virus to come to Singapore]”. ''The New Paper.'' January 22, 2020. Accessed 22 January 2020.</ref><ref>"[https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200301-sitrep-41-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=6768306d_2 Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Report - 41]". ''World Health Organisation''. March 1, 2020. Accessed on 2 March 2020.</ref> The following table shows the countries with the highest reported cases outside of China. The numbers are updated daily as per the World Health Organisation's situation reports.<ref>"[https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports Coronavirus disease (COVID-2019) situation reports]". ''World Health Organisation''. Accessed on 24 February 2020.</ref>
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
On 23 January 2020, Wuhan was put on “lockdown” mode where outbound flights and rail services from the city have been suspended.<ref>“[https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/chinese-virus-hit-city-of-wuhan-closes-transport-networks-state-media Wuhan virus: China quarantines city, shuts down flights and public transport as outbreak grows]”. ''The Straits Times.'' January 23, 2020. Accessed 23 January 2020.</ref> The city has also suspended outbound travel by bus, subway and ferry.
 
===Highest confirmed cases: Worldwide===
Beyond China, the virus has spread to 159 countries/territories as of March 2020.<ref>Tan, Adeline. “[https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/likely-wuhan-virus-come-singapore Likely for Wuhan virus to come to Singapore]”. ''The New Paper.'' January 22, 2020. Accessed 22 January 2020.</ref><ref>"[https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/coronaviruse/situation-reports/20200301-sitrep-41-covid-19.pdf?sfvrsn=6768306d_2 Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Report - 41]". ''World Health Organisation''. March 1, 2020. Accessed on 2 March 2020.</ref> The following table shows the countries with the highest confirmed cases outside of China. The numbers are updated daily as per the World Health Organisation's situation reports.<ref>"[https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/situation-reports Coronavirus disease (COVID-2019) situation reports]". ''World Health Organisation''. Accessed on 24 February 2020.</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
!Country
!Country
!Confirmed Cases*
!Confirmed Cases*
!Deaths*
!Deaths*
!Population**
|-
|-
|Italy
|United States of America
|27,980
|5,258,565
|2,503
|167,201
|-
|332,639,000
|Iran
|14,991
|853
|-
|Spain
|9,191
|309
|-
|Republic of Korea
|8,320
|81
|-
|France
|6,573
|148
|}
<nowiki>*</nowiki>The numbers are correct as of 17 March 2020.
 
==Singapore cases==
As of 18 March 2020, Singapore has '''266''' [[COVID-19: Confirmed Cases in Singapore (2020)|confirmed cases]] of the COVID-19 virus.
 
===First suspected case (4 January 2020)===
The Ministry of Health (MOH) was notified of the first suspected case of the Wuhan virus in Singapore on 4 January 2020.<ref>Chang, Ai-Lien. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/wuhan-pneumonia-first-suspect-case-identified-here Wuhan pneumonia: First suspected case reported in Singapore]”. ''The Straits Times.'' January 4, 2020. Accessed 9 January 2020.</ref> The patient was a three-year-old girl from China who had pneumonia and a travel history to Wuhan. She had been warded for further assessment and treatment and was isolated as a precautionary measure.<ref>Chang, Ai-Lien. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/wuhan-pneumonia-first-suspect-case-identified-here Wuhan pneumonia: First suspected case reported in Singapore]”. ''The Straits Times.'' January 4, 2020. Accessed 9 January 2020.</ref>
 
