16-12-2023 (SINGAPORE) In a stark escalation, Covid-19 infections in Singapore skyrocketed to 56,043 during the week of December 3 to 9, marking a concerning 75% surge compared to the previous week’s 32,035 cases, as reported by the Ministry of Health (MOH) on December 15.
This unsettling trend signifies the third consecutive week of rising Covid-19 infections, prompting the MOH to announce daily updates on figures starting from December 19. The public is strongly advised to wear masks in crowded places, irrespective of health status, particularly indoors or when in proximity to vulnerable individuals.
To address the surge in cases, the MOH revealed plans to open a second Covid-19 treatment facility at Singapore Expo Hall 10 over the upcoming weekend. This additional facility, alongside the existing one at Crawfurd Hospital in Adam Road, will offer a combined capacity for over 80 patients, with the potential for expansion if necessary.
In response to the surge, hospitals are taking proactive measures to meet the escalating demand for beds. The MOH stated, “To preserve our healthcare capacity, MOH has been working with public hospitals for contingency planning, including ensuring adequate manpower and deferring non-urgent electives to maximize bed capacity for urgent cases in need of acute care.”
The average hospitalization rate has surged to 350 admissions daily, a significant increase from the previous week’s 225. In the week ending December 9, 23 Covid-19 patients were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs), marking a notable rise from the previous week’s nine and representing the highest weekly ICU admissions for the year. Currently, a total of 763 patients are hospitalized with Covid-19.
Public hospitals are exploring partnerships with transitional care facilities to accommodate more stable patients. The MOH emphasizes that travellers must exercise caution, including wearing masks at airports, obtaining travel insurance, and avoiding crowded areas with poor ventilation.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung stated on December 13 that, despite the spike in numbers, the healthcare impact remains low, with fewer than 10 cases in ICUs at any given time. While more than 560 Covid-19 patients were hospitalized on December 13, it is a fraction of the 1,726 at the peak of the pandemic.
Notably, alongside the surge in Covid-19 cases, the week of December 3 to 9 saw an increase in acute upper respiratory infections in polyclinics, rising from 2,970 to 3,590 cases daily. Polyclinics, treating about 20% of acute illness cases in primary care, serve as a crucial indicator for the nation’s health.
With the concurrent rise in influenza cases, medical experts are urging the public, especially vulnerable individuals and seniors with underlying conditions, to get both the influenza vaccine and Covid-19 booster shots. The ministry underscores the importance of personal and social responsibility, urging unwell individuals to stay home and avoid contact with others.
