Singapore authorities are closely monitoring a recent increase in Covid-19 cases, although current evidence suggests the circulating variants are not more transmissible or more severe than previous strains.
Between 27 April and 3 May, an estimated 14,200 Covid-19 cases were reported. This marks an increase from 11,100 cases recorded the week before.
Hospitalisations also rose during this period, increasing from 102 to 133, according to a joint statement issued on 13 May by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA).
Despite the rise in hospital admissions, the number of patients requiring intensive care decreased slightly from three to two, the statement added.
“The hospitals are currently able to manage the increase in cases,” MOH and CDA stated, noting that such periodic Covid-19 waves are expected to occur throughout the year.
This trend aligns with patterns seen in other endemic respiratory diseases.
An endemic disease is one that persists within a population or region, similar to influenza or dengue fever.
In a Facebook post published on the same day, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung reiterated the statement’s key message, writing, “The key thing is that our healthcare system is able to manage the increase in cases.”
Authorities said the reason for the recent uptick remains under investigation. However, one possible factor could be waning immunity among the population.
Currently, the dominant Covid-19 variants in Singapore are LF.7 and NB.1.8. These two variants account for more than two-thirds of locally transmitted cases and are both descendants of the JN.1 variant.
JN.1 is the basis for the updated vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty, Moderna/Spikevax, and Novavax.
MOH and CDA recommended that people at higher risk of severe illness continue to stay updated on vaccinations.
This includes those aged 60 and above, individuals with underlying medical conditions, and residents of eldercare facilities.
These groups are encouraged to receive an additional dose of the Covid-19 vaccine approximately one year after their last shot.
Healthcare workers and individuals living with medically vulnerable people are also advised to receive a booster if they have not yet done so.
Vaccination remains available to anyone aged six months and above who wishes to receive it voluntarily.
Doses can be obtained at Healthier SG general practitioner clinics and polyclinics across the country.
Meanwhile, the public is reminded to adopt basic preventive measures. These include practising good personal hygiene, covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and avoiding social interactions or non-essential travel when feeling unwell.
Those experiencing symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, headache, or fever are advised to wear masks to prevent potential spread.
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