Singapore is currently battling a fresh wave of COVID-19 infections, driven by the emergence of new FLiRT variants, notably KP.1 and KP.2. According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), the number of cases has nearly doubled in a week, rising from 13,700 to 25,900 between May 5 and 11, 2024. These two variants now account for over two-thirds of all cases in the country.
The surge in infections is placing pressure on the healthcare system. Average daily hospitalizations have increased from 181 to around 250. Although intensive care unit (ICU) admissions remain low, averaging three per day, the rising number of hospital visits has prompted hospitals to take precautionary steps. Public hospitals have been asked to postpone non-urgent elective procedures and transfer eligible patients to transitional care facilities or the home-based Mobile Inpatient Care\@Home program.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung has advised residents to resume wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces. He warned that the current wave is still in its early stages and could peak between mid and end of June. While no additional social restrictions are currently planned, the government is closely monitoring the evolving situation.
In an effort to boost immunity, the MOH is encouraging seniors aged 60 and above, medically vulnerable individuals, and residents in aged care facilities to receive an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, especially if they have not been vaccinated in the past 12 months. Although around 80 percent of the population has completed their primary or booster vaccinations, many have not updated their protection recently.
The World Health Organization has designated the KP.2 variant as a “variant under monitoring” as of early May. However, there is currently no evidence suggesting that KP.1 or KP.2 causes more severe illness or spreads more easily than other known variants.
Singapore continues to treat COVID-19 as an endemic illness and is preparing to face one or two waves of infections each year. As a major international transit hub, the city-state is often among the first to encounter new global outbreaks. Authorities are urging the public to stay informed, follow health advisories, and take preventive actions to reduce the impact of the ongoing wave.