No sign of Covid-19 variants spreading here being more transmissible or severe

The Singapore authorities are monitoring the recent increase in the number of Covid-19 cases, but there is currently no indication that the variants spreading locally are more transmissible or cause more severe symptoms, compared with previous strains.

- Aqil Hamzah

In the week of April 27 to May 3, the estimated number of Covid-19 cases stood at 14,200, up from 11,100 in the previous week.

The number of people hospitalized also increased, from 102 to 133, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) in a joint statement on May 13.

However, they noted that the average number of cases needing intensive care had decreased from three to two.

"The hospitals are currently able to manage the increase in cases," the statement said, adding that periodic Covid-19 waves are expected throughout the year, as with any other endemic respiratory diseases.

A disease that is endemic is one that remains permanently in the community, such as dengue or influenza.