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

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The Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed its first locally transmitted cases on 4 February 2020.<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 7 February 2020.</ref> This entry clarifies the differences between local and community transmission while compiling the confirmed virus transmission points in Singapore (as of 7 February 2020).
The Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed its first locally transmitted cases on 4 February 2020.<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 7 February 2020.</ref> This entry clarifies the differences between local and community transmission while compiling the confirmed virus transmission points in Singapore (as of 7 February 2020).


== Local vs. Community transmission ==
==Local vs. Community transmission==
The following sections highlight the differences between local and community transmission, as clarified by MOH.
The following sections highlight the differences between local and community transmission, as clarified by MOH.


=== Local transmission<ref>“[https://www.moh.gov.sg/2019-ncov-wuhan/faqs FAQs on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Situation]”. ''Ministry of Health.'' Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref> ===
===Local transmission<ref>“[https://www.moh.gov.sg/2019-ncov-wuhan/faqs FAQs on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Situation]”. ''Ministry of Health.'' Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref>===


* Limited spread of infection
*Limited spread of infection
* Common source(s) of transmission
*Common source(s) of transmission
* Identifiable source(s)
*Identifiable source(s)


The confirmed Singaporean cases on 4 February 2020 involving the Chinese tour group is considered a limited local spread as they can all be traced back to one location - Yong Thai Hang Medical Hall.<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 7 February 2020.</ref>
The confirmed Singaporean cases on 4 February 2020 involving the Chinese tour group is considered a limited local spread as they can all be traced back to one location - Yong Thai Hang Medical Hall.<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 7 February 2020.</ref>


=== Community transmission<ref>“[https://www.moh.gov.sg/2019-ncov-wuhan/faqs FAQs on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Situation]”. ''Ministry of Health.'' Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref> ===
===Community transmission<ref>“[https://www.moh.gov.sg/2019-ncov-wuhan/faqs FAQs on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Situation]”. ''Ministry of Health.'' Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref>===


* Widespread infection
*Widespread infection
* Multiple clusters of transmission
*Multiple clusters of transmission
* Unidentifiable sources
*Unidentifiable sources


== Local transmission points (Confirmed) ==
==Local transmission points (Confirmed)==


=== Yong Thai Hang Medical Hall ===
===Yong Thai Hang Medical Hall===
[[File:Yong Thai Hang Medical Hall.jpg|link=https://wiki.sg/p/File:Yong%20Thai%20Hang%20Medical%20Hall.jpg|thumb|''The shopfront of Yong Thai Hang Medical Hall. Photo'' ''from [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/wuhan-virus-coronavirus-singapore-community-spread-tourists-12389314?cid=TWTcna Channel News Asia].'']]
[[File:Yong Thai Hang Medical Hall.jpg|link=https://wiki.sg/p/File:Yong%20Thai%20Hang%20Medical%20Hall.jpg|thumb|''The shopfront of Yong Thai Hang Medical Hall. Photo'' ''from [https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/wuhan-virus-coronavirus-singapore-community-spread-tourists-12389314?cid=TWTcna Channel News Asia].'']]
On 22 January, a group of tourists from Guangxi, China entered Singapore.<ref>Mahmud, Aqil Haziq and Chew, Hui Min. “[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/wuhan-virus-coronavirus-singapore-community-spread-tourists-12389314 4 locally transmitted cases among new coronavirus patients in Singapore]”. ''Channel News Asia.'' February 4, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref> The group visited at least 6 locations in Singapore the next day.<ref>Tan, Cheryl. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/four-of-six-places-visited-by-chinese-tour-group-linked-to-local-coronavirus Four of six places visited by Chinese tour group linked to local coronavirus transmissions closed]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 6, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref> The tour group visited these 6 locations:
On 22 January, a group of tourists from Guangxi, China entered Singapore.<ref>Mahmud, Aqil Haziq and Chew, Hui Min. “[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/wuhan-virus-coronavirus-singapore-community-spread-tourists-12389314 4 locally transmitted cases among new coronavirus patients in Singapore]”. ''Channel News Asia.'' February 4, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref> The group visited at least 6 locations in Singapore the next day.<ref>Tan, Cheryl. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/four-of-six-places-visited-by-chinese-tour-group-linked-to-local-coronavirus Four of six places visited by Chinese tour group linked to local coronavirus transmissions closed]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 6, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref> The tour group visited these 6 locations:


