Even as Singapore reported 1,178 new local COVID-19 infections today, the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced strict new measures for hospitals to follow.
At least 1,038 of the cases were reported among the community, 135 in the migrant worker dormitories, while five are imported cases, according to the ministry.
There were also three fatalities, bringing Singapore's death toll to 65.
One – a 74-year-old man – died on Sunday. He was admitted to Tan Tock Seng Hospital on August 31 for an unrelated medical condition and tested negative for COVID-19 upon admission. The other two – a 62-year-old woman and an 83-year-old man – died on Monday.
More COVID-19 cases have been detected amongst hospital staff, patients, and visitors. The detection of these cases had led to ward closures and staff quarantine which had impacted some hospitals, putting a strain on hospital bed capacity and staffing.
To safeguard hospital capacity, the MOH will introduce tightened measures at all public, community and private hospitals from September 24, 2021, an official statement read.
There were 1,109 patients warded in hospital, most of whom were well and under observation, said MOH.
Of these, 147 cases of serious illness required oxygen supplementation, and 17 were in critical condition in the intensive care unit (ICU).
Among those who fell very ill were 135 seniors above the age of 60.
Over the last 28 days, 97.9 per cent of the local cases were asymptomatic or had mild symptoms.
There were 246 cases who needed oxygen supplementation and 23 had been in the ICU. Of these, 54.3 per cent were fully vaccinated and 45.7 per cent were either partially vaccinated or unvaccinated.