COVID-19 cases soar in Singapore

Singapore health authorities are monitoring a recent increase in cases of the virus, which rose to 14,200 between April 27 and May 3, 2025, from 11,100 the previous week. The Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) have reported an increase in the average daily number of new cases of hospitalisation due to the virus. The number of patients in intensive care units has instead decreased slightly. The main variants of the virus currently spreading in Singapore are LF.7 and NB.1.8, and most patients are displaying mild symptoms and recovering relatively quickly. Those most at risk of developing complications include those aged 60 and above and those with underlying health conditions, said National Centre for Infectious Diseases Executive Director Dr Shawn Vasoo. Health officials have confirmed that Singapore’s hospitals can manage the current increase in cases. They have stated that they had been anticipating periodic waves of infections throughout the year and were not surprised by the trend. Doctors have cited a weakened immune system, due to a decline in adherence to booster doses of the vaccine, as a key factor in the surge in cases. Experts are therefore urging vulnerable groups, including healthcare workers and those who care for the elderly, to get vaccinated and take preventive measures such as wearing a mask in crowded areas or when experiencing symptoms; practising good hand hygiene; and limiting unnecessary social interactions and travel when feeling unwell.