SINGAPORE – On Thursday, 21 May, the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) reported an increase in cases of Covid-19, stating that an estimated 12,700 cases had been recorded in the week from 10 to 16 May, up from 8,000 the previous week.
Although cases increased by 59 per cent over the same period, average daily hospitalisations only rose from 56 to 73, with an average of one case in the intensive care unit (ICU) each day.
may 2026 covid data in singapore
According to the CDA, public acute hospitals continue to be able to manage the influx, and this increase does not pose any particular concern. As the CDA expects periodic waves of the virus throughout the year, similar to other endemic respiratory diseases.
The increase in cases was mainly caused by the NB.1.8.1 variant, a descendant of the JN.1 Omicron strain, which is currently the dominant variant of Covid-19 in Singapore and accounts for over half of locally sequenced cases.
The CDA confirmed that the current vaccine remains effective against the NB.1.8.1 variant. They also added that there is no evidence to suggest that local variants are more transmissible or cause more severe disease than previously circulating variants.
healthcare workers doing swab test for covid
The CDA recommends that individuals who are at an increased risk of severe Covid-19 receive an additional vaccine dose if approximately one year has passed since their last one. Priority groups include individuals aged 60 and over, residents of aged care facilities, and other medically vulnerable individuals aged six months and over.
They also encouraged healthcare workers and individuals living or working with medically vulnerable people to update their vaccinations. Covid-19 vaccinations are available at participating general practitioner clinics and polyclinics.
Furthermore, CDA also advised the public to maintain good respiratory hygiene, including frequent handwashing and covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. Those displaying symptoms such as fever, sore throat, runny nose or headache are advised to wear a mask and minimise social interactions and unnecessary travel.
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- CDA Statement: Update on COVID-19 Situation in Singapore https://www.cda.gov.sg/news-and-events/cda-statement--update-on-covid-19-situation-in-singapore/