 
It was revealed that the girl had only contracted a common childhood viral illness unrelated to the Wuhan pneumonia cluster.<ref>“[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/chinese-girl-pneumonia-travel-wuhan-common-illness-no-link-12235280 Tests show Chinese girl warded with pneumonia, Wuhan travel history not linked to outbreak in China: MOH]”. ''Channel NewsAsia.'' January 5, 2020. Accessed 9 January 2020.</ref> This diagnosis was based on “epidemiological investigations, clinical assessment and laboratory test results from the suspect case”.<ref>“[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/chinese-girl-pneumonia-travel-wuhan-common-illness-no-link-12235280 Tests show Chinese girl warded with pneumonia, Wuhan travel history not linked to outbreak in China: MOH]”. ''Channel NewsAsia.'' January 5, 2020. Accessed 9 January 2020.</ref> While the girl had a travel history to Wuhan, she had not visited the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market. She also tested negative for SARS and MERS-CoV.<ref>“[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/chinese-girl-pneumonia-travel-wuhan-common-illness-no-link-12235280 Tests show Chinese girl warded with pneumonia, Wuhan travel history not linked to outbreak in China: MOH]”. ''Channel NewsAsia.'' January 5, 2020. Accessed 9 January 2020.</ref>
 
===First confirmed case (23 January 2020)===
The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Singapore was reported on 23 January 2020. The infected individual is a 66-year-old Chinese male from Wuhan.<ref>Goh, Timothy and Toh Ting Wei. "[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/singapore-confirms-first-case-of-wuhan-virus Singapore confirms first case of Wuhan virus]". ''The Straits Times''. January 23, 2020. Accessed on 23 January 2020.</ref> The man had arrived in Singapore on 20 January 2020 with his 37-year-old son, who is also suspected to have the virus.<ref>Zhaki Abdullah and Hidayah Salamat. "[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/wuhan-virus-pneumonia-singapore-confirms-first-case-12312860 Singapore confirms first case of Wuhan virus]". ''Channel News Asia''. January 23, 2020. Accessed on 23 January 2020.</ref>
 
===First Singaporean infected (31 January 2020)===
The Ministry of Health confirmed that the first Singaporean infected was a 47-year-old woman who had been evacuated from Wuhan on 30 January 2020. The individual had been on a holiday in China with her family.<ref>Goh, Timothy. "[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/wuhan-virus-first-singaporean-confirmed-to-have-virus-she-was-on-scoot-flight-from Wuhan virus: First Singaporean case confirmed; she was on Scoot flight from Wuhan]". ''The Straits Times''. January 31, 2020. Accessed on 3 February 2020.</ref>
 
===First locally transmitted cases (4 February 2020)===
On 4 February, the Ministry of Health confirmed the first 4 locally transmitted cases of the virus in Singapore. These individuals did not have a recent travel history to China. All 4 individuals were exposed to Chinese tourists who were carrying the virus.<ref>“[https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/confirmed-cases-of-local-transmission-of-novel-coronavirus-infection-in-singapore CONFIRMED CASES OF LOCAL TRANSMISSION OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS INFECTION IN SINGAPORE]”. ''Ministry of Health.'' February 4, 2020. Accessed on 5 February 2020.</ref>
 
 
2 of the individuals were workers at Yong Thai Hang, while 1 of them is an Indonesian helper working for one of the 2 above-mentioned individuals. The last infected individual was the tour guide who had brought Chinese tour groups to Yong Thai Hang.<ref>“[https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/confirmed-cases-of-local-transmission-of-novel-coronavirus-infection-in-singapore CONFIRMED CASES OF LOCAL TRANSMISSION OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS INFECTION IN SINGAPORE]”. ''Ministry of Health.'' February 4, 2020. Accessed on 5 February 2020.</ref>
 
==Preliminary precautionary measures (January 2020)==
The Ministry of Health (MOH) in Singapore has implemented the following measures to mitigate the outbreak of the virus.<ref>“[https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/precautionary-measures-in-response-to-severe-pneumonia-cases-in-wuhan-china Precautionary Measures In Response To Severe Pneumonia Cases In Wuhan, China]”. ''Ministry of Health''. January 2, 2020. Accessed 5 January 2020. </ref> Health advisories about the virus have been placed at all checkpoints (air, land and sea) into Singapore.
 
