Singapore witnessed a surge in COVID-19 infections and hospitalisation between Nov 26 to Dec 2, a statement from the Ministry of Health (MOH) said on Friday (December 8, 2023).
As per the ministry, 32,035 cases were registered as compared to 22,094 cases the week prior.
“The average daily COVID-19 hospitalisations rose to 225 from 136 the week before, and the average daily Intensive Care Unit (ICU) cases increased to four cases compared to one case in the previous week,” the official statement read.
However, the government said that there is no evidence that “the variants circulating locally are more transmissible or cause more severe disease”.
Possible causes, precautions
It also pointed out a few factors that could have played a role in the increase of cases. Waning population immunity, increased travel and interactions due to the festive season are the likely reasons behind the rise of COVID-19 infections.
The MOH has also listed a few precautionary measures to safeguard the citizens from coronavirus.
Maintaining a good personal hygiene, pertaining to the frequent washing of hands, still remains a key. Usage of masks is the other vital precaution one should abide by.
Vaccination
“Everyone is advised to keep up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations. This includes an additional dose around one year after their last vaccine dose for those aged 60 years and above, medically vulnerable persons, and residents of aged care facilities. Beyond this group, all individuals aged six months and above are also encouraged to receive the additional dose, particularly for healthcare workers and household members/ caregivers of medically vulnerable individuals,” the statement read.
“The updated COVID-19 monovalent Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty and Moderna/Spikevax vaccines have been available at our Joint Testing and Vaccination Centres, participating Public Health Preparedness Clinics and selected polyclinics since November 2023, and continue to be free,” it added.
Please refer to https://gowhere.gov.sg/vaccine for the nearest vaccination site and the types of vaccines offered at each site.
