The number of COVID-19 cases in the current wave has peaked, now beginning to decline

According to Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, the number of COVID-19 cases in Singapore has peaked and is beginning to decline, based on the last week (Oct 23).

Singapore is now experiencing a COVID-19 epidemic fueled by the XBB strain and reinfected patients. Approximately one in five daily cases are currently reinfections.

Mr. Ong told reporters on the sidelines of the opening of a sports hall in Bukit Canberra, “We must continue to monitor to see whether (the number of cases) fluctuates again, since it is possible.”

“However, if it continues to decline from here, it would indicate that our projections were really quite pessimistic. We anticipated the climax to occur in the first half of November.”

If the downward trend continues, the wave would have crested sooner than anticipated, the minister said, adding that people should still get vaccinated.

The new bivalent vaccination from Moderna is recommended for seniors since it is a “updated version” that is more effective against the current strain.

Approximately 20,000 individuals aged 50 and older have received the new vaccination.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) announced earlier this week that the bivalent vaccination will be available to public and private sector healthcare professionals beginning October 25.

Beginning on October 25, children aged six months to four years can receive their initial immunization with the Moderna/Spikevax vaccine.