24 May 2024 | 08:08 AM UTC
Singapore: COVID-19 transmission continues nationwide in May
COVID-19 transmission continues nationwide in Singapore in May. Maintain basic health precautions.
Singaporean health authorities have reported elevated COVID-19 activity nationwide, with 25,900 cases May 5-11. This is more than 1.9 times higher than the 13,700 cases reported in the previous week (April 28-May 4). Data regarding the geographic distribution of cases is limited; however, disease transmission is likely highest in crowded urban and semi-urban areas. Health officials urge the public to stay up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccinations and to practice basic health precautions to minimize disease transmission. This represents the most complete data available as of May 24.
Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions. Individuals feeling ill or displaying symptoms should refrain from public engagements and consider isolating if possible.
COVID-19 vaccinations can increase protection against severe infection, and all individuals, especially those at higher risk, are encouraged to remain current with booster vaccines. Individuals should continue to abide by national health and safety measures provided by their regulatory bodies.
COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease caused by infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Human-to-human transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets from infected individuals or contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Symptoms appear 1-14 days following exposure (average of 3-7 days). These symptoms typically include fever, fatigue, and dry cough; less common symptoms include headache, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, reddening of the eyes, skin rash, or discoloration of the fingers or toes. Symptoms may worsen to difficulty breathing, pneumonia, and organ failure - especially in those with underlying, chronic medical conditions. Some infected individuals display no symptoms. Multiple variants of COVID-19 have been identified globally, some spreading more easily between people, like Omicron. COVID-19 vaccines are distributed across population groups, with evidence suggesting strong protective effects against COVID-19 variants.
Older individuals and people of any age with chronic medical conditions or compromised immunity should consider postponing nonessential travel, including domestic travel, and take special precautions to avoid becoming ill, especially where sustained community transmission of COVID-19 is ongoing. All individuals should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning from travel.
