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Schools in Singapore may implement mask-wearing measures if they detect multiple students falling ill with respiratory symptoms.

Recent increase in local Covid-19 cases

A Ministry of Education (MOE) spokesperson said the ministry is aware of the recent increase in local Covid-19 cases in Singapore.

At present, student absenteeism due to flu-related illnesses remains manageable.

However, schools may step up on cleaning and disinfection of classrooms and common areas, on top of implementing mask-wearing, to prevent further spread within the school.

The spokesperson said MOE will continue to monitor the situation in schools.

Parents and students encouraged to be responsible

The MOE spokesperson advised parents with children who are unwell to seek medical attention and have them rest at home and encouraged students to exercise good hygiene practices, such as washing hands frequently.

"We encourage all parents and students to play their part by being socially responsible to guard against seasonal periods of influenza, as well as Covid-19 infection waves that may come from time to time as Singapore enters an endemic phase."

More than 30 per cent of current wave of infections are reinfections

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said on Apr. 14 that Singapore is currently in the midst of another Covid-19 infection wave, according to CNA.

The estimated daily infection cases have gone up from 1,400 a month ago to about 4,000 daily cases in the last week, but case numbers are still nowhere near the height of the pandemic, when more than 20,000 cases a day were reported.

Ministry of Health estimates that more than 30 per cent of current infections are re-infections, higher than the observed 20 per cent to 25 per cent during the last infection wave.

The number of hospitalised Covid-19 patients has also increased from 80 to 220 over the past month, but this is still much lower than the number due to non-Covid-19 infections, Ong added.

ICU admissions remain stable and low, with less than 10 Covid-19 patients at any one time over the past month.

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Top image from Chan Chun Sing/Facebook