===Phase 1===
{| class="wikitable"
!Measures
!Location
!Purpose
|-
|Temperature checks for inbound travellers from Wuhan
|Changi Airport
|Detect symptoms of fever
|-
|Isolation
|Hospital
|Prevent transmission of the virus from suspect cases
|-
|Health Advisory Posters
|Changi Airport
|Information for inbound travellers from Wuhan
|}
 
===Phase 2===
Upon confirmation that the new pneumonia coronavirus can be transmitted from human to human,<ref>Tan, Adeline. “[https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/likely-wuhan-virus-come-singapore Likely for Wuhan virus to come to Singapore]”. ''The New Paper.'' January 22, 2020. Accessed 22 January 2020. </ref> MOH has put in place additional precautionary measures.
{| class="wikitable"
!Measures
!Location
!Purpose
|-
|-
|Quarantine the following individuals:
|Brazil
 
|3,275,520
*Those with acute respiratory infection
|106,523
*Those who have visited any hospital in China within 2 weeks of symptoms surfacing
|211,716,000
*Those who have visited China 2 weeks before showing symptoms
| rowspan="3" |Changi Airport
| rowspan="2" |Widening the definition of "suspected" cases
|-
|-
|Temperature checks for <u>all travellers</u> from China
|India
|2,589,682
|49,980
|1,326,093,000
|-
|-
|Issue health advisory notices to all travellers from China
|Russian Federation
| rowspan="2" |Informing travellers to seek medical attention if they feel unwell
|922,853
|15,685
|141,722,000
|-
|-
|Distribute health advisory posters
|South Africa
|Land and Sea Checkpoints
|583,653
|11,677
|56,464,000
|-
|-
|All public hospitals on “outbreak response mode”
|Peru
|Public Hospitals
|516,296
|Readiness to respond to the virus threat
|25,856
|31,915,000
|}
|}
<nowiki>*</nowiki>The numbers are correct as of 16 August 2020.


<nowiki>**</nowiki>Each country's approximate population numbers are retrieved from the United States Census Bureau.<ref>"[https://www.census.gov/data-tools/demo/idb/region.php?T=13&RT=0&A=both&Y=2020&C=SP&R= International Data Base]". ''United States Census Bureau''. Accessed on 30 March 2020.</ref>
==References / Citations==
==References / Citations==
<references />
<references />
[[Category:COVID-19 in Singapore]]
[[Category:COVID-19 in Singapore]]

Latest revision as of 18:15, 1 January 2021

This entry is a part of Wiki.sg's coverage on the evolving COVID-19 situation in Singapore. For more COVID-19 stories, click here.

On 4 January 2020, a three-year-old girl from China was reported as the first suspected case of the COVID-19 virus in Singapore. The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Singapore was reported on 23 January 2020.[1] The virus has since been identified as a new coronavirus (2019-nCov) and was officially named COVID-19 in February 2020.[2][3] This entry provides a summary of the COVID-19 situation in Singapore and what is known about the COVID-19 virus.

Total numbers in Singapore

Singapore has 58,218 cases as of 30 November 2020.

Overview - Monthly confirmed cases

The following table tracks the number of confirmed cases in Singapore over the months of 2020. For a daily numerical breakdown of each month, click on the respective hyperlinks in the table.

Weekly Numbers Monthly Totals Weekly Numbers Monthly Totals Weekly Numbers Monthly Totals
January Week 1 - 17 May Week 1 4,770 18,750 September Week 1 273 997
Week 2 - Week 2 5,194 Week 2 411
Week 3 - Week 3 3,714 Week 3 154
Week 4 - Week 4 5,072 Week 4 159
February Week 1 - 85 June Week 1 3,026 8,901 October Week 1 72 247
Week 2 - Week 2 2,691 Week 2 49
Week 3 - Week 3 1,491 Week 3 44
Week 4 - Week 4 1,693 Week 4 82
March Week 1 - 864 July Week 1 1,233 8,322 November Week 1 39 205
Week 2 - Week 2 1,491 Week 2 64
Week 3 - Week 3 1,827 Week 3 32
Week 4 - Week 4 3,771 Week 4 70
April Week 1 555 15,243 August Week 1 2,592 4,607 December Week 1 55 380
Week 2 1,771 Week 2 783 Week 2 52
Week 3 5,873 Week 3 636 Week 3 106
Week 4 7,044 Week 4 596 Week 4 167

Overview - Monthly recovered cases

The following table tracks the number of recovered cases in Singapore over the months of 2020. For a daily numerical breakdown of each month, click here.

