Singapore sees rise in Covid cases; issues travel advisory

Amidst the unexpected surge in coronavirus cases, particularly linked to the country’s sub-lineage of BA.2.86 – JN.1, the Singapore Health Ministry has released a new alert for visitors and residents of the island nation. Travelers from India are also subject to the advisory.

The ministry estimated that there were about 56,043 COVID cases during the week of December 3–9, 2023, up from 32,035 cases the week before, according to the report.

There is still no conclusive evidence that either JN.1 or BA.2.86 are more transmissible, despite the Singaporean government’s skepticism regarding the JN.1 variant’s role in the increase in cases. There isn’t even much information on whether JN.1 causes more severe disease than other circulating variants.

The health ministry of the island nation reported that, on average, 350 hospitalizations due to the coronavirus occurred every day, up from 225 hospitalizations a week earlier.

In order to combat the illness, the health ministry is working with public hospitals to guarantee staffing levels and postponing non-urgent elective surgeries.

Using step-down facilities like Transitional Care Facilities and alternative care models like Mobile Inpatient Care, as well as making beds available for urgent cases that need immediate medical attention, are all being considered.

In addition, the health ministry announced that over 80 stable COVID-19 patients who do not require intensive hospital care would be served by a new COVID-19 Treatment Facility (CTF) that will open at Singapore EXPO Hall 10.

The health ministry asked its residents to stay at home and refrain from socializing with others if they were suffering from acute respiratory infection (ARI) symptoms.

They should wear masks, limit their social interactions, and avoid crowded areas, according to the advisory, if the interaction cannot be avoided.

Additionally, the Ministry of Health (MOH) stresses how crucial it is to wear masks in crowded places.

The ministry recommended travelers to take preventive measures, including buying travel insurance, donning masks at airports, and staying away from crowded areas with poor ventilation.