Singapore saw an estimated 12,700 Covid-19 cases in the week of May 10 to May 16, 2024, up from 8,000 cases the previous week [1, 2, 3]. The average number of daily Covid-19 hospitalisations rose from 56 at the start of the week to 73 by its end [1, 2, 3].
The Covid-19 positivity rate in acute respiratory infection (ARI) samples was around 13% in this week, slightly down from 14% recorded in the two preceding weeks from April 26 to May 9 [1, 2, 3]. This marks a significant increase from the 3% rate seen in the week of March 29 to April 4, and the 7% rate when Covid-19 positivity began exceeding influenza positivity in early April [1, 2, 3].
Covid-19 infections have ranked among the top three detected respiratory diseases in Singapore’s surveillance testing for at least the past five weeks ending May 16 [1, 2, 3]. Since March 1, 2024, Covid-19 has been monitored as part of the National Surveillance Programme for acute respiratory infections, following the cessation of mandatory case notifications under the Infectious Diseases Act [1, 2, 3].
The Communicable Diseases Agency continues to monitor the rise in infections but says severe cases needing intensive care remain low and are not expected to strain healthcare capacity significantly [1, 2, 3].