SP Scholars Face the Virus Again – Campus Goes Remote for 14 Days
Singapore Polytechnic (SP) is back in the spotlight after two of its students tested positive for Covid‑19. A teenage cast‑off and a seasoned IT whiz are the latest to claim the virus, prompting the polytechnic to shift all classes online until May 28.
Who’s in the mix?
- 16‑year‑old boy – flagged by the B1617 strain traced back to India.
- 32‑year‑old IT engineer – part‑time learner dealing with the virus while juggling code.
These two cases were unlinked to each other but part of a bigger set of 11 unlinked positives reported yesterday.
Other notable cases in the community
- Student at the National Institute of Education – also a part‑time tutor, test positive.
- Full‑time national serviceman at Sungei Gedong Camp – now at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, fully vaccinated.
- 18‑year‑old from SP’s Media, Arts & Design School – positive last Saturday.
Schools swing into home‑learning mode early
Two more schools, Frontier Primary and Fuchun Primary, were hit by two cases—one teacher and an eight‑year‑old boy. Both schools switched to virtual lessons a full two days ahead of schedule. The teacher’s case remains unlinked; the boy’s case is tied to the Changi Airport cluster, with three other residents linked to that group.
Other linked patients in the week
- Foreign domestic worker, 37 years old
- Housewife, 63 years old
- Certis security officer, 49 years old
That brings the total number of linked cases to 10 for the week, including a retired man aged 62 connected to a cluster at Wok Hey in White Sands Shopping Mall. The cluster now has four confirmed cases.
White Sands warning
Seven patients had visited White Sands between May 2 and May 11 while infectious. The Ministry of Health (MOH) will offer free testing to anyone who was in the mall during that window. They’ll receive an SMS with booking instructions and are urged to watch their health for 14 days after visiting.
Learning Point cluster update
- 7‑year‑old girl at Maha Bodhi School.
- 72‑year‑old retired man
Other clusters
- 34‑year‑old unemployed man – linked to a new Marina Bay Sands casino dealer cluster.
- 36‑year‑old maid – connected to a personal chauffeur who tested positive.
- 57‑year‑old engineer – a family member of the SP IT engineer.
Imported cases and totals
Seven imported positives were placed on a stay‑home notice upon arrival, with two being returning Singaporeans or permanent residents. The overall tally in Singapore has now reached 61,613 cases.
Community waves
The number of new community cases rose from 32 two weeks ago to 149 in the last week, while unlinked community cases surged from 7 to 42 in the same span.
In these unpredictable times, the take‑away is clear: stay vigilant, keep your distance, and when the call to virtual learning hits, make sure your home‑desk is ready for the next 14‑day sprint.
