Singaporean health officials this afternoon reported a huge surge in newly detected coronavirus infections.
Most of the 1,426 newly reported cases were found in migrant worker dormitories where the virus seems to be spreading out of control, according to the Ministry of Health. Sixteen Singaporeans and Permanent Residents were also infected, as tallied separately by the government.
Today’s update brings total confirmed cases to 8,014 since the outbreak began in January. The death toll still stands at 11.
The afternoon update came hours earlier than expected and officials made it clear they were still working to understand the details.
“We are still working through the details of the cases, and further updates will be shared via the MOH press release that will be issued tonight,” its statement read.
The new data comes on the heels of daily records of new infections, which stood above a total 5,000 just Friday. They have mostly been concentrated in housing provided for migrant workers. The outbreak has called attention to substandard conditions there. Mandatory stay-home orders came into effect today for all construction workers, as they have found to be transmitting infections at a high rate.
Ever since the virus exposed the poor living conditions of migrant workers, the Manpower Ministry has been posting public updates about efforts to clean up the spaces and provide higher standards.
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