* T Galleria by Duty Free Singapore (25 Scotts Road)
*T Galleria by Duty Free Singapore (25 Scotts Road)
* Meeting You Restaurant (14 Hamilton Road)
*Meeting You Restaurant (14 Hamilton Road)
* D'Resort @ Downtown East (1 Pasir Ris Close)
*D'Resort @ Downtown East (1 Pasir Ris Close)
* Yong Thai Hang Medical Hall (24 Cavan Road)
*Yong Thai Hang Medical Hall (24 Cavan Road)
* Royal Dragon Restaurant (2 Havelock Road)
*Royal Dragon Restaurant (2 Havelock Road)
* Diamond Industries Jewellery Company (20 Harbour Drive)
*Diamond Industries Jewellery Company (20 Harbour Drive)


Certain individuals from this group were carriers of the virus, hence initially infecting 4 Singaporeans who were within close and prolonged contact.
Certain individuals from this group were carriers of the virus, hence initially infecting 4 Singaporeans who were within close and prolonged contact.


==== 2 confirmed cases in Chinese tour group ====
====2 confirmed cases in Chinese tour group====
As of 5 February 2020, at least 2 of the 20 Chinese tourists have been confirmed to be infected with the coronavirus.<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 7 February 2020.</ref>
As of 5 February 2020, at least 2 of the 20 Chinese tourists have been confirmed to be infected with the coronavirus.<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 7 February 2020.</ref>


===== 7 Singaporeans infected by Chinese tour group =====
=====7 Singaporeans infected by Chinese tour group=====
There are 7 individuals who are confirmed to have the virus.<ref>Tang, See Kit. “[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/what-we-know-about-the-5-families-among-singapore-s-confirmed-12400658 What we know about the 5 families among Singapore's confirmed coronavirus cases]”. ''Channel News Asia.'' February 6, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref> 4 cases were reported on 4 February and the remaining 3 were announced on 5 February.<ref>Ng, Jun Sen and Lim, Janice. “[https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-singapore-reports-first-local-transmissions-4-cases-linked-jalan-besar Novel coronavirus: Singapore reports first local transmissions, 4 cases linked to Jalan Besar shop visited by Chinese tour groups]”. ''Today.'' February 4, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref><ref>Chee, Kenny. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/coronavirus-4-more-confirmed-cases-in-singapore-28-cases-so-far Coronavirus: Singapore confirms 4 new cases, including 6-month-old child of infected couple]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 5, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref> These cases are considered to be part of a limited local transmission cluster.<ref>Mahmud, Aqil Haziq and Yong, Michael. “[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/wuhan-coronavirus-singapore-virus-new-cases-local-transmission-12390118 What we know about the locally transmitted coronavirus cases in Singapore]”. ''Channel News Asia.'' February 4, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref><ref>“[https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/four-more-confirmed-cases-of-novel-coronavirus-infection-in-singapore FOUR MORE CONFIRMED CASES OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS INFECTION IN SINGAPORE]”. ''Ministry of Health.'' February 5, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref>
There are 7 individuals who are confirmed to have the virus.<ref>Tang, See Kit. “[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/what-we-know-about-the-5-families-among-singapore-s-confirmed-12400658 What we know about the 5 families among Singapore's confirmed coronavirus cases]”. ''Channel News Asia.'' February 6, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref> 4 cases were reported on 4 February and the remaining 3 were announced on 5 February.<ref>Ng, Jun Sen and Lim, Janice. “[https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-singapore-reports-first-local-transmissions-4-cases-linked-jalan-besar Novel coronavirus: Singapore reports first local transmissions, 4 cases linked to Jalan Besar shop visited by Chinese tour groups]”. ''Today.'' February 4, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref><ref>Chee, Kenny. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/coronavirus-4-more-confirmed-cases-in-singapore-28-cases-so-far Coronavirus: Singapore confirms 4 new cases, including 6-month-old child of infected couple]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 5, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref> These cases are considered to be part of a limited local transmission cluster.<ref>Mahmud, Aqil Haziq and Yong, Michael. “[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/wuhan-coronavirus-singapore-virus-new-cases-local-transmission-12390118 What we know about the locally transmitted coronavirus cases in Singapore]”. ''Channel News Asia.'' February 4, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref><ref>“[https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/four-more-confirmed-cases-of-novel-coronavirus-infection-in-singapore FOUR MORE CONFIRMED CASES OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS INFECTION IN SINGAPORE]”. ''Ministry of Health.'' February 5, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref>


