Singapore Monitoring Recent Rise In Covid-19 Cases, Advises Citizens Precautionary Measures

After a rise in the weekly count of active Covid-19 infections, Singapore health authorities on Tuesday said they are monitoring the recent climb in the number of cases.

The authorities have advised the citizens to observe precautionary measures, such as washing hands often, along with practising personal and social responsibility, which includes covering one's nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.

The public has also been advised to minimise social interactions and unnecessary travel if unwell.

Among the recommended measures are wearing a mask in crowded areas, or when displaying symptoms, such as sore throat, headache or fever, according to a statement.

The authorities, however, clarified that they have found no indication of the Covid- 19 virus circulating locally to be more transmissible than previous strains.

Covid cases spiked to 14,200 in the week of April 27 to May 3, 2025, in comparison to 11,100 cases in the preceding week, the Ministry of Health and Communicable Diseases Agency said in a statement.

During the same period, average daily Covid-19 related hospitalisations climbed to 133 from 102, but the average daily cases in the Intensive Care Unit reduced from three to two cases, the health authorities said, adding that hospitals currently have the ability to manage the increase in cases.

"The Ministry of Health and Communicable Diseases Agency 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.

Health authorities have indicated that the recent rise in Covid-19 cases is likely driven by a combination of factors, notably the decreasing levels of immunity within the population. They anticipate that they will continue to see recurring waves of Covid-19 infections throughout the year, a pattern expected for diseases like the flu and other respiratory illnesses that have become endemic.

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.

At-risk individuals include those aged 60 and above, medically vulnerable individuals or residents of aged care facilities, the statement said.

(With inputs from PTI)