S’pore athletes unaffected by virus in Glasgow

SINGAPORE — Athletes and other members of Singapore’s delegation to the Commonwealth Games have not been affected by the norovirus outbreak that had hit the Games Village.

In recent days, there were around 53 reported cases of the bug, which causes vomitting and diarrhoea, although various media reports say the problem is being dealt with.

TODAY understands that none of the Singapore delegation who are already in Glasgow have showed any symptoms of the gastro-intestinal bug, which most people should manage to overcome after about 24 hours.

But as a precaution, all have been advised to practise hygienic methods, including regular washing of hands.

Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond had confirmed that a temporary toilet was the source of the outbreak, which had affected mainly workforce staff at the Games Village. The Games’ chief executive David Grevemberg was quoted as saying by the Herald Scotland yesterday that the problem was “being sorted”.

Singapore will be represented by 70 athletes competing in seven sports including athletics, badminton, shooting, swimming and table tennis, at the Games, which start with the opening ceremony at Celtic Park tomorrow, and will go on until Aug 3.

The Commonwealth Games is one of the biggest events held in Scotland, featuring 261 events across 17 sports, and about 4,900 athletes from 71 nations. An estimated 90 million pounds was reportedly spent on security alone, with 2,000 military personnel roped in for the two-week meet involving 71 nations. AGENCIES, ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY DANIAL HAKIM