447 new COVID-19 cases in Singapore, majority are foreign workers staying in dormitories

Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed an additional 447 cases of COVID-19 infection in Singapore on April 15, the largest new single-day so far.

There were zero imported cases for the fifth consecutive day, MOH said in a press statement. 

404 out of 447 of the new COVID-19 cases reported on April 15 are work permit holders residing in dormitories. Photo courtesy: Facebook/Lawrence Wong
404 out of 447 of the new COVID-19 cases reported on April 15 are work permit holders residing in dormitories. Photo courtesy: Facebook/Lawrence Wong

Of the new cases, 38 were local cases in the community. The number of new cases in the community has remained stable, with an average of 36 cases per day for the past two weeks. 

Five of the patients are Work Permit holders residing outside dormitories. 404 cases are Work Permit holders residing in dormitories.

MOH noted in its press statement that the number of new cases among Work Permit holders has increased significantly – from an average of 48 cases per day in the week before, to 260 cases per day in the past week.

This is especially so given ongoing efforts to undertake more active testing of the workers, MOH said. The vast majority of these cases are residing in dormitories.