SINGAPORE, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Singapore recorded 18,593 new cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, bringing the total tally to 661,198, according to statistics released by the Ministry of Health.
Of the new cases, 1,992 cases were detected through PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests and 16,601 through ARTs (antigen rapid tests), according to the health ministry.
Among the PCR cases, 1,915 were local transmissions and 77 were imported cases. Among the ART cases with mild symptoms and assessed to be of low risk, there were 16,519 local transmissions and 82 imported cases.
A total of 1,615 cases are currently warded in hospitals, with 44 cases in intensive care units.
Twelve more patients have died from complications due to COVID-19 infection, bringing the death toll to 975, the ministry said.
The ministry said on Thursday that the previously announced changes to existing COVID-19 safe management measures will be postponed, with a new date for implementation to be announced shortly. This is due to the current surge in daily cases and the extensive work involved in going through the detailed rules across different settings. ■