Weekly Numbers Monthly Totals Weekly Numbers Monthly Totals Weekly Numbers Monthly Totals
January Week 1 0 0 May Week 1 468 20,455 September Week 1 750 1,831
Week 2 0 Week 2 4,261 Week 2 394
Week 3 0 Week 3 6,144 Week 3 439
Week 4 0 Week 4 9,582 Week 4 248
February Week 1 2 72 June Week 1 3,187 16,801 October Week 1
Week 2 15 Week 2 4,703 Week 2
Week 3 30 Week 3 5,353 Week 3
Week 4 25 Week 4 3,558 Week 4
March Week 1 18 168 July Week 1 2,502 7,991 November Week 1
Week 2 15 Week 2 1,735 Week 2
Week 3 35 Week 3 1,847 Week 3
Week 4 100 Week 4 1,907 Week 4
April Week 1 137 1,024 August Week 1 1,821 9,168 December Week 1
Week 2 233 Week 2 2,737 Week 2
Week 3 233 Week 3 2,602 Week 3
Week 4 421 Week 4 2,008 Week 4

Landmark cases in Singapore

First suspected case (4 January 2020)

The Ministry of Health (MOH) was notified of the first suspected case of the Wuhan virus in Singapore on 4 January 2020.[4] The patient was a three-year-old girl from China who had pneumonia and a travel history to Wuhan. She had been warded for further assessment and treatment and was isolated as a precautionary measure.[5]


It was revealed that the girl had only contracted a common childhood viral illness unrelated to the Wuhan pneumonia cluster.[6] This diagnosis was based on “epidemiological investigations, clinical assessment and laboratory test results from the suspect case”.[7] While the girl had a travel history to Wuhan, she had not visited the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market. She also tested negative for SARS and MERS-CoV.[8]


In response to news of the outbreak in China, Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH) implemented the following measures to mitigate the outbreak of the virus on the island.[9]

Location Measures Purpose
Changi Airport Temperature checks for inbound travellers from Wuhan Detect symptoms of fever
Changi Airport Health Advisory Posters Information for inbound travellers from Wuhan
Land & Sea Checkpoints
Public Hospitals Isolation Prevent transmission of the virus from suspect cases

First confirmed case (23 January 2020)

The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Singapore was reported on 23 January 2020. The infected individual is a 66-year-old Chinese male from Wuhan.[10] The man had arrived in Singapore on 20 January 2020 with his 37-year-old son, who is also suspected to have the virus.[11]


Upon confirmation that the new coronavirus can be transmitted from human to human, MOH ramped up their existing measures to include the following:[12]

Location Measures Purpose
Changi Airport Quarantine the following individuals:
  • Those with acute respiratory infection
  • Those who have visited any hospital in China within two weeks of symptoms surfacing
  • Those who have visited China 2 weeks before showing symptoms
Widening the definition of "suspected" cases
Temperature checks for all travellers from China
Issue health advisory notices to all travellers from China Informing travellers to seek medical attention if they feel unwell
Land and Sea Checkpoints Distribute health advisory posters
Public Hospitals All public hospitals on “outbreak response mode Readiness to respond to the virus threat

First Singaporean infected (31 January 2020)

The Ministry of Health confirmed that the first Singaporean infected was a 47-year-old woman who had been evacuated from Wuhan on 30 January 2020. The individual had been on a holiday in China with her family.[13]

