Singapore reports 257 new coronavirus cases among foreigners

By Gurdip Singh

Singapore, Jun 18 () Singapore on Thursday confirmed 257 new COVID-19 infections among foreign workers, taking the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 41,473.

The new patients include four community cases, including one permanent resident (foreigner), the health ministry said.

The other three are foreigners on work passes. The rest 253 cases are also foreign workers living in dormitories.

The total coronavirus cases in Singapore now stands at 41,473.

As of Wednesday, Singapore had 9,252 active COVID-19 cases. The virus has claimed 26 lives so far in the country, the ministry said.

The government on Wednesday said that Singaporeans and permanent residents who had gone out of the country before an advisory against travelling abroad was issued on March 27 will not have to pay for the COVID-19 tests on their return.

However, the waiver will be applicable only if they come back by August 31, the health ministry said.

Those who left the country after March 27 will have to pay for their COVID-19 tests, which costs up to SGD 200.

They would also need to pay for staying in dedicated facilities if they are serving their stay-home notices there. This applies to all Singaporeans, permanent residents and foreigners.

The ministry also clarified that it will not automatically swab those who are aged 12 or younger before they end their stay-home notices unless their close contacts test positive for the virus. GS SCY SCY