Singapore's COVID-19 Cases Surge to 22,000 in November 2023

COVID-19 cases in Singapore surged again in November 2023.

According to data from the Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH), between June 18-24, 2023, the number of COVID-19 cases was only 6,882. Although fluctuating afterward, the number of cases remained in the range of 3,000-8,000 per week until the first week of September 2023.

However, from September 17-23, 2023, 14,843 COVID-19 cases were detected. Following that week's record, the trend consistently remained above 10,000 cases.

The latest data from November 19-25, 2023, showed a surge to 22,094 cases, the highest since mid-2023.

However, since the beginning of epidemiological weeks in 2023, the highest number of cases reached 28,410 between March 19-25, 2023.

Citing *Channel News Asia* as reported by *Katadata*, the Singapore Ministry of Health confirmed that the average hospital and ICU admissions due to the surge remained stable.

The MOH stated that the high transmission rate might be due to the year-end travel season. The surge in cases could also be attributed to decreased population immunity against COVID-19.

The transmission of COVID-19 is also dominated by the EG.5 subvariant and its lineage, HK.3. Currently, these two viruses account for more than 70% of detected cases.

Nevertheless, the authorities stated that pneumonia cases in Singapore have remained stable in recent months. "There is no indication of an increase in severe respiratory illnesses, including in children," they said.

This surge in COVID-19 cases coincides with an outbreak of mysterious pneumonia among children in China. As of November 24, the country urged caution as this surge in illness affected schools and hospitals, possibly caused by circulating respiratory pathogens.

(See also: Pneumonia Was the Leading Cause of Infant Mortality Worldwide in 2021)