Singapore is experiencing a significant surge in Covid-19 cases, with the estimated weekly case count nearly doubling from 13,700 to 25,900 between May 5 and 11, according to the Ministry of Health. This sudden rise in cases has prompted health authorities to urge citizens to take precautions and get vaccinated to protect themselves against the virus.
The surge in cases comes as Singapore gradually eases restrictions and reopens its economy, raising concerns about the potential for a resurgence in infections. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung advised the public to wear masks again, citing the escalating trend of cases. The ministry emphasized that they were closely monitoring the progression of this new wave and urged individuals at higher risk of contracting the virus, such as those aged 60 and above, medically vulnerable individuals, and residents of aged care facilities, to receive an additional dose of the Covid-19 vaccine if they had not done so within the past year.
The surge in cases has also led to an increase in hospitalizations, with average daily hospitalizations rising to about 250 from 181 the week before. To manage hospital capacity, public hospitals have been directed to reduce non-urgent elective surgeries and transfer suitable patients to transitional care facilities or home care through the Mobile Inpatient Care@Home program, which allows clinically suitable patients to be treated at home.
The predominant Covid variants globally are still JN.1 and its sub-lineages, including KP.1 and KP.2, which account for over two-thirds of cases in Singapore. As of May 3, the World Health Organization classified KP.2 as a variant under monitoring. There are currently no indications that KP.1 and KP.2 are more transmissible or cause more severe disease than other circulating variants.
Singapore’s health authorities are closely tracking the trajectory of this wave and implementing measures to contain the spread and safeguard the health and well-being of its population. The government has emphasized that while no social restrictions are currently planned, the healthcare system must be prepared for the potential increase in cases.
In light of this surge, it is crucial for citizens to maintain vigilance against the spread of Covid-19. This includes wearing masks in crowded or indoor settings, maintaining social distancing, washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, avoiding touching one’s face, staying home if feeling unwell, and getting vaccinated and keeping up with booster doses as recommended.
Singapore’s experience serves as a reminder of the ongoing nature of the pandemic and the importance of maintaining vigilance against the spread of Covid-19. As the nation navigates this latest wave of infections, the government and health authorities will continue to closely monitor the situation and implement measures to contain the spread and safeguard the health and well-being of its population
