jfid – Singapore has experienced a significant surge in Covid-19 cases in the past few weeks. On Friday (12/3/2023), the country reported 9,015 new cases, up from 4,623 cases the day before. The total number of Covid-19 cases in Singapore has now reached 247,534, with 1,057 deaths.
What is causing the surge in Covid-19 cases in Singapore? According to the Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH), one major factor is the emergence of a new sub-variant of the Omicron variant, called XBB or BA.2.10.
This sub-variant was first detected in India in August 2022 and has now spread to several other countries, including Australia, Bangladesh, Denmark, Japan, and the United States.
The MOH stated that the XBB sub-variant is more transmissible than other Omicron variants, contributing to 54 percent of local cases during the week of October 3-9. This is an increase from the previous week when XBB cases accounted for 22 percent of local Covid-19 cases.
The previously dominant sub-variant, BA.5, is now estimated to contribute to 21 percent of local cases, while another sub-variant, BA.2.75, is estimated to contribute to 24 percent of cases.
The MOH also mentioned evidence suggesting that XBB may lead to an increase in reinfections, as around 17 percent of total cases last month were reinfections.
This indicates that immunity from previous infection or vaccination may not be sufficient to protect against this new sub-variant.
However, the MOH emphasized that the XBB sub-variant does not cause more severe illness than other Omicron variants. Most Covid-19 cases in Singapore are mild or asymptomatic, with only about 1 percent requiring intensive care.
The MOH also stated that Covid-19 vaccines remain effective in preventing severe illness and death, although they may be less effective in preventing infection.
Symptoms of the XBB sub-variant are similar to general Covid-19 symptoms, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
The MOH urged the public to remain vigilant and adhere to health protocols, including wearing masks, maintaining distance, washing hands, and avoiding crowds.
The MOH also encouraged people to get Covid-19 vaccinations, especially third doses or boosters, to enhance their immunity.
Singapore is one of the countries with the highest Covid-19 vaccination rates globally, with over 85 percent of its population having received two vaccine doses.
However, the country faces challenges in controlling virus spread due to its dense population, high mobility, and close connections with other countries.
Singapore has implemented various social and economic restrictions to address the surge in Covid-19 cases, such as reducing the capacity of public places, closing nightlife establishments, and requiring Covid-19 testing for specific sector workers.
According to Singapore’s Health Minister, Ong Ye Kung, Covid-19 cases in Singapore have started to decline slowly and have already passed their peak. He stated that the country will continue to adapt to the pandemic situation and hopes to reach a new, more normal phase in the coming months.