First locally transmitted cases (4 February 2020)

On 4 February, the Ministry of Health confirmed the first four locally transmitted cases of the virus in Singapore. These individuals did not have a recent travel history to China. All four individuals were exposed to Chinese tourists who were carrying the virus.[14] Two of the individuals were workers at Yong Thai Hang, while one of them is an Indonesian helper working for one of the two above-mentioned individuals. The last infected individual was the tour guide who had brought Chinese tour groups to Yong Thai Hang.[15]

First reported deaths (21 March 2020)

Singapore reported its first deaths on 21 March 2020. Both patients were above 60 years old and had existing medical conditions.

Case 90 was a 75-year-old female Singapore Citizen who was linked to the Life Church and Missions cluster. She had immediately been admitted into NCID's ICU on 23 February 2020. According to the Ministry of Health, she had a medical history of chronic heart disease and hypertension.[16]
Case 212 was a 64-year-old male Indonesian national who had presumably caught the virus while overseas. He had immediately been admitted into NCID's ICU on 13 March. According to the Ministry of Health, he had a medical history of heart disease. Before coming to Singapore, he had already been warded in Indonesia for pneumonia.[17]

Containing COVID-19 in Singapore

"Circuit Breaker" measures (7 April 2020 - 1 June 2020)

On 3 April 2020, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced a month-long "circuit breaker" in Singapore on national television.[18][19] Singaporeans were urged to stay home and to only leave the house for essential activities. Workplaces - except for essential services - were closed on 7 April 2020[20] and schools shifted to e-learning on 8 April 2020.[21] Restaurants remained open in so far as providing delivery services to their customers. On 21 April 2020, the Singapore government announced an extension of the circuit breaker until 1 June 2020.[22][23]

Controlled lift of "Circuit Breaker" measures

In a press conference on 19 May 2020, the COVID-19 multi-ministry task force announced that Singapore will be lifting the "circuit breaker" measures in three phases. It is projected that the process will span a few months.[24]

Phase 1 (2 June 2020 - 18 June 2020)

For Phase 1, Singaporeans are still required to stay home unless to run essential errands.[25] The public will be afforded limited social visits to check in on elderly family. Schools will gradually resume on 2 June 2020, starting with daily attendance from the graduating cohorts of primary and secondary school students.[26] Students of other levels will experience a combination of home-based learning and school. Pre-schools will reopen on 2 June 2020 and resume in full by 10 June 2020.[27] Businesses will reopen but employees are required to telecommute wherever possible.[28] Minister for Trade and Industry, Chan Chun Sing shared that one-third of Singapore's workers can work on-site starting 2 June 2020.[29] On 1 June 2020, Singapore reported zero community cases for the first time since 23 February 2020.[30]

Phase 2 (19 June 2020 - )

On 15 June 2020, Singapore announced that Phase 2 of the Circuit Breaker lift will commence on 19 June 2020. Singaporeans are allowed to resume social gatherings with a maximum of five people at each time. Patrons can also opt to dine-in at food establishments.[31] Retail outlets will be reopened although shopping malls are expected to keep to the maximum capacity limit. Students of all levels are projected to return to school fully by 29 June 2020.[32]

About the COVID-19 coronavirus

Comparison: Coronavirus outbreak numbers (SARS, MERS & COVID-19)

Similar to MERS and SARS, the virus in question is the coronavirus. The worldwide death toll and infected numbers for COVID-19 are updated daily as per the World Health Organisation's situation reports.[33]

A microscopic image of the MERS coronavirus. Photo from Wikimedia Commons.
SARS (SARS-CoV) MERS (MERS-CoV) COVID-19 (2019 n-CoV) Refs.
Year 2003 2012 2019 [34][35]
Origin Fu Shan City, China Qatar Wuhan, China
Infected 8,000 infected 1,100+ infected * 24,257,989 infected
Death Toll 700 deaths 400+ deaths * 827,246 deaths
Mortality Rate Relatively Low (~ 9%) High (40% - 50%) Relatively Low
Source Bats, civet cats, wild animals Wild animals, especially bats and camels Wild animals [36][37]
Spread Animal to human (zoonotic transmission), then human to human
Principal Symptoms** Fever