A 28-year-old female, who is an employee at Yong Thai Hang Medical Hall, was confirmed to be infected on 3 February (past 11 pm).<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 7 February 2020.</ref> The domestic helper, a 44-year-old female Indonesian national, tested positive for the coronavirus in the afternoon of 4 February. The employee’s 45-year-old husband and 6 month-old child also returned the same results on 5 February at 2 pm.<ref>“[https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/four-more-confirmed-cases-of-novel-coronavirus-infection-in-singapore FOUR MORE CONFIRMED CASES OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS INFECTION IN SINGAPORE]”. ''Ministry of Health.'' February 5, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref>
A 28-year-old female, who is an employee at Yong Thai Hang Medical Hall, was confirmed to be infected on 3 February (past 11 pm).<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 7 February 2020.</ref> The domestic helper, a 44-year-old female Indonesian national, tested positive for the coronavirus in the afternoon of 4 February. The employee’s 45-year-old husband and 6 month-old child also returned the same results on 5 February at 2 pm.<ref>“[https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/four-more-confirmed-cases-of-novel-coronavirus-infection-in-singapore FOUR MORE CONFIRMED CASES OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS INFECTION IN SINGAPORE]”. ''Ministry of Health.'' February 5, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref>


A test done for a 48-year-old Yong Thai Hang employee confirmed that she too had the coronavirus in the morning of 4 February.
A test done for a 48-year-old Yong Thai Hang employee confirmed that she too had the coronavirus in the morning of 4 February.


The tour guide, a 32-year-old female, was confirmed to be infected in the afternoon of 4 February. Her 40-year-old husband (who works at Diamond Industries Jewellery Company) also tested positive for the coronavirus at 8 pm on 4 February.<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 7 February 2020.</ref>
The tour guide, a 32-year-old female, was confirmed to be infected in the afternoon of 4 February. Her 40-year-old husband (who works at Diamond Industries Jewellery Company) also tested positive for the coronavirus at 8 pm on 4 February.<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 7 February 2020.</ref>


=== Grand Hyatt Singapore ===
===Grand Hyatt Singapore===
[[File:Grand Hyatt Singapore Wuhan.jpg|link=https://wiki.sg/p/File:Grand%20Hyatt%20Singapore%20Wuhan.jpg|thumb|''The Grand Hyatt is one of the local transmission points in Singapore. Photo from [https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/coronavirus-grand-hyatt-singapore-disinfecting-rooms-and-public-areas-after-two-travellers The Straits Times].'']]
[[File:Grand Hyatt Singapore Wuhan.jpg|link=https://wiki.sg/p/File:Grand%20Hyatt%20Singapore%20Wuhan.jpg|thumb|''The Grand Hyatt is one of the local transmission points in Singapore. Photo from [https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/coronavirus-grand-hyatt-singapore-disinfecting-rooms-and-public-areas-after-two-travellers The Straits Times].'']]
109 people were gathered for a private business meeting at Grand Hyatt Singapore in January 2020.<ref>Geddie, John. “[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-singapore-summit/who-investigates-singapore-conference-linked-to-foreign-virus-spread-idUSKBN2000C7 WHO probes Singapore meet linked to spread of virus]”. ''Reuters.'' 6 February 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref> Present at the conference were Chinese nationals from Hubei.<ref>“[https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-2-more-cases-singapore-no-travel-history-china-or-link Novel coronavirus: 2 more cases in S’pore, including one with no travel history to China or apparent]”. ''Today.'' February 6, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref>
109 people were gathered for a private business meeting at Grand Hyatt Singapore in January 2020.<ref>Geddie, John. “[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-singapore-summit/who-investigates-singapore-conference-linked-to-foreign-virus-spread-idUSKBN2000C7 WHO probes Singapore meet linked to spread of virus]”. ''Reuters.'' 6 February 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref> Present at the conference were Chinese nationals from Hubei.<ref>“[https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-2-more-cases-singapore-no-travel-history-china-or-link Novel coronavirus: 2 more cases in S’pore, including one with no travel history to China or apparent]”. ''Today.'' February 6, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref>
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As of 7 February 2020, 4 of the 109 attendees are infected with the coronavirus.<ref>Kamil, Asyraf. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/who-probes-singapore-conference-linked-to-virus-spread WHO probes Singapore conference linked to coronavirus spread]”. ''The Straits Times.'' 7 February 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref>
As of 7 February 2020, 4 of the 109 attendees are infected with the coronavirus.<ref>Kamil, Asyraf. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/who-probes-singapore-conference-linked-to-virus-spread WHO probes Singapore conference linked to coronavirus spread]”. ''The Straits Times.'' 7 February 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref>


