Daily Briefing: Singapore's PM says tourism and aviation industries are virtually dead; CPF services centre in Bishan temporarily closes

And medtech firm Biolidics acquires lab operator for $3.7m.

From Bloomberg:

Singapore’s battle to fight the coronavirus outbreak is intensifying, whilst industries such as tourism and aviation are virtually dead, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said.

Global supply chains are also affected, hurting the ability for the city-state to get its supplies, and in turn hurting its exports, Lee said in an interview with CNN.

“That’s an impact that’s not going away in a hurry,” Lee said.

The island republic reported its third death on Sunday, but has been seen as an example as a country that has seemed largely successful in containing the outbreak.

“I don’t see this problem going away in a couple of months,” Lee said. It will be “several years” before the virus runs its course, he said.

Read more here. 

From ChannelNewsAsia:

The Central Provident Fund (CPF) Board's Bishan service centre has been temporarily closed for disinfection, the CPF Board said on 30 March.

The board was informed on Sunday night that a CPF member who visited the centre on 23 March 23 at around noon had tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

The centre will be closed for "thorough disinfection" as a precaution, said the CPF Board in a Facebook post.

It will re-open on 1 April.

Members with appointments on 30 March and 31 March will be contacted to re-schedule their appointments.

Read more here.

From DealStreetAsia:

Singapore-listed medical technology company Biolidics Limited announced that it is acquiring laboratory operator Biomedics Laboratory for a consideration of up to $3.7m ($2.6m).

In a statement, Biolidics said it will pay $100,000 upon completion of the acquisition, and the remaining consideration can be deferred for up to 24 months post the deal. Biomedics Laboratory provides clinical diagnostic tests, including genetic tests and other cancer- related diagnostic tests for oncology.

It is also the only laboratory in Asia to be accredited by the College of American Pathologists program for its detection of circulating -tumour -cell (CTC). Biolidics said the CTC detection capability of Biomedics is complementary with its novel patented CTC-based technology.

The company will acquire Biomedics from SAM Laboratory, a subsidiary of Clearbridge Health Limited.

Read more here.