
Singapore is facing a new wave of COVID-19, with authorities recording over 25,900 cases from May 5 to 11. Amidst the rapid rise in cases, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung issued a public advisory on Saturday, recommending the public to wear masks again.
The number of cases is increasing rapidly week-on-week. According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), the estimated number of coronavirus infections in a week rose to over 25,900, about a 90 percent spike from the 13,700 cases in the previous week.
The MOH report indicated that the average COVID-19 hospitalization rate increased to about 250 from 181 the week before, as reported by PTI. The average daily count of patients in intensive care units (ICUs) remained low at three, compared to the previous two weeks. However, the ministry is closely monitoring the wave.
In response to the situation, the health ministry has advised people to reduce non-urgent elective surgeries to protect hospital bed capacity. It also recommended moving suitable patients to transitional care facilities or back home through the Mobile Inpatient Care@Home program. This model offers clinically suitable patients the option of being hospitalized in their own homes instead of a hospital ward.
Additionally, the ministry urged people with mild symptoms or no medical vulnerabilities to avoid seeking treatment at a hospital’s Emergency Department. The elderly population and medically vulnerable individuals have been encouraged to receive an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if they have not taken it in the last 12 months.
Ong warned that if cases double again, Singapore would have 500 patients in the healthcare system, which is manageable. However, if cases double a second time to reach 1,000 patients, it may significantly burden the healthcare system, equating to almost one regional hospital’s capacity.
While no social limitations are currently planned, Ong emphasized the need for the healthcare system to be prepared for a potential rise in cases.