==== 3 confirmed international cases ====
====3 confirmed international cases====
The 3 confirmed cases involve citizens from Malaysia and South Korea.
The 3 confirmed cases involve citizens from Malaysia and South Korea.


The 41-year-old individual from Malaysia, who happened to be the country’s first case, was tested positive for the virus on 4 February.<ref>Sukumaran, Tashny. “[https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3049091/coronavirus-south-korea-confirms-two-new-cases-including-man Coronavirus cases in South Korea and Malaysia linked to Singapore meeting spark WHO investigation]”. ''South China Morning Post.'' February 5, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref> His 40-year-old sister was confirmed to be infected on 6 February.<ref>Sukumaran, Tashny. “[https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3049350/coronavirus-malaysia-confirms-first-case-human Coronavirus: Malaysia confirms first case of human transmission from Singapore meeting, taking tally to 14]”. ''South China Morning Post.'' February 6, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref>
The 41-year-old individual from Malaysia, who happened to be the country’s first case, was tested positive for the virus on 4 February.<ref>Sukumaran, Tashny. “[https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3049091/coronavirus-south-korea-confirms-two-new-cases-including-man Coronavirus cases in South Korea and Malaysia linked to Singapore meeting spark WHO investigation]”. ''South China Morning Post.'' February 5, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref> His 40-year-old sister was confirmed to be infected on 6 February.<ref>Sukumaran, Tashny. “[https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3049350/coronavirus-malaysia-confirms-first-case-human Coronavirus: Malaysia confirms first case of human transmission from Singapore meeting, taking tally to 14]”. ''South China Morning Post.'' February 6, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref>


The infected patient from South Korea is a 38-year-old man who tested positive for the virus on 3 February. He had previously shared a meal with the infected Malaysian individual at the meeting.<ref>“[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/wuhan-virus-coronavirus-south-korea-cases-12394934 3 new coronavirus cases in South Korea; 2 men had travelled to Singapore for conference]”. ''Channel News Asia.'' February 5, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref>
The infected patient from South Korea is a 38-year-old man who tested positive for the virus on 3 February. He had previously shared a meal with the infected Malaysian individual at the meeting.<ref>“[https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/wuhan-virus-coronavirus-south-korea-cases-12394934 3 new coronavirus cases in South Korea; 2 men had travelled to Singapore for conference]”. ''Channel News Asia.'' February 5, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref>


==== 1 Singaporean infected by attendees ====
====1 Singaporean infected by attendees====
There were a total of 15 Singaporean residents at the conference. 4 individuals of the 15 have displayed symptoms of the virus. These 4 have since been referred to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) on 5 February.<ref>“[https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/four-more-confirmed-cases-of-novel-coronavirus-infection-in-singapore FOUR MORE CONFIRMED CASES OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS INFECTION IN SINGAPORE]”. ''Ministry of Health.'' February 5, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref>
There were a total of 15 Singaporean residents at the conference. 4 individuals of the 15 have displayed symptoms of the virus. These 4 have since been referred to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) on 5 February.<ref>“[https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/four-more-confirmed-cases-of-novel-coronavirus-infection-in-singapore FOUR MORE CONFIRMED CASES OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS INFECTION IN SINGAPORE]”. ''Ministry of Health.'' February 5, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref>


