Category: Corona Virus Vaccine

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A new tool developed by a Vanderbilt University-led team may help identify infants at high risk for severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI), according to anabstract presented today at the American Thoracic Society (ATS) 2024 International Conference in San Diego.

"To predict whether these infants developed severe RSV LRTI requiring ICU [intensive care unit] admission during the first year of life, we developed a multivariable logistic regression model," coauthor Tebeb Gebretsadik, MPH, said in an ATS press release. "The model includes demographic and clinical variables collected at or shortly after birth19 variables in all, such as prenatal smoking, delivery method, maternal age and assisted breathing (ventilation) during birth hospitalization."

The researchers evaluated the tool in infants insured through the Tennessee Medicaid Program, including those who did not receive a preventive monoclonal antibody. They said the tool may be especially helpful during shortages of drugs that help prevent severe RSV, such as nirsevimab (Beyfortus), a monoclonal antibody in short supply in the 2023-24 respiratory virus season.

"At least half of infant hospitalizations due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the United States are among infants who are currently considered low-risk (i.e., healthy and term)," the study authors said in the abstract.

Of 429,365 infants, 713 (0.2%) had severe RSV requiring ICU admission. The tool had good predictive accuracy, and internal validation indicated a good fit.

At least half of infant hospitalizations due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the United States are among infants who are currently considered low-risk (i.e., healthy and term).

Principal investigator Tina Hartert, MD, MPH, said the tool "may also persuade vaccine-hesitant families to accept RSV immunoprophylaxis [vaccination], by showing them their newborn is at high risk."

Coauthor Niek Achten, MD, of Erasmus University in the Netherlands, said it may also prove useful abroad. "In addition to use in the United States during times of limited availability, our tool may prove useful in countries with budgetary constraints needing to prioritize administration to the highest risk infants," he said.

Thestudy was published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases in February. The authors said the tool will undergo validation in other populations and cost-effectiveness and decision-curve analyses.

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Singapore reports rise in COVID activity | CIDRAP - University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Countries around the globe have failed to reach consensus on the terms of a treaty that would unify the world in a strategy against the inevitable next pandemic, trumping the nationalist ethos that emerged during Covid-19.

The deliberations, which were scheduled to be a central item at the weeklong meeting of the World Health Assembly beginning Monday in Geneva, aimed to correct the inequities in access to vaccines and treatments between wealthier nations and poorer ones that became glaringly apparent during the Covid pandemic.

Although much of the urgency around Covid has faded since the treaty negotiations began two years ago, public health experts are still acutely aware of the pandemic potential of emerging pathogens, familiar threats like bird flu and mpox, and once-vanquished diseases like smallpox.

Those of us in public health recognize that another pandemic really could be around the corner, said Loyce Pace, an assistant secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services, who oversees the negotiations in her role as the United States liaison to the World Health Organization.

Negotiators had hoped to adopt the treaty next week. But canceled meetings and fractious debates sometimes over a single word stalled agreement on key sections, including equitable access to vaccines.

The negotiating body plans to ask for more time to continue the discussions.

Im still optimistic, said Dr. Jean Kaseya, director general of Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I think the continent wants this agreement. I think the world wants this agreement.

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Countries Fail to Agree on Treaty to Prepare the World for the Next Pandemic - The New York Times

Over a fifth of Americans and Poles surveyed believed that COVID-19 vaccines can change peoples DNA.

And more than half of Serbian people believed that natural immunity from COVID was better than being vaccinated.

These figures come from a new report which examines the effects of populism on misinformation and other aspects of crisis communication around the coronavirus pandemic.

Written by members of the PANCOPOP project team, led by Professor Sabina Mihelj, and drawing on ongoing research on pandemic communication in populist environments, the report outlines the factors that contribute to susceptibility to health misinformation.

One of the key findings was the increased level of acceptance of false and misleading statements about COVID by members of the public holding populist beliefs or voting for populist politicians in four countries, namely the United States (US), Brazil (BR), Poland (PL) and Serbia (RS).

Prof Mihelj, of the School of Social Sciences and Humanities, said: Populism can also be an ideology which generally makes people more gullible to falsehoods and rumours, independently from how populist leaders behave.

