Singapore, COVID-19 'Church Infection' Followed by 'Singing Class Infection'... 150 Confirmed Cases

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-woo] In Singapore, where the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) had previously surged due to a cluster infection within a church, a new cluster infection has occurred through various banquet events, raising the total number of confirmed cases to 150.

According to foreign media including the AP News, on the 9th, the Singapore Ministry of Health announced that 12 new patients were confirmed the previous day, of whom 9 were related to a Lunar New Year banquet event held by an organization on the 15th of last month. The number of confirmed cases related to this event has increased to 30. Previously, Singapore saw a significant increase in confirmed cases due to cluster infections within churches.

The banquet event was reportedly held by a singing class group to celebrate the Lunar New Year, with about 200 attendees. The event included not only singing but also time for dancing. In the adjacent room to the banquet hall, about 400 members of another singing club were gathered, and interaction between attendees of the two events is expected, raising concerns that the number of confirmed cases will increase significantly. It is also known that those who attended this banquet later participated in various events at community centers.

The Singapore health authorities have temporarily suspended all community center activities related to the banquet attendees who tested positive for 14 days. Most of the suspended activities are singing classes, and line dance and qigong classes are also included in the suspension. Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong mentioned on Facebook that confirmed cases related to the banquet event have emerged in his constituency, and that the patient regularly participated in group activities.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.