On 6 February, it was reported that 1 of the 4 being investigated was found to be infected with the coronavirus.<ref>“[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/coronavirus-singapore-confirms-two-more-cases-bringing-total-to-30 Coronavirus: Singapore confirms 2 new local infections; 1 appears to have no link to previous cases]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 6, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref>
On 6 February, it was reported that 1 of the 4 being investigated was found to be infected with the coronavirus.<ref>“[https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/coronavirus-singapore-confirms-two-more-cases-bringing-total-to-30 Coronavirus: Singapore confirms 2 new local infections; 1 appears to have no link to previous cases]”. ''The Straits Times.'' February 6, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.</ref>


== References / Citations ==
==References / Citations==
<references />

Revision as of 17:28, 7 February 2020

Infographic by MustShare News showing the 6 places in Singapore connected to the China Tour Group.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed its first locally transmitted cases on 4 February 2020.[1] This entry clarifies the differences between local and community transmission while compiling the confirmed virus transmission points in Singapore (as of 7 February 2020).

Local vs. Community transmission

The following sections highlight the differences between local and community transmission, as clarified by MOH.

Local transmission[2]

  • Limited spread of infection
  • Common source(s) of transmission
  • Identifiable source(s)

The confirmed Singaporean cases on 4 February 2020 involving the Chinese tour group is considered a limited local spread as they can all be traced back to one location - Yong Thai Hang Medical Hall.[3]

Community transmission[4]

  • Widespread infection
  • Multiple clusters of transmission
  • Unidentifiable sources

Local transmission points (Confirmed)

Yong Thai Hang Medical Hall

The shopfront of Yong Thai Hang Medical Hall. Photo from Channel News Asia.

On 22 January, a group of tourists from Guangxi, China entered Singapore.[5] The group visited at least 6 locations in Singapore the next day.[6] The tour group visited these 6 locations:

  • T Galleria by Duty Free Singapore (25 Scotts Road)
  • Meeting You Restaurant (14 Hamilton Road)
  • D'Resort @ Downtown East (1 Pasir Ris Close)
  • Yong Thai Hang Medical Hall (24 Cavan Road)
  • Royal Dragon Restaurant (2 Havelock Road)
  • Diamond Industries Jewellery Company (20 Harbour Drive)

Certain individuals from this group were carriers of the virus, hence initially infecting 4 Singaporeans who were within close and prolonged contact.

2 confirmed cases in Chinese tour group

As of 5 February 2020, at least 2 of the 20 Chinese tourists have been confirmed to be infected with the coronavirus.[7]

7 Singaporeans infected by Chinese tour group

There are 7 individuals who are confirmed to have the virus.[8] 4 cases were reported on 4 February and the remaining 3 were announced on 5 February.[9][10] These cases are considered to be part of a limited local transmission cluster.[11][12]


A 28-year-old female, who is an employee at Yong Thai Hang Medical Hall, was confirmed to be infected on 3 February (past 11 pm).[13] The domestic helper, a 44-year-old female Indonesian national, tested positive for the coronavirus in the afternoon of 4 February. The employee’s 45-year-old husband and 6 month-old child also returned the same results on 5 February at 2 pm.[14]


A test done for a 48-year-old Yong Thai Hang employee confirmed that she too had the coronavirus in the morning of 4 February.


The tour guide, a 32-year-old female, was confirmed to be infected in the afternoon of 4 February. Her 40-year-old husband (who works at Diamond Industries Jewellery Company) also tested positive for the coronavirus at 8 pm on 4 February.[15]

Grand Hyatt Singapore

The Grand Hyatt is one of the local transmission points in Singapore. Photo from The Straits Times.

109 people were gathered for a private business meeting at Grand Hyatt Singapore in January 2020.[16] Present at the conference were Chinese nationals from Hubei.[17]

As of 7 February 2020, 4 of the 109 attendees are infected with the coronavirus.[18]

3 confirmed international cases

The 3 confirmed cases involve citizens from Malaysia and South Korea.