Cough

Chills or shaking

Fatigue

Shortness of breath

Headache

Diarrhoea

Fever (with or without chills)

Cough

Shortness of breath

Sore throat

Muscle pain

Muscle shortness

Vomiting

Diarrhoea

Stomach pain

Eventual kidney failure

Fever (above 37.5°C)

Sore throat

Runny nose

Body ache

Cough

Difficulty breathing

Loss of taste and smell

*The numbers are correct as of 28 August 2020.

** Singapore designed an online COVID-19 symptom checker that can be accessed here.

Confirmed facts about COVID-19

The following table details what is already known about the virus.

Details Source Refs.
Incubation Period Five to six days (on average) World Health Organisation [38]
Symptomatic Transmission Close human contact

Respiratory droplets

Contact with contaminated surfaces

Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

World Health Organisation

[39]
Asymptomatic Transmission Suggested* World Health Organisation [40]
Vaccination There is no vaccine for the virus Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [41]
Ministry of Health (MOH) [42]

*Patients can test positive for the COVID-19 virus one to three days before exhibiting symptoms.

Origins of COVID-19

Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market (Wuhan, China)

The entrance to Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan city, China. Photo from Yi Cai Global.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) was alerted to a cluster of pneumonia cases in China of unknown origin on 31 December 2019.[43] According to the WHO, China reported 44 cases of patients afflicted with the mystery virus (later confirmed as COVID-19) on 3 January 2020.[44] Huanan Seafood Market was identified as the primary hotspot of the virus, given that some of the patients were operating dealers or market vendors.[45] The market sold seafood and live animals, such as birds and snakes.[46]

Confirmed cases & death toll (China)

As of 16 August 2020, there are 89,761 confirmed cases and 4,710 reported deaths in China.[47]
Inside Huanan Seafood Market. Photo from China Daily.

The first death from the "mystery virus" was reported on 11 January 2020.[48] The victim was a 61-year-old man who had died from severe pneumonia on 9 January 2020. It was also revealed that he had pre-existing abdominal tumours and chronic liver disease and did not respond well to treatment. The man was a regular buyer at the Wuhan Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market.[49] The following table details the three subsequent deaths that are on the record.

Case No. Date of Death Victim Profile Medical History Refs.
2 17 January 2020 69-year-old man Yes [50]
3 20 January 2020 Unreleased Unreleased [51]
4 21 January 2020 89-year-old man Yes [52]

Initial spread in China

The first instances of the virus spreading beyond Wuhan was reported in Beijing and Guangdong.[53] In a statement on 19 January 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said that the new cases did not appear to be directly linked to the Huanan Seafood Market. On 23 January 2020, Wuhan was put on “lockdown” mode where outbound flights and rail services from the city have been suspended.[54] The city has also suspended outbound travel by bus, subway and ferry. The lockdown on Wuhan city was lifted on 8 April 2020.[55]

Highest confirmed cases: Worldwide

Beyond China, the virus has spread to over 160 countries/territories as of March 2020.[56][57] The following table shows the countries with the highest reported cases outside of China. The numbers are updated daily as per the World Health Organisation's situation reports.[58]

Country Confirmed Cases* Deaths* Population**
United States of America 5,258,565 167,201 332,639,000
Brazil 3,275,520 106,523 211,716,000
India 2,589,682 49,980 1,326,093,000
Russian Federation 922,853 15,685 141,722,000
South Africa 583,653 11,677 56,464,000
Peru 516,296 25,856 31,915,000

*The numbers are correct as of 16 August 2020.

**Each country's approximate population numbers are retrieved from the United States Census Bureau.[59]

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