CDA urges updated vaccinations and basic precautions as weekly infections jump more than 50 per cent.
Covid-19 infections and hospitalisations in Singapore have climbed in mid-May, prompting health authorities to remind higher-risk groups to keep vaccinations up to date and for the public to maintain basic hygiene and social responsibility.
Cases And Hospitalisations Climb In Mid May
The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) reported on May 21 that Covid-19 cases rose to 12,700 in the week of May 10 to 16, up from 8,000 the week before. Average daily hospitalisations increased from 56 to 73 over the same period, with around one intensive care unit (ICU) case per day on average. CDA said public acute hospitals remain able to manage the higher caseload, but the agency is monitoring the situation closely as numbers trend upward.
Endemic Waves, Not A New Variant Scare
CDA noted that, as with other endemic respiratory diseases, periodic Covid-19 waves are expected throughout the year. There is currently no indication that variants circulating locally are more transmissible or cause more severe disease compared with earlier strains. The agency pointed instead to factors such as waning population immunity as possible contributors to the current increase, emphasising that these fluctuations do not, on their own, signal a fundamental change in the virus’ behaviour.
NB 1 8 1 Dominates, Vaccines Still Work
The NB.1.8.1 subvariant is now the main strain in Singapore, accounting for more than half of locally sequenced cases. CDA said the current Covid-19 vaccine remains effective against this variant, reinforcing the importance of staying up to date with recommended doses. While breakthrough infections can still occur, vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation and death, particularly among seniors and medically vulnerable groups.
Who Should Get Up To Date Vaccinations
CDA advised that those at increased risk of severe Covid-19 – including people aged 60 and above (especially residents of aged care facilities) and medically vulnerable individuals aged six months and older – should ensure their vaccinations are current. Healthcare workers, and those living with or caring for medically vulnerable persons, are also encouraged to take the vaccine. Others aged six months and above who wish to receive Covid-19 vaccination may continue to do so, helping to bolster community immunity and reduce strain on healthcare services.
Personal Responsibility Remains Frontline Defence
Alongside vaccination, CDA urged the public to practise basic precautions and social responsibility. This includes maintaining good personal hygiene, minimising social interactions and unnecessary travel when unwell, and wearing a mask when displaying respiratory symptoms such as cough, sore throat or fever. These measures help limit spread not only of Covid-19 but of other endemic respiratory infections, protecting vulnerable people and supporting hospital capacity during periodic waves.
Singapore’s latest uptick in Covid-19 cases and hospitalisations reflects the expected ebb and flow of an endemic respiratory virus rather than the emergence of a more dangerous variant. For Indonesians and Singaporeans, the message remains consistent: stay current with vaccination if you are at higher risk, and pair that protection with simple, everyday precautions so that each new wave stays manageable for both families and the healthcare system.
Sources: Straits Times (2026) , Xinhua (2026)
Keywords: Weekly Covid Cases 12,700, Daily Hospitalisations 73, ICU One Case Daily, Waning Population Immunity, Endemic Respiratory Waves, Vaccine Recommendation
