Following an increase of 56,000 COVID cases, the Singaporean government has issued updated guidelines for both travelers and citizens. The Ministry of Health in Singapore has introduced these measures in response to the increased number of infections.
Based on the latest data, approximately 56,043 COVID-19 cases were reported in the week of December 3–9, 2023. If you compare this with the 32,035 cases reported in the previous week, there has been a significant increase. Compared to the previous week, the average number of hospitalizations due to COVID-19 has increased from 225 to 350, and the average number of cases in the intensive care unit (ICU) has increased from four to nine.
In reaction to the current circumstances, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has collaborated with public hospitals to create safety plans. These plans include a number of actions, like making sure there is a sufficient workforce and delaying elective surgeries that are not urgent. The goal is to increase the number of beds, especially for emergency cases.
The Ministry of Health plans to open a new COVID-19 Treatment Facility (CTF) in Hall 10 of the Singapore EXPO. It will serve more than 80 stable COVID-19 patients who do not require intensive hospital care.
It is highly recommended that people with symptoms of acute respiratory infection (ARI) stay at home. Precautions such as wearing masks, limiting social engagements, and staying away from crowded places are advised in interactions that cannot be avoided.
It has been recommended that travelers take precautions, such as wearing masks at airports, purchasing travel insurance, and avoiding crowded, poorly ventilated areas. The public is urged to use emergency departments only for serious or life-threatening situations in order to maximize hospital resources.
The ministry also underlined how crucial vaccination is in the fight against COVID-19. Those who maintain up-to-date vaccination records will see a reduction in hospitalization rates, especially if they have taken a booster shot recently.