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SINGAPORE: Three previously reported COVID-19 cases have tested positive for the new B117 variant and could be linked, the Ministry of Health (MINSA) said on Tuesday (January 26).
“Whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis conducted by the National Public Health Laboratory have revealed that three previously reported cases (Cases 59028, 59340 and 59351) tested positive for the B117 variant and may be linked,” the MOH said.
On January 5, Case 59028, a work permit holder working for Azur at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport was confirmed to have COVID-19. The 24-year-old from South Korea delivers packaged meals to aircrew and hotel guests as part of his job. He does not interact with diners in the restaurant, the Health Ministry said at the time.
Another person, Case 59340, who is from Singapore and works at the Singapore Scout Association, was confirmed to have COVID-19 on January 15.
Case 59351, the spouse of case 59340, was also diagnosed on the same day. He works at OCBC Tampines Center One.
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Epidemiological investigations revealed that Cases 59340 and 59351 visited Jewel Changi Airport on December 31 between 2.35pm and 9.50pm, while Case 59028 was in Terminal 3 of Changi Airport on the same day between 7.48pm and 8:49 pm, the Health Ministry said.
As a precautionary measure, a special trial operation will be offered to staff members who have worked since December 31 at Jewel Changi Airport, and at public shops and food establishments at Terminal 3 of Changi Airport, added the ministry.
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The B117 strain was first reported in the UK in late November last year and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the strain could be “up to 70 per cent more transmissible”.
The Health Ministry announced on December 22 that long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with a recent travel history to Great Britain will not be able to enter or transit through Singapore from December 23.
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