New wave of COVID-19 in Singapore may peak this week
The current COVID-19 wave in Singapore may reach its peak at the end of this week or even sooner, in the next one or two days, The Strait Times said, citing medical experts.
Medical workers collect a sample for COVID-19 testing in Singapore. (Photo: AFP/VNA)
Singapore (VNA) – The current COVID-19 wave in Singapore may reach itspeak at the end of this week or even sooner, in the next one or two days, TheStrait Times said, citing medical experts.
The newspapersaid the week-on-week infection ratio - which refers tothe ratio of community cases for the past week, over the week before - isfalling, which means that COVID-19 casesare increasing at a slower rate.
Itquoted Professor Teo Yik Ying, dean of the NUS Saw Swee Hock School ofPublic Health, as saying that there arethree key differences in the way Singapore is going into this wavecompared with the previous ones.
First, the population is not only well vaccinated, but also wellboosted, where almost 80% of the population have received their third boostershot.
Second, hospitals and communityfacilities are well prepared to handle any surge, with community facilitiesstepped up to relieve the pressure on hospitals.
Third,most people are equipped with the knowledge on how to handle infections shouldthey or their family members become infected, including self-diagnosing withantigen rapid test (ART) kits, self-isolating at home, and not rushing tohospitals for treatment whenever they see a positive ART outcome.
"Allof these mean Singapore is entering the wave with a degree of preparation thatwe did not have previously," Prof Teo added.
Meanwhile, Deputy PrimeMinister Lawrence Wong said on July 10 that Singapore should be able to tideover the current wave of Covid-19 infections without tightening restrictions.
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Medical workers collect a sample for COVID-19 testing in Singapore. (Photo: AFP/VNA)
