Covid-19 cases rose to 25,900 in Singapore during the week of May 5 to 11, 2024, compared to 13,700 cases in the previous week.

The average daily Covid-19 hospitalisations rose from 181 to 250, while the daily average Intensive Care Unit cases remained low at three cases.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a press release on May 18 that it is closely tracking the recent rise in Covid-19 infections in Singapore.

"While there is no indication that the circulating variants are more transmissible or cause more severe disease compared to previous variants, immunity in population has likely waned over time," said MOH.

MOH urged the public to stay updated with the Covid-19 vaccines to protect themselves against current and emerging virus strains and exercise personal and social responsibility to minimise transmission.

Vaccination recommended

MOH shared that about 80 per cent of the local population had completed their initial or additional dose but had not received a dose within the last year.

"This indicates that immunity in the population is likely to have waned," said MOH.

"The protection against Covid-19 outweighs the risk from Covid-19 vaccination, and we urge individuals to keep updated with their Covid-19 vaccination."

MOH stated that the updated Covid-19 vaccines are free for all eligible residents.

Healthier SG enrollees can now receive their Covid-19 vaccination at about 250 participating Healthier SG clinics islandwide.

Over the next few months, MOH will progressively expand the network of Healthier SG clinics offering Covid-19 vaccination to ensure it is readily accessible to the community.

Additional Mobile Vaccination Teams will be deployed to selected heartland locations in the coming weeks.

From May 21 to Jun. 29, the five Joint Testing and Vaccination Centres will extend their operating hours on Saturdays and eve of Public Holidays from 9am to 7pm, instead of the usual opening hours from 9am to 1pm.

MOH will also send SMSes to individuals who have not received a Covid-19 vaccination in the past 12 months to remind them to keep their vaccinations up to date.

Public to exercise social and personal responsibility

MOH urged the public to exercise personal and social responsibility.

This includes maintaining good personal hygiene, reducing social interactions when feeling unwell and wearing masks if medically vulnerable in crowded areas or when symptomatic.

With the June holidays approaching, those travelling overseas are reminded to be vigilant and adopt relevant travel precautions.

MOH also reminded the public to reserve medical treatment at a hospital's Emergency Department for serious or life-threatening emergencies.

This will preserve the hospital's capacity for acute care and allow those with severe illnesses to receive timely treatment.

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