Omicron subtype variant BA.4 and BA.5 are on the rise in many countries around the world, and may trigger a new wave of epidemics in Singapore . As population immunity may decline in the next few months, the Star Government has expanded its fourth dose of vaccination and opened up people over 50 to take the vaccine.
Research shows that BA.4 and BA.5 have high contagiousness and immune escape characteristics. The fifth wave of the epidemic was rapidly triggered in South Africa from April to May, and these two variants have been detected in more than 40 countries. Recently, the BA.5 virus strain has caused the rapid recovery of the epidemic in Portugal, and the epidemic in the UK and France has rebounded, which is also evaluated to be related to the transmission of BA.4 and BA.5.
Star media reported that Singapore first reported cases of community infection with BA.4 and BA.5 in mid-May, and may usher in a new wave of epidemics caused by BA.4 and BA.5 between July and August.
Singapore’s Ministry of Health recently stated that population immunity may decline in the next few months, and new variants may appear. To this end, the regulations that masks must be worn indoors will continue to be maintained, and those who are eligible will be vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccines and additives as soon as possible. In the event of a new wave of epidemics in the next few months, the risk of severe illness can be reduced.
The Ministry of Health has also announced that it will expand the targets for the second dose of additives, and people aged 50 to 59 who are willing can go directly to the vaccination center to receive the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine; the second dose of additives and the first dose of additives must be approximately 5 months apart.
According to reports, the Singapore Ministry of Health analyzed local and overseas immigration cases in May and found that 97% of local cases were infected with BA.2, 1% were infected with BA.4, and 2% were infected with BA.5. Among the cases of immigration from abroad, 95% were infected with BA.2, 1% were infected with BA.4, and 3% were infected with BA.5.
Experts pointed out that if a new wave of epidemic occurs, only elderly people and those who have not yet been vaccinated should pay special attention. In addition, with the recent surge in the number of dengue fever in Singapore, hospitals may face the compound effect of an increase in the number of hospital admissions.
92% of Singapore's population has been fully vaccinated, and 77% have been vaccinated with additives. Since June, the number of new confirmed cases per day has ranged from more than 2,000 to more than 5,000.
Ministry of Health statistics show that Singapore has added 3,120 new confirmed cases today, with a total of 1.355,801 confirmed cases nationwide, of which 1,401 died of illness.