Polish and Serbian populist leaders did not actively promote COVID-19 misinformation and, at least at the start of the pandemic, supported preventive measures recommended by public health authorities and experts.

Nevertheless, populist voters in Poland and Serbia were more likely to believe in more false statements, albeit to a lesser degree than Brazilian and American populist voters.

A survey of 5,000 people from those countries found that more than 40% of the people polled believed COVID-19 vaccines are experimental, and health risks associated with them are not known. And, that over a third of the official numbers of deaths from COVID-19 have been grossly exaggerated.

Table 1: Susceptibility to misinformation and rumours about COVID-19 (% of those who agreed)

BR

PL

RS

US

ALL

COVID-19 was purposefully created in a lab

34

32

46

38

37

The official numbers of deaths from COVID-19 have been grossly exaggerated

36

32

37

34

35

Face masks can make people ill

19

37

27

28

27

The U.S. military is behind the creation of the virus

10

9

21

16

14

Covid-19 vaccines are experimental, and their health risks are not properly known

40

45

51

40

43

Natural immunity from Covid-19 is better than vaccines

27

45

54

38

39

COVID-19 vaccines can change people's DNA

14

21

12

21

17

COVID-19 vaccines have been developed using human embryos

10

15

8

20

14

COVID-19 vaccines contain microchips

10

10

8

19

12

The report made series of recommendations directed towards three main groups involved in health crisis communication: public health authorities and government officials, media regulators and policymakers, and news organizations and journalists. It also included a series of best practice examples draw from the four countries.

For public health authorities and government officials, the emphasis lies on anticipating the politicization of health threats and preventative measures, ensuring transparency and autonomy of specialized health agencies, avoiding top-down styles of communication and fostering multipartisan dialogue in decision-making.

Additionally, the development of integrated, multi-stakeholder strategies to combat health misinformation was advised, involving stakeholders from media organizations, regulators and digital platforms to influencers and local communities.

Prof Mihelj said: Media regulators and policymakers are urged to bolster freedom of information protections, challenge political interference, and support media literacy initiatives. The report suggested they should also proactively support the media in health emergencies, for instance by prioritizing complaints about health topics.

News organisations and journalists are encouraged to openly challenge any crisis measures that may interfere with public access to information, improve internal governance to guard against political influence, be mindful of the fact that misinformation can originate from political elites, medical professionals, and celebrities, and engage in regular fact-checking of health information from all sources.

To read the full report visit: http://www.pancopop.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/PANCOPOP-Report-in-English.pdf

ENDS

Press release reference number: 24/63

Loughborough is one of the countrys leading universities, with an international reputation for research that matters, excellence in teaching, strong links with industry, and unrivalled achievement in sport and its underpinning academic disciplines.

It has been awarded five stars in the independent QS Stars university rating scheme and named the best university in the world for sports-related subjects in the 2024 QS World University Rankings the eighth year running.

Loughborough is ranked 7th in The UK Complete University Guide 2024, 10th in the Guardian University League Table 2024 and 10th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.

Loughborough is consistently ranked in the top twenty of UK universities in the Times Higher Educations table of tables, and in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021 over 90% of its research was rated as world-leading or internationally-excellent. In recognition of its contribution to the sector, Loughborough has been awarded seven Queen's Anniversary Prizes.

The Loughborough University London campus is based on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and offers postgraduate and executive-level education, as well as research and enterprise opportunities. It is home to influential thought leaders, pioneering researchers and creative innovators who provide students with the highest quality of teaching and the very latest in modern thinking.

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People who hold populist beliefs are more likely to believe misinformation about COVID new report - Loughborough University

A newly published scientific study about the COVID-19 vaccine found people with certain preexisting medical conditions were more likely to report ringing in the ears after getting immunized.

The authors of the study about these "risk factors" include Dr. Shaowen Bao, a University of Arizona professor, and Robert Edmonds, a COVID-19 vaccine patient from New Mexico.

Its very difficult when you have a very sudden event, and you're trying to get answers, and there isn't any, Edmonds said.

Three years ago, Edmonds began a quest for health answers when he developed ringing in the ears shortly after getting his first COVID-19 vaccine shot in January 2021.

