Singapore sees rise in COVID-19 cases but variants not more severe, says MOH

Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) are monitoring a recent increase in COVID-19 cases, while stressing that current evidence does not indicate that the circulating variants are more transmissible or severe than previous strains.

Rising case numbers

In the week from 27 April to 3 May 2025, an estimated 14,200 cases were reported nationwide. This represents a notable increase from 11,100 cases the week before.

Hospital admissions rose from 102 to 133 during the same period. However, the number of patients requiring intensive care fell slightly, from three to two.

“The hospitals are currently able to manage the increase in cases,” MOH and CDA stated in a joint announcement on 13 May.

They added that periodic waves of COVID-19 are expected, mirroring trends seen in other endemic respiratory diseases such as influenza and dengue fever.

Health minister’s response

In a Facebook post on 13 May, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung echoed the official message, emphasising the resilience of Singapore’s healthcare system.

“The key thing is that our healthcare system is able to manage the increase in cases,” he wrote.

Investigating causes of uptick

Authorities are examining the reasons behind the recent surge. One possibility under consideration is waning immunity among the population, which may have contributed to the rise in infections.

The dominant Covid-19 strains in Singapore are currently LF.7 and NB.1.8, both descendants of the JN.1 variant. Together, they account for more than two-thirds of locally transmitted cases.

JN.1 forms the basis for the updated vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty, Moderna/Spikevax, and Novavax.

Vaccination recommendations

MOH and CDA continue to recommend vaccinations for individuals most at risk of severe illness. These groups include:

• Persons aged 60 and above

• Individuals with underlying health conditions

• Residents of eldercare facilities

These groups are encouraged to receive an additional vaccine dose around one year after their last shot.

Healthcare workers and those living with medically vulnerable persons are also advised to receive boosters if they have not already done so.

Vaccinations remain available for all individuals aged six months and above on a voluntary basis. Doses are provided at Healthier SG general practitioner clinics and polyclinics across the country.

Preventive measures

Authorities reminded the public to adopt basic precautions. Recommended practices include:

• Maintaining good personal hygiene

• Covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing

• Avoiding unnecessary travel or social contact when unwell

• Wearing masks when experiencing symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, headache, or fever

Such steps, health officials stressed, remain essential in reducing the risk of transmission.