Singapore government said that JN.1, a sublineage of BA.2.86, account for the vast majority of the COVID-19 cases but there is no “clear indication that BA.2.86 or JN.1 are more transmissible or cause more severe disease than other circulating variants.”
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has been collaborating with public hospitals to make contingency plans. These plans include measures such as ensuring there is enough manpower and deferring non-urgent elective procedures. This will free up beds for urgent cases that require immediate medical attention. In addition, hospitals are utilizing step-down facilities like Transitional Care Facilities and alternative care models like Mobile Inpatient Care.
The health ministry will be opening a new COVID-19 Treatment Facility (CTF) at Singapore EXPO Hall 10 to provide care for more than 80 stable COVID-19 patients who do not require intensive hospital care.
Singapore has urged individuals experiencing symptoms of acute respiratory infection (ARI) are advised to stay home until symptoms resolve and avoiding contact with others. If interaction is unavoidable, they should wear masks, limit social interactions, and steer clear of crowded places. Even for those not exhibiting symptoms, the Ministry of Health (MOH) emphasizes the importance of wearing masks in crowded areas, particularly indoors and when engaging with vulnerable individuals.
Travelers have been advised to take precautions such as wearing masks at airports, obtaining travel insurance, and avoiding poorly ventilated crowded spaces. To optimize hospital resources, Singapore has urged public to seek treatment at Emergency Departments only for serious or life-threatening emergencies. This measure ensures that acute hospital care is available for those truly in need, allowing timely treatment for severe cases.Highlighting the crucial role of vaccination in combating COVID-19, the ministry said analysis reveals significantly lower hospitalization rates among those who remain up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations, particularly those who received an additional dose within the last 12 months. From July 1 to November 30, 2023, the monthly average incidence rate of hospitalization and ICU cases per 100,000 population was 16.2 for those not keeping up with vaccinations, making this group 1.6 times more likely to experience severe COVID-19 compared to the up-to-date vaccinated group (10.4 cases per 100,000 population).
