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SINGAPORE: Singapore reported 24 new cases of COVID-19 as of noon on Thursday (December 17), the Ministry of Health (MINSA) said in its preliminary update.
It is the highest daily number of COVID-19 cases since September 29, when 27 new infections were reported.
All new cases were imported and placed on notice of admission or isolated upon arrival in Singapore. Thirteen of the cases are people returning from Singapore or permanent residents, the Health Ministry added.
No new infections were found in the community or in the dormitories of foreign workers.
More details about the new cases will be released tonight, the Health Ministry said.
NEW SCHEME TO ASSIST LOW AND MIDDLE INCOME WORKERS
A new plan will be launched in January to assist Singaporeans and permanent residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) said on Wednesday.
The COVID-19 Recovery Grant will target low- to middle-income workers and the self-employed.
READ: New COVID-19 Grant Launched to Help Low to Middle Income Workers
MSF said that there are “people who continue to be significantly affected by the loss of employment or income” despite previous budget relief measures and various initiatives by the National Employment Council.
“Therefore, the government has decided to provide specific support to help these people while they actively seek new work or training opportunities,” the ministry said.
Under the plan, eligible Singaporeans and permanent residents aged 21 and over will receive up to S $ 700 per month for three months.
This will be for employees who have been laid off or terminated their contract, or are on unpaid leave for at least three consecutive months.
READ: Private rental car and taxi drivers to get additional COVID-19 support of S $ 133 million starting in January
Those who face a wage loss of at least 50 percent on average for at least three consecutive months will receive up to S $ 500 for three months.
Self-employed persons who face an average loss of net business income of at least 50 percent over a period of at least three consecutive months, compared to their average monthly net business income in 2019 or 2020, will also be eligible to receive up to S $ 500 for three months.
Job loss, involuntary leave without pay, or loss of income should have occurred after January 23 this year, when the first case of COVID-19 was detected in Singapore, and must still be present at the point of application .
Applications for the grant will be open from January 18 to December 31 of next year.
Singapore has reported a total of 58,377 as of Thursday.
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