The Ministry of Health (Singapore) has reported that COVID-19 cases have surged recently, with a significant increase from 13,700 cases in the week of April 28 to May 4, to 25,900 cases in the week of May 5 to 11. This alarming rise underscores the importance of personal and social responsibility to curb the spread of the virus.
Key Measures to Practise Personal and Social Responsibility
1. Stay Updated with Vaccinations
Ensure you and your loved ones are protected by keeping up with COVID-19 vaccinations. This is crucial for those at higher risk, including individuals aged 60 and above, medically vulnerable people, and residents of aged care facilities. Vaccines are available for free at various clinics. To book an appointment, you can visit the Health Appointment System at or call the clinics directly.
2. Maintain Good Hygiene Regular handwashing and sanitizing can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
3. Minimize Social Interactions When Unwell
If you feel sick, reduce your social interactions to prevent spreading the virus. Wear masks, especially if you are medically vulnerable, in crowded areas, or if you are symptomatic.
4. Adopt Travel Precautions With the upcoming June holidays, be vigilant when traveling overseas. Follow the Ministry of Health's travel advisories.
Enhancing Vaccination Accessibility
To enhance vaccination efforts, additional Mobile Vaccination Teams (MVTs) will be deployed to heartland locations, focusing on reaching seniors.
Moreover, from May 21 to June 29, 2024, Joint Testing and Vaccination Centres (JTVCs) will extend their operating hours on Saturdays and the eve of Public Holidays to accommodate more people. Selected polyclinics will also continue offering vaccinations, and appointments can be made via HealthHub.
Preserving Healthcare Resources
The public is urged to reserve hospital Emergency Departments for serious or life-threatening emergencies. For mild symptoms or if you are not medically vulnerable, seek medical advice through other channels to preserve hospital capacity for those in critical need.
To preserve hospital bed capacity and as a precautionary measure, public hospitals have been directed to reduce non-urgent elective surgeries and transfer appropriate patients to care facilities such as Transitional Care Facilities or provide care at home through the Mobile Inpatient Care@Home program.
Image: Freepik
By following these guidelines, we can collectively work towards reducing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting our community. Stay informed, stay safe, and take the necessary precautions to contribute to public health efforts.
Find out more information on the latest COVID-19 updates here.
