Singapore Sees Nearly 60% Weekly Jump in COVID-19 Cases, Says Health Agency

Singapore has recorded a sharp rise in COVID-19 infections, with around 12,700 new cases reported between May 10 and May 16, marking a 58.8 per cent increase compared with the previous week, according to the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) .

Health authorities noted that infections had already climbed to about 14,200 cases in late April to early May , before easing slightly in the latest weekly reporting cycle, reflecting a continuing wave of transmission.

The average daily hospitalisations increased from 56 to 73 during the week under review, while intensive care admissions remained very low , with about one ICU case per day on average. No deaths were reported during the period.

Officials said hospitals remain fully capable of managing the caseload, with no signs of healthcare system stress.

The CDA stated that Singapore is experiencing an expected endemic wave pattern , where COVID-19 continues to circulate periodically, similar to other respiratory illnesses. Such waves are typically observed every six to nine months.

The current surge is being driven mainly by NB.1.8.1 and related JN.1-descendant variants , which fall under broader XDV lineage clusters now dominating local sequencing results. Authorities confirmed that these variants show no evidence of increased severity or transmissibility compared with earlier strains.

Health officials also highlighted that waning population immunity is likely contributing to the rise in infections, alongside reduced booster uptake in recent months.

Despite the increase in cases, ICU admissions and severe illness indicators remain stable and relatively low , reinforcing that the overall disease burden has declined compared with earlier pandemic phases.

Singapore is also part of a broader regional uptick in COVID-19 activity across parts of Asia , including Hong Kong, though severity trends remain broadly similar.

The CDA reiterated that vaccination remains effective in preventing severe disease , particularly for those aged 60 and above, medically vulnerable individuals, and residents of care facilities. Healthcare workers and caregivers are also advised to stay updated with booster doses.