S'pore monitoring rise in Covid-19 cases; no indication variants are more transmissible or severe
In the week of April 27 to May 3, the estimated number of Covid-19 cases stood at 14,200, up from the 11,100 cases in the previous week. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR
S'pore monitoring rise in Covid-19 cases; no indication variants are more transmissible or severe
SINGAPORE - The Singapore authorities are monitoring the recent increase in the number of Covid-19 cases, but there is currently no indication that the variants spreading locally are more transmissible or cause more severe symptoms, compared with previous strains.
In the week of April 27 to May 3, the estimated number of Covid-19 cases stood at 14,200, up from the 11,100 cases in the previous week.
The number of people hospitalised also increased from 102 to 133, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) in a joint statement on May 13.
However, they noted that the average number of cases needing intensive care had decreased from three to two.
'The hospitals are currently able to manage the increase in cases,' the statement said, adding that periodic Covid-19 waves are expected throughout the year, as with any other endemic respiratory diseases.
A disease that is endemic is one that remains permanently in the community, such as dengue or influenza.
While the exact reason for the uptick in cases has yet to be determined, MOH and CDA said it could be due to several factors, including waning immunity in the population.
Currently, the two main Covid-19 variants circulating in Singapore are LF.7 and NB.1.8, which account for more than two-thirds of local cases.
Both variants are descendants of the JN.1 variant, which is being used in the updated Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty, Moderna/Spikevax and Novavax vaccines.
In the statement, the authorities recommended those with increased risk of severe Covid-19 stay updated with the latest vaccinations. They include those aged 60 and above, those who are medically vulnerable, or residents in elder care facilities.
This means they are encouraged to get an additional shot about one year after their last one.
Besides the elderly, healthcare workers and those living with medically vulnerable people should also get another jab if they have not done so.
Meanwhile, anyone aged six months and above can continue to do so voluntarily if they wish to.
The vaccinations are available at Healthier SG general practitioner clinics and polyclinics, said the statement.
In the meantime, the authorities have advised people to take precautionary measures.
As a general rule of thumb, the public should maintain good personal hygiene, including covering one's nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, and minimising social interactions and unnecessary travel when unwell.
Those displaying symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, headache, or a fever, should also wear masks.
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