SINGAPORE, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's health authority confirmed 47 new COVID-19 cases here Saturday, bringing the total number of infected cases in the country to 432.
This is the highest number of cases reported in a day, and the same number of cases was reported on March 18.
The 47 new cases include 39 imported cases who had travel history to Australia, the Europe, North America and other parts of Asia, and eight local cases, said the Ministry of Health.
Of the 39 imported cases, 33 were returning local residents and long-term pass holders, while six were short term visitors. Of the local eight cases, two are linked to previous cases while six are currently unlinked.
Singapore reported earlier on Saturday first two COVID-19 deaths involving a female Singaporean and a male Indonesian national.
Nine more patients have been discharged from hospital, bringing the total number of fully recovered cases to 140. Of those who are still hospitalized, 14 are in critical condition in the intensive care unit.
In another development, Singapore's Ministry of Manpower (MOM) announced Saturday that it has revoked the work passes of 89 work pass holders for breaching entry approval and Stay-Home Notice (SHN) requirements the government imposed during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The workers have been permanently banned from working in Singapore, MOM said in a press release.
MOM reminded all employers and employees that entry approvals and SHN are now required for work pass holders entering Singapore from anywhere in the world. Upon the employee's arrival in Singapore, they will be required to serve a mandatory 14-day SHN, which means a self-isolation at home or hotel for 14 days.