It's like the static of an old TV in the background, Edmonds said. But 10 times louder.

ABC15 spent years tracking the concerns of thousands of people who reported they had ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus, vertigo or hearing loss after getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Back then, tinnitus was not listed by the CDC or FDA as a potential side effect of any of COVID-19 vaccines. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is no longer being used in the United States, later changed its labeling to include tinnitus as a potential side effect.

ABC15 is committed to finding the answers you need and holding those accountable.

Submit your news tip to Investigators@abc15.com

Edmonds felt public health leaders were not taking the tinnitus concerns seriously enough, so he turned to ABC15 with his story.

You guys were really the first to kind of help with that, Edmonds told ABC15 Senior Investigator Melissa Blasius.

ABC15 found more people across the country who also connected the onset of their tinnitus or hearing loss to the time they received a COVID-19 shot.

"The risk is small, but it seems to me that it is there," said University of Arizona Assistant Professor Shaowen Bao. He is also a member of the scientific advisory committee for the American Tinnitus Association.

Bao and his team surveyed 398 people with complaints of COVID-19 vaccination-related tinnitus and studied 699,839 COVID-19 adverse event reports in the CDC's VAERS database.

The Journal Frontiers in Pharmacology reviewed their findings and published them on May 21, 2024. Edmonds is listed as a coauthor.

I've tried to work with as many legitimate scientists as possible and just get something to move forward, Edmonds said.

Their findings suggest that COVID-19 vaccination increases the risk of tinnitus, and metabolic disorders is a risk factor for COVID-19 vaccination-related tinnitus.

Those findings include:

The study also outlined the metabolic "risk factors," saying older people with preexisting hypertension and obesity were most strongly correlated post-vaccine tinnitus. The study also notes diabetes as a risk factor. I wasn't looking for vindication, Edmonds said. I was just looking for help getting other people who might be going through this.

After years of trying to get the CDC and other public health leaders to hear his concerns, Edmonds hopes the Frontiers in Pharmacology article can be a catalyst.

I would like to pass that torch off to someone to keep pushing this forward, Edmonds said.

Currently, the CDC does not recognize tinnitus or hearing loss as a potential side effect of the currently used COVID-19 vaccines. According to the agency, ringing in the ears is common, and it can be expected some people would develop the condition around the same time as the COVID-19 shot without being caused by the vaccine.

CDC research has found COVID-19 vaccines to be safe and effective. Public health officials recommend everyone 6 months and older to be vaccinated to protect against serious illness.

Have a news tip? Email atmelissa.blasius@abc15.comor call 602-803-2506. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) @MelissaBlasiusorFacebook.

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Arizona researcher publishes study on COVID-19 vaccine and tinnitus - ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix

As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, marked by its unprecedented global impact, societies are navigating a landscape shaped by progress, challenges, and enduring lessons. From the initial emergence of the novel coronavirus to the ongoing vaccination efforts and the evolving public health response, the journey through the pandemic has been fraught with uncertainty and resilience. In this comprehensive analysis, we explore the multifaceted aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic, shedding light on the progress made, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned along the way.

Progress in Vaccination Efforts

One of the most significant milestones in the fight against COVID-19 has been the development and deployment of vaccines on an unprecedented scale. Since the approval of the first COVID-19 vaccines in late 2020, millions of doses have been administered worldwide, offering hope for a path out of the pandemic. Vaccination efforts have played a crucial role in reducing severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths, providing a glimmer of optimism amidst the ongoing challenges.

Global Collaboration and Scientific Advancements

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of global collaboration and scientific advancements in addressing public health crises. From the rapid sequencing of the virus's genome to the development of innovative diagnostic tests and therapeutics, the collective efforts of scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals have been instrumental in understanding and combating the virus. International cooperation through initiatives such as COVAX has facilitated equitable access to vaccines, highlighting the need for solidarity in the face of a shared global threat.

Challenges in Containment and Mitigation

Despite progress in vaccination efforts, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to present formidable challenges in containment and mitigation. The emergence of new variants, such as Delta and Omicron, has underscored the virus's ability to evolve and adapt, posing challenges to vaccine efficacy and public health measures. Additionally, disparities in vaccine distribution and uptake, coupled with vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, have hindered efforts to achieve herd immunity and control transmission rates in certain regions.

