Shruti Suman
Singapore has reported a significant surge in COVID-19 cases, recording over 56,000 infections in just one week. This marks a 75% increase from the previous week’s 32,035 cases. The Ministry of Health revealed that 56,043 cases were reported from December 3 to 9. In response to the escalating situation, the country has issued health advisories, mandating the use of face masks in public places.
To address the rising number of cases, Singapore’s Health Ministry has announced the opening of a second COVID-19 treatment facility at Singapore Expo Hall 10. The goal is to increase the bed capacity for COVID-19 patients, with doctors determining admission based on the severity of cases. The Ministry is also collaborating with public hospitals on contingency plans to preserve healthcare capacity, including ensuring sufficient manpower and deferring non-urgent elective procedures to maximize bed availability for urgent cases.
Given the gravity of the situation, there is speculation that Singapore might implement a full lockdown to curb the spread of the virus. Meanwhile, medical professionals are urging the public to get vaccinated promptly, especially advising elders and those medically vulnerable to prioritize vaccination for protection against the severe effects of the disease.
In Malaysia, a similar scenario is unfolding, with 20,696 Covid-19 cases reported between December 10 and 16. Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad has reassured the public that the current situation is not overwhelming health facilities, dispelling rumors of a lockdown or Movement Control Order (MCO). He emphasizes the importance of precautionary measures to prevent further spread.
India, in contrast, has a relatively controlled COVID-19 situation, with an active caseload of 1,828 as of Monday. While one death was reported in Kerala, attributed to the JN.1 subvariant of the coronavirus, Dr. NK Arora, Chief of INSACOG, clarified that the death resulted from multiple underlying health conditions, including heart, lung, and kidney diseases. Dr. Arora emphasized that INSACOG is closely monitoring the situation, studying the virus’s epidemiology and clinical behavior. Additionally, Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research, confirmed the detection of the JN.1 subvariant in Kerala as part of routine surveillance by INSACOG
