Singapore’s Minister Grace Fu tests positive for COVID-19 post UAE visit, enters self-isolation

Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) documented a notable rise in COVID-19 infections, reaching 56,043 in the week of 3 to 9 December.

This represents a striking 75 % surge from the previous week’s count of 32,035 cases, raising increased apprehension among health authorities.

In response, MOH announced daily updates on COVID-19 figures starting 19 December, emphasizing heightened efforts to oversee and address the situation.

Ms Fu reportedly attended the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) from 30 November to 12 December at Expo City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Following her diagnosis, Ms Fu, like numerous others recently infected, is now in self-isolation.

In her post, she also posted her survival kit during the isolation, which includes 3-in-1 drinks, tissues, and TCM remedies among other items.

It has been reported that Ms Fu contracted COVID-19 in May.

While attending the Ministerial Meeting on Climate Change in Copenhagen, she had recently arrived from Amsterdam, leading to her isolation in the city and a delay in her return to Singapore.

Ms Fu is not the sole politician to have recently confirmed a positive COVID-19 test.

Earlier this month, Manpower Minister Dr Tan See Leng also tested positive for the virus.

Dr Tan also went to his Facebook page on 5 December to report that he contracted the virus, saying, “It’s my turn to be COVID+.” He shared a picture displaying an antigen test indicating a positive Covid-19 result with two lines.

Dr Tan has returned to his regular activities after completing the isolation period.

On 12 October, Singapore reported its first COVID-19 fatality among children under 12, with a 13-month-old boy succumbing to the virus.

MOH informed Singapore’s state media CNA on 25 Nov that the unvaccinated infant had a “significant medical history of a congenital condition” with a poor prognosis before contracting the virus on Oct 10.

Admitted to the hospital on the same day as testing positive, the baby passed away two days later.

MOH then clarified that the cause of death was an acute COVID-19 infection, exacerbated by the pre-existing congenital condition.

MOH urges citizens to wear masks in crowded places

In response to the surge, MOH issued a public advisory on 15 December urging citizens to wear masks in crowded places, irrespective of their health status.

Emphasizing the importance of this precaution, especially indoors or around vulnerable individuals, they aim to curb the transmission of the virus within the community.

To accommodate the rising number of COVID-19 patients, MOH disclosed plans to open a second treatment facility at Singapore Expo Hall 10 over the upcoming weekend.

This facility, alongside the existing one at Crawfurd Hospital in Adam Road, will offer a combined capacity of over 80 beds. MOH assured that the new facility can be expanded if the need arises.

Additionally, hospitals are implementing measures to meet the surge in demand for beds.

“To preserve our healthcare capacity, MOH has been working with public hospitals for contingency planning, including ensuring adequate manpower and deferring of non-urgent electives to maximise bed capacity for urgent cases in need of acute care,” MOH said.

Previously, it was reported that the average daily hospitalization rate has risen sharply to 350 admissions, a significant increase from the previous week’s 225.

In the week ending 9 December, ICU admissions for COVID-19 rose to 23 from nine the previous week, marking the highest weekly ICU admissions for the year. Overall, 763 patients were hospitalized due to COVID-19.

In light of the escalating situation, MOH also stressed the importance of responsible travel practices.

Travellers are advised to take precautions such as wearing masks at airports, purchasing travel insurance for potential overseas medical care, and avoiding crowded areas with poor ventilation.

Urging personal and social responsibility, MOH emphasized that individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should stay at home until they recover and avoid contact with others.

MOH also urged the public to seek medical treatment at a hospital’s Emergency Department only for serious or life-threatening emergencies.