In a recent statement on December 2, the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Singapore sounded an alarm as the number of Covid-19 cases doubled, reaching 22,094 from 10,726 in just one week, spanning from November 19 to 25, 2023. Despite this surge, MOH assures the public that average daily hospitalizations and ICU cases have remained stable.
Understanding the Subvariants Landscape
The majority of local cases, around 70%, are attributed to the EG.5 and its sub-lineage HK.3 predominant subvariants, as of November 23. MOH explains that this spike can be linked to the year-end traveling season and the decreasing population immunity. It’s crucial to note that this surge is not indicative of increased transmissibility or severity of the subvariants compared to other circulating variants.
Factors Contributing to the Surge
Year-end travel season, coupled with waning population immunity, has been identified as major contributors to the sudden increase. While respiratory illnesses are on the rise globally, MOH reassures that overall cases in Singapore have remained stable.
Clarifications from MOH
MOH takes a moment to clarify that there’s no evidence suggesting the new subvariants are more transmissible or cause more severe diseases compared to other circulating variants. This clarification is essential to curb misinformation and unnecessary panic.
Vaccination Recommendations
As a precautionary measure, MOH advises the public to keep up with Covid-19 vaccinations. Additionally, an extra dose, recommended around one year after the last vaccine, is encouraged for individuals aged 60 and above, medically vulnerable persons, residents of aged care facilities, and individuals aged six months and above, particularly healthcare workers and caregivers.
Global Perspective: Respiratory Illnesses on the Rise
In light of the surge, MOH draws attention to the increase in respiratory illnesses among children and adolescents in China. The World Health Organisation (WHO) notes that these circulating respiratory pathogens, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and adenovirus, are not unusual.
Stay Updated with Vaccinations
To navigate these challenging times, MOH emphasizes the importance of staying updated with vaccinations. The public is encouraged to be vigilant, particularly those falling under the recommended groups for additional doses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the surge in Covid-19 cases is concerning, MOH’s proactive measures and clarifications provide a sense of direction. Vigilance, adherence to vaccination guidelines, and staying informed are key to collectively overcoming this challenging period.