Socioeconomic Impacts and Health Inequities

The COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare existing socioeconomic disparities and health inequities, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities and vulnerable populations. From the economic repercussions of widespread lockdowns to the strain on healthcare systems and essential workers, the pandemic has exacerbated inequalities and deepened existing divides. Addressing these disparities requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes equitable access to healthcare, economic support, and social services for all.

Resilience and Adaptability

Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, societies have demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability in navigating uncertain terrain. From the rapid implementation of public health measures to the adoption of remote work and virtual learning, individuals and communities have adapted to new realities with creativity and perseverance. The pandemic has sparked innovation in healthcare delivery, technology, and education, laying the groundwork for transformative changes in the post-pandemic world.

Lessons Learned and Future Preparedness

As the world continues to navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there are valuable lessons to be learned and applied to future public health crises. The importance of early detection and rapid response, robust healthcare infrastructure, and evidence-based communication strategies cannot be overstated. Additionally, fostering resilience, solidarity, and global cooperation are essential for building a more resilient and prepared society in the face of emerging threats.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a transformative and defining moment in modern history, reshaping societies and economies in profound ways. While progress has been made in vaccination efforts and scientific advancements, challenges in containment, health equity, and socioeconomic recovery persist. As the world continues to navigate the complexities of the pandemic, resilience, solidarity, and collective action remain paramount in shaping a brighter and more resilient future for all.

Image by Enrique from Pixabay

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COVID-19 Pandemic: Progress, Challenges, and Lessons Learned - The Munich Eye

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reports it has seen a very small uptick in Covid-19 cases.

The department statistics from May 10 to 15, the most recent data available, show an average of 82 to 92 COVID-19 cases per day, an increase from earlier in the spring.

There were an average of 60 to 80 new cases a day between March 25 and May 9, L.A. County health officials said. The case counts dont include home tests or infections among people who dont test.

The statistics show coronavirus concentrations in sewage rising statewide.

The trend comes as the latest family of coronavirus subvariants, collectively nicknamed FLiRT, have made significant gains nationally.

COVID-19 concentrations in wastewater have suggested increases in several regions across California since early May. Test positivity for COVID-19 has been slowly increasing since May, the state Department of Public Health said in a statement to The Los Angeles Times on Friday.

Its too soon to tell if this very small increase in recent days will become a sustained uptick. These case counts are low, making it difficult at this time to assess real trends, the L.A. County Department of Public Health said.

Coronavirus levels in L.A. County wastewater remain relatively stable, at 9% of last winters peak.

2024 PMC. All rights reserved.

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Covid-19 Infections On Rise In Los Angeles And Statewide - Deadline

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the pathogen responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), hasbeen associated with the manifestation of adversepulmonary conditions, such as pneumonia and acute respiratory distresssyndrome (ARDS).A recentNature Communicationsstudy identifies ferroptosis as amajorcell death mechanism underlying COVID-19 lung disease.

Study:Fatal COVID-19 pulmonary disease involves ferroptosis.Image Credit: Mang E / Shutterstock.com

Both acute and non-acute pulmonary damage havebeen associatedwith COVID-19. Severely infected COVID-19 patients often develop ARDS, which accounts for high mortality and poor prognosis.

Lung histology of patients with ARDS has indicated acute lung injury (ALI), particularly diffuse alveolar damage (DAD).The early stage of ARDS has been characterized byedema, hyaline membranes, and fibrosis.Non-acute lung injury (non-ALI) of COVID-19 patients includesmicrothrombi and pulmonary vascular congestion with hemangiomatosis-like changes.

COVID-19 pulmonary pathology hasbeen associatedwith host inflammatory responses, including the cytokine storm and viral infection damage. Chronic immuneresponsesinduced by macrophages and neutrophils aggravate pulmonary tissue damage. Furthermore, immune cells lead to a release of reactive oxygen species and free radicals,therebycausing oxidative injury.

