Singapore is facing a surge in COVID-19 cases, with over 25,900 recorded from May 5 to 11, almost double compared to the previous week. The government has advised everyone to wear masks again to stay safe, as reported by news agency PTI.
The number of COVID-19 infections spiked to 25,900 from May 5 to 11, marking a 90% increase compared to the previous week’s 13,700 cases, according to the Ministry of Health (MOH).
Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have also risen, with an average of about 250 daily admissions, up from 181 the week before, as stated by the MOH.
Singapore’s Covid-19 Cases Surge
Singapore is experiencing a surge in Covid-19 cases, with over 25,900 recorded from May 5 to 11. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung has advised the public to wear masks again. According to him, we’re in the early stages of this wave, which is steadily growing.
He predicts the peak to occur in the next two to four weeks, around mid- to end of June, as reported by The Straits Times. The Ministry of Health reported a significant increase in cases, jumping from 13,700 to 25,900 in just one week.
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COVID-19 Hospitalizations Rise
The number of people hospitalized with Covid-19 increased to around 250 per day, up from 181 the previous week. Meanwhile, the average daily cases in intensive care units (ICUs) remained low at three cases, compared to two cases last week.
To ensure enough space in hospitals, public hospitals are reducing non-urgent surgeries and moving suitable patients to transitional care facilities or their homes using Mobile Inpatient Care@Home, a model where patients can receive hospital-level care at home.
Ong advised individuals at high risk of severe illness, such as those aged 60 and above, medically vulnerable people, and residents of aged care facilities, to get an additional dose of the Covid-19 vaccine if they haven’t already in the past year.
Singapore’s Covid-19 Preparedness
Ong warned that if Covid-19 cases double once, Singapore’s healthcare system can handle up to 500 patients. However, if cases double again, it could reach 1,000 patients, putting significant strain on hospitals.
He noted that 1,000 patients is like filling up a regional hospital, so the healthcare system needs to prepare for this challenge.
Currently, there are no plans for social restrictions or mandatory measurez, as Covid-19 is now considered endemic. Ong emphasized that imposing such measures would be a last resort.
Given Singapore’s role as a transportation and communication hub, it’s likely to experience Covid-19 outbreaks earlier than other cities. Ong stressed that Covid-19 is something people will have to live with, expecting one or two waves every year.
Globally, the dominant Covid-19 variants remain JN.1 and its sub-lineages, including KP.1 and KP.2. KP.1 and KP.2 now make up over two-thirds of cases in Singapore.
As of May 3, the World Health Organization has classified KP.2 as a variant under monitoring. There’s currently no evidence suggesting that KP.1 and KP.2 are more transmissible or severe compared to other variants, according to the Ministry of Health.
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Singapore’s Covid-19 Cases Surge FAQs
Q.1. What caused the surge in Covid-19 cases in Singapore?
Ans. The surge in cases is attributed to a significant increase in infections, nearly doubling within a week from May 5 to 11.
Q.2. What measures is Singapore taking to handle the surge?
Ans. Singapore is advising mask-wearing and considering additional vaccine doses for high-risk individuals.
Q.3. How is Singapore managing hospitalizations amid the surge?
Ans. Hospitals are reducing non-urgent surgeries and utilizing home care models to free up space for Covid-19 patients.
Q.4. What is the government’s stance on social restrictions?
Ans. Currently, there are no plans for imposing social restrictions, as Covid-19 is considered endemic in Singapore.
Q.5. Which Covid-19 variants are dominant in Singapore?
Ans. The dominant variants include JN.1 and its sub-lineages, particularly KP.1 and KP.2, making up over two-thirds of cases.
