Singapore’s COVID-19 cases have increased recently, with health authorities keeping a watchful eye on the situation.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) reported that the estimated number of COVID-19 cases rose to 14,200 in the week of 27 Apr to 3 May, up from 11,100 cases in the previous week.
During this period, average daily COVID-19 hospitalizations increased from 102 to 133 cases, while average daily intensive care unit cases decreased from three to two.
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Singapore’s hospitals can currently handle the increase in cases, according to the health authorities.
Main COVID-19 Variants and Hospital Situation in Singapore
The predominant COVID-19 variants currently circulating in Singapore are LF.7 and NB.1.8, which account for more than two-thirds of locally sequenced cases.
Both variants come from the JN.1 variant family, which is also used in the formulation of the current COVID-19 vaccine.
“There is no indication that the variants circulating locally are more transmissible or cause more severe disease compared to previously circulating variants,” MOH and CDA stated in their 13 May media release.
Doctors noted that most patients show mild symptoms and recover quickly.
“For most of the patients… (the symptoms) still behave rather like a common flu, and most of the patients recover quite fast,” said Dr Lim Kim Show, medical director of Life Family Clinic.
The National Centre for Infectious Diseases’ executive director, Dr Shawn Vasoo, pointed out that patients admitted to hospitals tend to be older, often have multiple medical problems, and are more vulnerable.
Vaccination Rates Drop as Public Advised on Precautionary Measures
Medical professionals cited weaker immunity as a key reason behind the rise in cases, noting a drop in booster vaccine uptake.
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Dr Lim said a majority of COVID-19 patients he has seen at his Clementi West clinic have not been vaccinated in the past one to two years.
“With the drop in the immunity… that may account for higher vulnerability to new (strains)… especially those with higher risks,” he added.
Fewer people are testing themselves for the disease, according to healthcare practitioners.
Dr Chua Guan Kiat, director of Chua Medical Clinic and Surgery, said patients who tested positive for COVID-19 at his clinic were surprised, saying they “thought the pandemic was over.”
Health authorities recommend people at increased risk of severe COVID-19 keep updated with vaccinations by receiving an additional dose about one year after their last dose.
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This includes individuals aged 60 and above, medically vulnerable individuals, and residents of aged care facilities.
Healthcare workers and people living or working with medically vulnerable individuals are also encouraged to receive the vaccine.
Precautionary Measures
The public is advised to practice precautionary measures, including frequent handwashing and covering one’s nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
MOH and CDA also recommended minimizing social interactions and unnecessary travel when unwell.
Wearing masks in crowded areas or when displaying symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, headache, and/or fever was also advised.
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As with other endemic respiratory diseases, periodic COVID-19 waves are expected throughout the year, according to health authorities.
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