Singapore confirms 1,012 foreign workers hit by coronavirus on Thursday

Battling second-wave of coronavirus infections, Singapore on Thursday reported 1,037 new COVID-19 cases, more than 1,000 of which are foreign workers, including Indian nationals, mostly working in labour-intensive industries and living in packed dormitories.

This is fourth day in a row that Singapore has reported a daily increase of more than 1,000 cases.

Of 1,037 new cases, 1,012 are foreign workers. city-state has recorded a total of 11,178 coronavirus infections since dely disease broke out here earlier this year. Twelve people have died of COVID-19 related illness. As of April 19, more than 1,600 Indian nationals in Singapore have been diagsed with COVID-19, reported Straits Times on Thursday.

Health Ministry has stopped releasing individual case details, including nationality, after Sunday last, according to daily. Indians make up second-largest group -- in terms of nationality -- of coronavirus patients in Singapore. Bangleshis are largest national group with more than 2,900 patients. Singaporeans are third on list with over 1,100 patients.

A total of 982 of Thursday's cases were linked to work permit holders residing in dormitories while ar 30 were linked to work permit holders staying outside of dormitories.

" main increase today continues to be for work permit holders residing in dormitories, where we are picking up many more cases because of extensive testing,” said Health Ministry.

"Most of se cases have a mild illness and are being monitored in community isolation facilities or general ward of our hospitals. ne of m are in intensive care unit," it said.

Twenty-two of new cases are Singaporeans (citizens) or permanent residents (foreigners), and three are work pass holders or foreigners working here. Twenty-six coronavirus patients are in critical condition in intensive care unit as of Thursday update.

Ministry clarified that as per care protocols based on understanding of disease, it has re-categorised confirmed cases to more accurately reflect where confirmed cases are being cared for. re are currently 1,368 confirmed cases who are still in hospital, most of which are stable or improving.

It said 8,874 are isolated and cared for at community facilities. se are those who have mild symptoms or are clinically well but still test positive for COVID-19. Twelve people have passed away from complications due to COVID-19 infection.

In all, 924 have fully recovered from infection and have been discharged from hospitals or community isolation facilities, including 36 people on Thursday.