Covid-19 cases top 56,000 in first week

Covid-19 infections jumped to 56,043 in the week of Dec 3 to 9, a 75% increase over the 32,035 infections in the previous week, said the Ministry of Health (MOH).This is the third week of increase in Covid-19 infections.

MOH said it will update figures daily from Dec 19 and advised the public to wear a mask in crowded places even if they are not sick, especially indoors or around vulnerable people.

MOH said in the media release that it will open a second Covid-19 treatment facility at Singapore Expo Hall 10 to increase the number of beds for Covid-19 patients this weekend and doctors will decide if they should be admitted.

A treatment facility already operates at Crawfurd Hospital in Adam Road. Together, the two facilities can take more than 80 patients and the new facility can be expanded, if necessary.

In addition, hospitals will take steps to meet the rise in demand for beds. The average hospitalisation rate has surged to 350 admissions daily, up from 225 the previous week.

MOH said: “To preserve our healthcare capacity, MOH has been working with public hospitals for contingency planning, including ensuring adequate manpower and deferring non-urgent electives to maximise bed capacity for urgent cases in need of acute care.”

In the week ended Dec 9, 23 Covid-19 patients were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs), up from nine the previous week and the highest on a weekly basis for the year. A total of 763 patients were hospitalised with Covid-19.

Public hospitals are also turning to other institutes, such as transitional care facilities, to house patients who are more stable.

MOH said travellers should take precautions, such as wearing a mask, buying travel insurance in case they need medical care overseas and avoiding crowded areas with poor ventilation.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said on Dec 13 that there were fewer than 10 cases in ICUs at any one time.

Although more than 560 Covid-19 patients were hospitalised on that day, it is a fraction of the 1,726 at the peak of the pandemic.

The ministry again urged people to exercise personal and social responsibility.

Those who are unwell with symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, a sore throat, headaches, muscle aches or a fever should stay at home until they recover, and avoid contact with others. — The Straits Times/ANN