Singapore Reintroduced Mask Mandate Amid Surge in COVID-19 Cases

In response to a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, Singapore has reintroduced the mandatory use of masks in crowded places, particularly indoors. The city-state recorded a sharp rise in infections, with the estimated number reaching 56,043 during the first week of December, compared to 32,035 in the previous week. Hospitalizations also increased, with an average of 350 daily COVID-19 admissions, up from 225 the week before. Additionally, the average daily Intensive Care Unit (ICU) cases rose to nine, compared to four in the preceding week, according to Singapore’s health ministry.

The dominant strain responsible for this uptick in cases has been identified as JN.1, a sublineage of BA.2.86. Despite the rise in numbers, authorities emphasized that there is currently no clear indication that these variants are more transmissible or cause more severe disease than other circulating variants.

Singapore’s health ministry has advised travellers to adopt precautions, including mask-wearing at airports and avoiding poorly ventilated crowded areas. Amid the surge, public hospitals are implementing a contingency plan by bolstering manpower, deferring non-urgent elective procedures, and reducing step-down facilities. A new Covid-19 Treatment Facility (CTF) has been opened at Singapore EXPO Hall 10 to manage the increasing caseload.

The public has been urged to stay home if experiencing symptoms of acute respiratory infection, and the health ministry is intensifying efforts to disseminate information about vaccination. Daily updates on COVID-19 numbers will be provided by the Singapore Health Ministry to keep the public informed about the evolving situation.

Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and implementing measures to curb the spread of the virus, emphasizing the collective responsibility of the community in adhering to preventive measures to protect public health.