Singapore: Experiencing a notable surge in Covid-19 cases over the past two weeks, as highlighted by Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, Singapore faces a formidable challenge.
“We are at the beginning part of the wave where it is steadily rising,” Ong emphasized, as quoted by The Strait Times. “So I would say the wave should peak in the next two to four weeks, which means between mid- and end of June,” the minister elaborated.
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According to the Ministry of Health, the estimated number of Covid-19 cases surged to 25,900 in the week spanning from May 5 to May 11, compared to 13,700 in the preceding week. Concurrently, the average daily Covid-19 hospitalizations climbed to around 250 from 181 the week prior. Although the average daily intensive care unit (ICU) cases remained relatively low at three cases, compared with two cases in the previous week.
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Despite the concerning rise in cases, the minister conveyed that there are currently no plans for implementing social restrictions or other mandatory measures, given Singapore’s classification of Covid-19 as an endemic disease. He stressed that any additional measures would only be considered as a last resort.
Highlighting Singapore’s status as a pivotal transport and communications hub, Ong underscored that the city-state is likely to experience Covid-19 waves earlier than other regions. “So Covid-19 is just something that we have to live with. Every year, we should expect one or two waves,” he remarked.
