Masks back again? New Covid-19 wave surges in Singapore; health department issues advisory

New Covid-19 wave in Singapore | Singapore is experiencing a new surge in COVID-19 cases, with authorities reporting over 25,900 cases from May 5 to 11, nearly doubling the numbers week-on-week. 

As per the health reports, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said that the estimated number of COVID-19 infections in the week of May 5 to 11 rose to 25,900 – a 90% increase compared with the 13,700 cases in the previous week

The average daily COVID-19 hospitalisations have increased to approximately 250, up from 181 the previous week. 

Intensive care unit (ICU) cases have remained low, with an average of three cases daily, compared to two the week before. 

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said, “We are at the beginning part of the wave where it is steadily rising,” said Ong. “So, I would say the wave should peak in the next two to four weeks, which means between mid- and end of June.”

“MOH is closely tracking the trajectory of this wave,” the ministry said. 

Covid-19 in Singapore: Health dept issues advisory 

• People with mild symptoms or no medical vulnerabilities to avoid seeking treatment at hospital emergency departments
• Elderly individuals, medically vulnerable persons, and residents of aged care facilities advised to receive an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose if they haven’t done so in the past 12 months. 

• Urges the healthcare system to manage if the number of COVID-19 cases doubles in Singapore 
• Members of the public are urged to stay updated with vaccinations to protect themselves against current and emerging virus strains. 

Globally, the dominant COVID-19 variants are JN.1 and its sub-lineages, such as KP.1 and KP.2, which account for over two-thirds of the cases in Singapore.