Singapore health authorities monitor rising COVID-19 cases
The Hindu
Singapore health authorities monitor rise in COVID-19 cases, advise precautions and additional vaccine doses for at-risk individuals.
Health authorities in Singapore said on Tuesday (May 13, 2025) they are monitoring the recent rise in COVID-19 infections, and there was no indication that variants of the virus circulating locally are more transmissible compared to the previous ones.
COVID-19 cases are estimated to have increased to 14,200 in the week of April 27 to May 3, 2025, compared to 11,100 cases in the previous week, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said in a statement.
During the same period, average daily COVID-19 hospitalisations rose from 102 to 133, but the average daily cases in the Intensive Care Unit fell from three to two cases, the health authorities said, adding that hospitals are currently able to manage the increase in cases.
"The Ministry of Health (MOH) and Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) are monitoring a recent increase in COVID-19 infections in Singapore. There is no indication that the variants circulating locally are more transmissible or cause more severe disease compared to previously circulating variants," the statement said.
The authorities said that the increase in COVID-19 infections could be due to several factors, including waning population immunity, and expect periodic waves of the viral infection throughout the year, similar to other endemic respiratory diseases.
At present, 'LF.7' and 'NB.1.8' — both descendants of the 'JN.1' variant — are the main variants of the COVID-19-causing virus circulating in Singapore. The variants together account for over two-thirds of the locally sequenced cases, the health authorities said.
The MOH and CDA advised people with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 to keep updated with vaccinations, recommending that they receive an additional dose around one year after their last dose.
Harvard professor Carlos Portugal Gouvea arrested for discharging a pellet gun near a synagogue; agrees to leave the U.S.
Macron cautioned Zelenskyy that the U.S. might pressure Ukraine into territorial concessions to Russia without security guarantees.
A Canadian national was arrested at the Indo-Nepal border for using a fake immigration stamp on his passport.
Appeals court permits Trump to maintain National Guard deployment in D.C., reversing a lower court's order to withdraw troops.
Iraq retracts its terror designation of Hezbollah and Houthis, citing an error amid regional political pressures and public backlash.
U.S. military strikes drug boats amid scrutiny over legality and rising casualties, prompting investigations and conflicting congressional testimonies.
Indian envoy Santosh Jha meets Sri Lanka’s Housing Minister to discuss reconstruction efforts following Cyclone Ditwah's devastating impact.
The U.S. and Kenya sign a $2.5 billion health deal, marking the start of "America First" global health agreements.
Explore the resilience and daily realities of Ukrainians enduring relentless warfare in a country forever changed by conflict.
Trump's envoys engage with Ukraine amid eased sanctions on Russia, seeking to advance peace negotiations following recent talks with Putin.
Explore China's rural revitalization efforts, showcasing poverty alleviation, local spirit, and sustainable development in its diverse landscapes.
UN Security Council delegates visit Syria for the first time since 1945, aiming to build trust and support national reconciliation.
U.S. reduces work permit validity for refugees and asylum seekers to 18 months, citing public safety concerns following recent violence.