Singapore is experiencing a resurgence in Covid-19 cases, prompting Health Minister Ong Ye Kung to recommend the wearing of masks again. The surge in cases has led to concerns about hospital bed capacity, with projections indicating a peak in the next two to four weeks.
From May 5 to 11, Singapore recorded over 25,900 Covid-19 cases, compared to 13,700 cases the previous week. Hospitalizations have increased, with an average of about 250 daily admissions, up from 181 the week before. Despite this, intensive care unit (ICU) cases remain relatively low.
To manage the situation, public hospitals are reducing non-urgent elective surgeries and transferring suitable patients to transitional care facilities or Mobile Inpatient Care@Home.
Ong urged those at greatest risk of severe disease to receive an additional dose of the Covid-19 vaccine if they haven't done so in the last 12 months. He emphasized the need to prepare the healthcare system for a potential influx of patients, stating that Singapore can handle up to 500 patients but would face significant challenges with 1,000 patients.
While no social restrictions are planned at present, Singapore treats Covid-19 as an endemic disease. Ong stressed that imposing additional measures would be a last resort.
Given Singapore's status as a global transport hub, Ong noted that the country may experience waves of Covid-19 earlier than others. He emphasized the importance of vaccination and staying updated with vaccinations to protect against current and emerging virus strains.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) highlighted that the predominant Covid-19 variants in Singapore are JN.1 and its sub-lineages, including KP.1 and KP.2. While these variants account for over two-thirds of cases, there's no evidence suggesting they are more transmissible or cause more severe disease than other circulating variants.
The MOH reassured the public about the safety and effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccines, emphasizing that adverse effects are typically observed shortly after vaccination. They stressed that vaccines have consistently been proven safe and effective in protecting against severe illness.
