Singapore has shifted home-based learning for school children up to May 28. The city-state observed new infections after months of near-zero cases.
Singapore Announces Home-based Learning till May 28
Singapore government has decided to close schools and junior starting Wednesday till May 28. The COVID-19 variant first detected in India is affecting children more. Henceforth, the city-state has decided to restart the home-based learning method. Singapore has witnessed a recent rise in local transmission after near-zero cases for months. The government has tightened several restrictions. All primary, secondary, and junior colleges will have virtual classes until May 28.
COVID-19 in Singapore City-State
Singapore confirmed 38 new infections on Sunday. This was the highest daily count in eight months. Most of them were children related to a group at a tuition center. Hence, it is concluded that the new virus strain is affecting children. Singapore has successfully handled the Covid scenario since the pandemic started. Its vaccination drive is also progressing at a great pace. The country has approved Pfizer and Moderna for vaccination against COVID-19. So far, 22.8% of Singapore’s total population is vaccinated.
New Virus Mutant Affecting Children More
Health Minster Ong Ye Kung gave his opinions on the B.1.617 strain at a conference. Speaking to the director of medical services, Kenneth Mak, he said that the mutant is affecting children more. The strain was first spotted in India. Children are more vulnerable to this new strain. It is more contagious than any other existing mutant. Hence, schools in Singapore are adjourned for a few days. The children who were infected got seriously ill. Moreover, the government is also finding ways to vaccinate children under 16.
Severe Restrictions Imposed
Taiwan has also shut down its schools till May 28. Taiwan’s capital Taipei is currently under partial lockdown. The country managed its COVID-19 situation very well last year. However, on Monday Taiwan recorded 333 local cases. It brought the total tally to 2000. Singapore has also imposed various strict restrictions. The government has banned dine-ins. Public gatherings limited to two people. Besides that, the gyms are also shut down. Non-passengers refrained from entering the airport. So far, Singapore has recorded 61,000 infections and 31 deaths.
