Singapore's COVID Cases Surge: What's Behind the Increase?

Singapore’s COVID-19 cases rose to 12,700 between 10-16 May, up from 8,000 the previous week, according to the Disease Control and Prevention Agency (CDA). The agency predicts this increase will continue throughout the year.

Citing The Straits Times, the CDA added that daily hospital admissions for COVID-19 rose from an average of 56 to 73 during the same period, with one case in intensive care on average each day.

The CDA confirmed that locally circulating variants show no signs of increased transmissibility or severity. The current variant in circulation is NB.1.8.1, a subvariant of JN.1, which has driven over half of Singapore’s transmission cases.

What is causing the surge in infections?

The CDA stated that periodic spikes in COVID-19 cases are expected as respiratory illnesses become endemic.

‘Like other endemic respiratory diseases, periodic waves of COVID-19 are anticipated throughout the year,’ the agency said, citing Straits Times.

‘Case increases can result from various factors, including waning population immunity,’ the CDA noted.

Therefore, the agency urged residents to update their COVID-19 vaccinations, especially vulnerable groups such as those aged 60 and above and medically vulnerable individuals aged six months and older.

To stay safe, the public should continue preventive measures:

• Regular handwashing

• Covering nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing

• Wearing a mask if experiencing symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, or fever

• Reducing social interactions and non-essential travel when unwell.