SINGAPORE – Three previously reported cases have tested positive for the B117 (UK) variant and could be linked, according to country’s Health Ministry yesterday.
The ministry said it was revealed by the whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis conducted by the National Public Health Laboratory.
In its full data released here, the ministry said epidemiological investigations revealed that Cases 59340 and 59351 visited Jewel Changi Airport on December 31 between 2.35pm and 9.50pm, and Case 59028 was at Changi Airport Terminal 3 on the same day between 7.48pm and 8.49pm.
As a precautionary measure, the ministry said it will commence a special testing operation to offer testing for staff who have been working from December 31 at Jewel Changi Airport, and at the shops and food establishments that were open to the public at Changi Airport Terminal 3.
Case 59028 is a 24-year-old male Korean national who works at Azur at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, who was confirmed to be virus-positive on January 5.
Case 59340, meanwhile, is a Singaporean who works at Singapore Scouts Association and was confirmed to be infected on January 15.
Case 59351 is the spouse of Case 59340 and works at OCBC Tampines Centre One, and she was confirmed to have Covid-19 on January 15.
B117 is considered a potentially more contagious strain of Covid-19 that is circulating in the UK.
As at noon yesterday, the republic reported 14 new cases, all imported, thus bringing the total tally to 59,366. – Bernama, January 26, 2021
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