SINGAPORE – Authorities in Singapore are closely monitoring a recent rise in Covid-19 cases, which has seen an increase from 11,100 cases in the previous week to approximately 14,200 cases between April 27 and May 3. Despite this uptick, officials have stated that there is currently no evidence suggesting that the circulating variants are either more transmissible or lead to more severe illness compared to earlier strains.
In a joint statement released on May 13 by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA), it was reported that hospitalizations have also risen, with the number of patients admitted increasing from 102 to 133. However, the average number of cases requiring intensive care has decreased from three to two, indicating that hospitals are managing the situation effectively.
The statement emphasized that periodic waves of Covid-19 are anticipated throughout the year, similar to other endemic respiratory diseases. An endemic disease is one that remains consistently present within a community, akin to dengue fever or influenza.
While the precise cause of the recent surge in cases remains unclear, MOH and CDA have suggested that it may be linked to factors such as waning immunity within the population. Currently, the two primary variants identified in Singapore are LF.7 and NB.1.8, which together account for over two-thirds of local infections. Both variants are descendants of the JN.1 variant, which is included in the updated vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty, Moderna/Spikevax, and Novavax.
Authorities have urged individuals at higher risk of severe Covid-19, including those aged 60 and above, medically vulnerable individuals, and residents of elder care facilities, to stay current with their vaccinations. This group is encouraged to receive an additional vaccine dose approximately one year after their last shot. Healthcare workers and those living with vulnerable individuals are also advised to get vaccinated if they have not already done so.
For the general public, vaccinations remain available for anyone aged six months and older who wishes to receive them voluntarily. These vaccines can be accessed at Healthier SG general practitioner clinics and polyclinics.
In light of the rising cases, officials have recommended that the public adhere to precautionary measures. This includes maintaining good personal hygiene, such as covering one’s mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and minimizing social interactions and unnecessary travel when feeling unwell. Individuals exhibiting symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, headache, or fever are advised to wear masks to protect others.
As the situation evolves, the authorities continue to monitor the Covid-19 landscape closely and will provide updates as necessary.