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SINGAPORE \u2013 The number of Covid-19 cases rose to 12,700 in the week of May 10 to 16, compared with 8,000 in the previous week, said the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA).<\/p>\n
It added in a statement on May 21 that the average number of daily Covid-19 hospitalisations rose from 56 to 73 during the same period, with one case in the Intensive Care Unit daily on average.<\/p>\n
The public acute hospitals can manage the increase in cases, the agency added.<\/p>\n
CDA said that it is monitoring this increase in infections in Singapore.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs with other endemic respiratory diseases, periodic Covid-19 waves are expected throughout the year,\u201d the agency said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no indication that the variants circulating locally are more transmissible or cause more severe disease compared with previously circulating variants.\u201d<\/p>\n
The increase could be due to several factors, including waning population immunity, the agency added.<\/p>\n
The NB.1.8.1 variant is the main variant circulating here, accounting for more than half of locally sequenced cases.<\/p>\n
The current vaccine is still effective against the current variant, said CDA.<\/p>\n
Those at increased risk of severe Covid-19 infection, such as those aged 60 years and above, including those staying in aged care facilities, and medically vulnerable people aged six months and above, should have up-to-date vaccinations, CDA added.<\/p>\n
Healthcare workers and those living or working with medically vulnerable people are also encouraged to receive the vaccine, said CDA.<\/p>\n
Others aged six months and above who want the Covid-19 vaccine may continue to do so.<\/p>\n
The CDA advised the public to take precaution and practise personal and social responsibility by maintaining good personal hygiene, minimising social interactions and unnecessary travel when unwell and wearing a mask when displaying Covid symptoms.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n