Although many supportive treatments, such as mechanical ventilation and intubation, are used to alleviate the pulmonary symptoms of COVID-19, there is no specific cure for this disease. As a result, patients with COVID-19 ARDSare often treatedwith a combination of anti-inflammatory and anti-viral medications.

In addition to protease inhibitors, immunomodulatory drugs, such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) receptor inhibitors and corticosteroids, have improved survival rates among severely infected patients.Although many studies on COVID-19 havebeen conducted,additional studies are needed to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease and ultimately develop targeted and more effective therapeutic strategies.

Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent non-apoptotic form of celldeath characterized by extensive peroxidation of phospholipids containing polyunsaturated fatty acyl tails (PL-PUFAs). Lipid peroxidation adversely impacts the cellular repair system, particularly the ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) pathway, and GTP cyclohydrolase 1 (GCH1) pathway, which ultimately leads to cell death.

Previous studies have reported that SARS-CoV-2 infection inducespro-ferroptosis molecular changes, which may lead to ferroptosis in the lungs.Modification ofiron homeostasis proteins andaccumulation ofreactive iron may lead to a disruption of iron metabolism in the lungs.

The current study involved the analysis of autopsy samplesobtained from patients who died from respiratory failure caused by severeSARS-CoV-2 infection with both ALI and non-ALI pathologies. Mild COVID-19 lung explantswere also collectedfrom patients who recovered from the infection.

Control lung samples included resections of pneumothorax lungs and neoplastic lungs, which did not exhibit any signs of SARS-CoV-2 infection or other types of lung injury. Non-COVID-19 control lung autopsies with ALI were also obtained from individuals who died from respiratory failure before the pandemic. Serum samples of all patients were collected to determine ferritin levels.

Molecular features responsible for pulmonary pathologies in human lung autopsies and a hamster model were evaluated. Mass-spectrometry-based lipidomicswas also performedto assessthe lipid profile of COVID-19 patient lung autopsies.

Post-mortem COVID-19 lung autopsy samples indicated an elevated level of ferroptosis markers, as well as increased iron dysregulation, lipid peroxidation, and lysophospholipids, as well as depletion in PL-PUFAs.

Inboth ALI and non-ALI fatal COVID-19 lung samples, a significant increase in ferroptosis featureswas observed. Blood accumulation was observed in lung parenchyma,whichindicatesintracerebral hemorrhage due to ferroptosis.Dead blood cells release cytotoxic agents and iron into the adjacent cells,whichincreasesinflammation and tissue damage.

Consistent with previous research, the current study reports the presence of high serum ferritin and ferritin light chain in the lung tissue of severe COVID-19 samples. Iron-rich extracellular vesicles secreted by ferroptotic cells, including macrophages, spread cell-death signals to their surroundings and increase tissue damage.

Mechanistically, ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) activates lipid peroxidation in primary lung epithelial cells, whichwas suppressedby ferroptosis inhibitors, ferrostatin-1 and liproxstatin-1.

Lipidomics analysis revealed a significant depletion of PL-PUFAs, dipalmitoyl-phosphatidylcholine, andpalmitoyl-oleoyl-PG,as well as an accumulation of lysophospholipids in severe COVID-19 lungs. These couldbe attributedto the formation of hyaline membranes in COVID-19 ALI.

A Syrian hamster model of COVID-19 revealed a robust correlation between ferroptosis markers (TfR1) and the lipid peroxidation product 4 hydroxynonenal-4-HNEwith lung injury severity.

The current study identified ferroptosis as akeycell death mechanism associated with COVID-19 lung disease. Analysis of human COVID-19 lung tissue exhibited unique molecular features of ferroptosis in severe lung pathologies. This observation was supported by the Syrian hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 infection, which highlighted an association of ferroptosis with lung pathology.

Considering the role of ferroptosis in the lung pathology of SARS-CoV-2 infection, therapeutics capable of suppressing iron-dependent cell death could be effective in treating severe COVID-19.

Journal reference:

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Study reveals ferroptosis as a major driver of severe COVID-19 lung damage - News-Medical.Net

A variant known as KP.2 continues to dominate as the top cause of COVID-19 in the United States, and latest data from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that its spread has become faster over this month.