The 41-year-old individual from Malaysia, who happened to be the country’s first case, was tested positive for the virus on 4 February.[19] His 40-year-old sister was confirmed to be infected on 6 February.[20]


The infected patient from South Korea is a 38-year-old man who tested positive for the virus on 3 February. He had previously shared a meal with the infected Malaysian individual at the meeting.[21]

1 Singaporean infected by attendees

There were a total of 15 Singaporean residents at the conference. 4 individuals of the 15 have displayed symptoms of the virus. These 4 have since been referred to the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID) on 5 February.[22]


On 6 February, it was reported that 1 of the 4 being investigated was found to be infected with the coronavirus.[23]

References / Citations

  1. ↑ “CONFIRMED CASES OF LOCAL TRANSMISSION OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS INFECTION IN SINGAPORE”. Ministry of Health. February 4, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.
  2. ↑ “FAQs on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Situation”. Ministry of Health. Accessed on 7 February 2020.
  3. ↑ “CONFIRMED CASES OF LOCAL TRANSMISSION OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS INFECTION IN SINGAPORE”. Ministry of Health. February 4, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.
  4. ↑ “FAQs on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Situation”. Ministry of Health. Accessed on 7 February 2020.
  5. ↑ Mahmud, Aqil Haziq and Chew, Hui Min. “4 locally transmitted cases among new coronavirus patients in Singapore”. Channel News Asia. February 4, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.
  6. ↑ Tan, Cheryl. “Four of six places visited by Chinese tour group linked to local coronavirus transmissions closed”. The Straits Times. February 6, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.
  7. ↑ “CONFIRMED CASES OF LOCAL TRANSMISSION OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS INFECTION IN SINGAPORE”. Ministry of Health. February 4, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.
  8. ↑ Tang, See Kit. “What we know about the 5 families among Singapore's confirmed coronavirus cases”. Channel News Asia. February 6, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.
  9. ↑ Ng, Jun Sen and Lim, Janice. “Novel coronavirus: Singapore reports first local transmissions, 4 cases linked to Jalan Besar shop visited by Chinese tour groups”. Today. February 4, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.
  10. ↑ Chee, Kenny. “Coronavirus: Singapore confirms 4 new cases, including 6-month-old child of infected couple”. The Straits Times. February 5, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.
  11. ↑ Mahmud, Aqil Haziq and Yong, Michael. “What we know about the locally transmitted coronavirus cases in Singapore”. Channel News Asia. February 4, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.
  12. ↑ “FOUR MORE CONFIRMED CASES OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS INFECTION IN SINGAPORE”. Ministry of Health. February 5, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.
  13. ↑ “CONFIRMED CASES OF LOCAL TRANSMISSION OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS INFECTION IN SINGAPORE”. Ministry of Health. February 4, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.
  14. ↑ “FOUR MORE CONFIRMED CASES OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS INFECTION IN SINGAPORE”. Ministry of Health. February 5, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.
  15. ↑ “CONFIRMED CASES OF LOCAL TRANSMISSION OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS INFECTION IN SINGAPORE”. Ministry of Health. February 4, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.
  16. ↑ Geddie, John. “WHO probes Singapore meet linked to spread of virus”. Reuters. 6 February 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.
  17. ↑ “Novel coronavirus: 2 more cases in S’pore, including one with no travel history to China or apparent”. Today. February 6, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.
  18. ↑ Kamil, Asyraf. “WHO probes Singapore conference linked to coronavirus spread”. The Straits Times. 7 February 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.
  19. ↑ Sukumaran, Tashny. “Coronavirus cases in South Korea and Malaysia linked to Singapore meeting spark WHO investigation”. South China Morning Post. February 5, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.
  20. ↑ Sukumaran, Tashny. “Coronavirus: Malaysia confirms first case of human transmission from Singapore meeting, taking tally to 14”. South China Morning Post. February 6, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.
  21. ↑ “3 new coronavirus cases in South Korea; 2 men had travelled to Singapore for conference”. Channel News Asia. February 5, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.
  22. ↑ “FOUR MORE CONFIRMED CASES OF NOVEL CORONAVIRUS INFECTION IN SINGAPORE”. Ministry of Health. February 5, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.
  23. ↑ “Coronavirus: Singapore confirms 2 new local infections; 1 appears to have no link to previous cases”. The Straits Times. February 6, 2020. Accessed on 7 February 2020.
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