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SINGAPORE: Singapore reported 27 new cases of COVID-19 as of noon on Wednesday (December 30).
One was a community case, while the rest were imported.
Of the imported cases, one was a Singapore Airlines pilot who tested negative for COVID-19 upon returning to Singapore but later developed symptoms, the Health Ministry said in a preliminary update.
The remaining 25 imported cases were all placed on a stay-at-home notice or isolated upon arrival in Singapore.
Among the imported cases, seven are Singaporean or permanent residents and six are foreign domestic workers.
More details will be released on Wednesday night, the Health Ministry said.
As of Wednesday, Singapore has reported a total of 58,569 COVID-19 cases, with 29 deaths from the disease.
READ: NCID nurse becomes first person in Singapore to receive COVID-19 vaccine
Singapore began its COVID-19 vaccination exercise on Wednesday, and health workers from the National Center for Infectious Diseases (NCID) were the first to receive the vaccines.
Senior RN Sarah Lim, 46, was the first person in Singapore to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, and more than 30 healthcare workers at NCID will also receive the vaccine.
They are receiving their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine developed by the American pharmaceutical giant Pfizer and the German firm BioNTech. This vaccine requires two injections, 21 days apart. Those who receive the first dose on Wednesday are scheduled to return for their second dose on January 20 of the next year.
Later, the vaccines will be extended to more health institutions.
This will be followed by vaccinations for the elderly, starting with those 70 and older, starting in February. Thereafter, other Singaporeans and long-term residents who are medically eligible for vaccines can do so.
The vaccine will be free to all Singaporeans and long-term residents, including long-term work permit holders.
READ: ‘The COVID-19 vaccine gives me the assurance that I can go home safely with my children’: NCID nurse
Singapore entered Phase 3 of its reopening on Monday. Social gatherings of up to eight people are now allowed in public, compared to the previous five today. Also, homes can receive up to eight visitors.
Worship services are now allowed to hold up to 250 people, and capacity limits have also been increased in public places such as shopping malls and attractions.
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