Biotech
Thursday, December 21st, 2023 5:15 pm EDT
Key Points
- Covid Spike and Potential Peak in Singapore: Singapore has experienced a significant spike in Covid-19 cases, reporting 56,043 cases in the week of December 3 to 9, representing a 75% surge compared to the previous week. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung suggests that the country may be reaching a peak in infections, with indications that the situation may have possibly peaked, although there could be a slight worsening before improvement. The seven-day moving average dropped from 7,870 on December 12 to 6,530 on December 19, indicating a potential plateau.
- JN.1 Variant and Vaccination Impact: The JN.1 variant, classified as a “variant of interest” by the World Health Organization (WHO), is identified as the primary contributor to Singapore’s recent wave of infections. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung notes that available evidence suggests this variant does not pose additional public health risks compared to other circulating variants. While the new variants are not inherently milder, Ong emphasizes that the population’s strength in tackling the wave is attributed to infections and vaccinations. However, he warns that the effectiveness of these measures may wane over time, necessitating ongoing vaccinations.
- Public Health Measures and Hospitalization Rates: Singapore’s “primary defense” against Covid-19 is vaccination and booster shots, according to the health ministry. In addition, the public is urged to wear masks in crowded spaces, even if asymptomatic, particularly in airports and indoor settings. Hospitalization rates remain considerably lower among those who are up-to-date with their vaccinations compared to those who are not, as per the ministry’s information. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung underscores the importance of monitoring hospitalization rates as a key metric, with the average daily Covid hospitalizations rising to 350 from 225, indicating the ongoing significance of healthcare system capacity. Singapore transitioned from the acute phase of Covid in February and entered the endemic norm, leading to the relaxation of certain measures such as the removal of mandatory mask-wearing in specific settings.
Singapore’s recent surge in Covid-19 cases, reaching 56,043 in the week of December 3 to 9, has shown signs of potentially peaking, according to Health Minister Ong Ye Kung. The spike represents a 75% increase compared to the previous week. The country has been grappling with the JN.1 variant, classified as a “variant of interest” by the World Health Organization (WHO), and it constitutes the majority of the recent wave of infections. However, the WHO maintains that this variant does not present additional public health risks compared to other circulating variants.
Ong Ye Kung stated that while the new Covid variants are not evidently milder, the impact has been mitigated by the population’s increased strength through infections and vaccinations. He emphasized the importance of vaccinations and booster shots as the country’s primary defense against Covid. Despite the potential peaking of cases, Ong warned that the effectiveness of these measures may wane over time, urging continued vigilance and vaccination efforts.
The health ministry has recommended the use of masks in crowded spaces, even for those not showing symptoms, particularly in airports and indoor settings. Hospitalization rates among those up-to-date with vaccinations remain considerably lower than those who are not, according to the ministry. Ong stressed that monitoring hospitalizations is a key metric, with the average daily Covid hospitalizations rising to 350 from 225.
Singapore transitioned from the acute phase of Covid to an endemic norm in February, leading to the relaxation of certain measures such as the elimination of mandatory mask-wearing on public transport and in indoor healthcare settings. Ong emphasized the importance of ongoing vigilance and vaccination efforts to address the evolving nature of the virus.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/12/21/singapore-urges-public-to-continue-getting-vaccinated-as-cases-surge.html
