Singapore's popular mall - Ion Orchard to shut due to Covid-19; only nine cases reported on Friday (June 11)

Epidemiological investigations indicate ongoing transmission within the mall. - The Straits Times/ANN

SINGAPORE, June 11 (The Straits Times/ANN): Ion Orchard will be shut for four days from Saturday (June 12) for cleaning and disinfecting works, after the Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed a number of Covid-19 cases linked to the shopping mall.

It is the first mall in the popular Orchard Road shopping belt to do so amid the pandemic.

Epidemiological investigations indicate ongoing transmission within the mall, the mall's management said on Friday (June 11) in a notice to tenants.

Ion Orchard, after consulting with MOH, will be closed from 7am on Saturday till 7am on Wednesday (June 16) as a precautionary measure.

There were nine new coronavirus cases confirmed as at noon on Friday (June 11), including three in the community, said the Ministry of Health.

All three community cases are currently unlinked. No cases were reported in workers' dormitories.

There were also six imported cases that had been placed on stay-home notice or isolated on arrival in Singapore, said the ministry. Among them are five Singaporeans or permanent residents.

The new cases take Singapore's total tally to 62, 245.

As at Thursday night, 150 patients remain hospitalised, including one in critical condition in the intensive care unit, while 287 are recovering in community facilities.

Meanwhile, the mall and its tenants are required to undergo cleansing and disinfection, which will be done within the period of closure, said the notice.

"In view of the urgency, Ion Orchard has arranged for deep cleaning of your shops on your behalf and will be at your cost," it said.

All staff and tenants, including contractors and vendors who worked at the mall from May 28 till June 11, will need to undergo a mandatory swab test.

A nominal roll with information of all tenants, staff and contractors working at the mall during this period is prepared to aid the Health Promotion Board in the planning and running of the swab operations.

Tenants have to vacate Ion Orchard by Friday, as no entries into the mall are allowed from Saturday, 7am onwards. - The Straits Times/ANN