Singapore has been in the middle of a new COVID-19 wave with daily infections rising from about 1,400 in March to roughly 4,000 cases a day last week, Singaporean Health Minister Ong Ye Kung has said.

The central business district in Singapore in April 2022. (Photo: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/

While the number of hospitalised COVID-19 patients has gone up, from 80 last month to 220 currently, Ong said this is still "far below" the figure during the peak of the pandemic.

Fewer than 10 COVID-19 patients have been in the intensive care unit (ICU) at any one time over the past month, he added.

Although the current wave is not severe, Ong cautioned that the additional caseloads do add to the heavy workload of the hospitals.

He called on people to do their part to keep themselves healthy and if they are unwell, to stay home and wear a mask, adding that those who are vulnerable groups, such as people aged 60 and above, should get vaccinations annually.

The official said the Heath Ministry continues to conduct genetic sequencing of the viral samples, noting that there are now multiple COVID-19 variants circulating, including XBB.1.16.

Source: VNA