Singapore Tightens COVID-19 Measures Following Record Infections

Despite a high vaccination rate, Singapore has been seeing more than 1,000 daily cases this week, which reached an all-time high of 1,504 cases on Thursday, the highest number since the pandemic began early in 2020.

The Health Ministry said in a statement, “Many COVID positive individuals with mild symptoms are seeking medical attention at our hospitals when it might not be necessary.”

Around 98% of COVID cases in the past month have had close to negligible or mild symptoms, the Health Ministry's report stated a day earlier.

This jump in cases and needless hospital visits have put tremendous pressure on the city-state's healthcare system. Trade Minister Gan Kim Yong said it was a "very difficult decision" to tighten curbs again, due to its impact on people and businesses, however, it will allow the government to avoid overtaxing healthcare workers.

The measures will limit social gatherings to two people and make working from home a default. Singapore is also trying to put in place arrangements for mild cases to recover at home and to scale up isolation facilities.