Singapore has confirmed 82 new cases of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus yesterday.

This brings the total tally of cases to 783. Investigations are on-going for the 97 new cases. Of the 57 cases investigated yesterday, there were 41 local cases and 16 imported cases.

To date, 300 patients have fully recovered and the rest are recuperating.

The republic is now in the process of moving from containment to mitigation, with more local transmission cases occurring.

In this transmission period, hospitals have used their clinical discretion to selectively test patients for Influenza A (H1N1-2009) only when required for clinical management (e.g. severely ill patients) and/or in situations where it will be of significant public health importance. Cases that are assessed to be very mild cases are not hospitalised but placed on home quarantine orders.

According to the Ministry of Health, laboratory testing is not necessary before treatment commences. Thus, GPs do not need to send all suspected cases to hospitals for testing.

Pandemic Preparedness Clinics (PPCs) and polyclinics been geared up to ensure that they are H1N1 ready through additional training in infection control measures, supply of PPE and Tamiflu. However, hospitals will increasingly focus on managing more complex cases.

Singaporeans are advised to carry on with their usual activities whilst observing good personal hygiene at all times. If unwell, they should see a doctor, stay away from work, school or crowded places, and rest at home.

Those planning to travel are encouraged to take the necessary precautions when travelling.