[1]

The strain, which accounted for 16 percent of cases at the end of April, now makes up more than 28 percent of COVID-19 infections.

[2]

Another FLiRT variant KP.1.1, which is responsible for 7.5 percent of infections, appears to be gaining momentum as well.

While KP.2 and KP.1.1 are spreading fast, there is no indication that they are more dangerous than other recent prevalent strains, such as JN.1, which is also part of the omicron family.

There does not appear to be anything new regarding symptoms from the FLiRT variants; however, it may be too early to know and we should monitor for this, says Krutika Kuppalli, MD, a former medical officer for COVID-19 health operations at the World Health Organization.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, the CDC noted that these strains are not causing any higher level of severe illness.

At this point, common symptoms of the new COVID variants KP.2 and others in the FLiRT strain continue to be:

Even though KP.2 may be better able to evade immune defenses, most people will experience only mild symptoms because vaccination or prior infection has provided them with sufficient protection to fight off severe illness, according to Dr. Kuppalli.

Peter Chin-Hong, MD, a professor of medicine at the University of California in San Francisco who specializes in infectious diseases, agrees that symptoms so far appear to be similar to those caused by previous recent variants.

He does caution, however, that in some people who lose their sense of taste and smell a once-common symptom that has become more rare shortness of breath may soon follow.

Difficulty breathing may set in about seven days after the onset of [these] symptoms and some patients will get very sick, says Dr. Chin-Hong.

The CDC continues to warn that older adults are at highest risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, and more than 81 percent of COVID-19 deaths occur in people over age 65.

[3]

[4]

With the highly transmissible KP.2 variant in circulation, health authorities expect a rise in infections as we head into the summer months.

[5]

[6]

[7]

Its important to remember that we are still in a pandemic, its just that the public health emergency of international concern has been lifted, says Kuppalli, who also serves on the Global Health Committee for theInfectious Disease Society of America. The virus continues to evolve so its important for us to monitor for these changes and adjust accordingly.

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What Are the Symptoms of the New COVID-19 FLiRT Variant? - Everyday Health

SINGAPORE Singapore is seeing a new Covid-19 wave, with rising cases of infection in the last two weeks, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung on May 18.

We are at the beginning part of the wave where it is steadily rising, said Mr Ong. So I would say the wave should peak in the next two to four weeks, which means between mid- and end of June.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) said that to protect hospital bed capacity and as a precaution, public hospitals have been asked to reduce their non-urgent elective surgery cases and move suitable patients to facilities like transitional care facilities or back home through Mobile Inpatient Care@Home.

Mr Ong urged those who are at greatest risk of severe disease, including individuals aged 60 years and above, medically vulnerable individuals and residents of aged care facilities, to receive an additional dose of the Covid-19 vaccine if they have not done so in the last 12 months.

MOH said the estimated number of Covid-19 cases in the week of May 5 to May 11 rose to 25,900 cases, compared with 13,700 cases in the previous week. The average daily Covid-19 hospitalisations rose to about 250 from 181 the week before. The average daily intensive care unit (ICU) cases remained low at three cases, compared with two cases in the previous week.

Mr Ong said that if the number of Covid-19 cases doubles one time, Singapore will have 500 patients in its healthcare system, which is what Singapore can handle. However, if the number of cases doubles a second time, there will be 1,000 patients, and that will be a considerable burden on the hospital system, he noted.

One thousand beds is equivalent to one regional hospital, Mr Ong said. So I think the healthcare system has to brace ourselves for what is to come.

There are no plans for any form of social restrictions or any other mandatory type of measures for now, as Covid-19 is treated as an endemic disease in Singapore, he said, adding that imposing additional measures would be a last resort.

Mr Ong said that with Singapore being a transport and communications hub, it will be one of the cities to get a wave of Covid-19 earlier than others.

So Covid-19 is just something that we have to live with. Every year, we should expect one or two waves, he said.

Mr Ong was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the Community in Review 2024 Conference Thriving with Age: Building a World of Active Ageing at the Furama Riverfront.

Globally, the predominant Covid-19 variants are still JN.1 and its sub-lineages, including KP.1 and KP.2. Currently, KP.1 and KP.2 account for over two-thirds of cases in Singapore.

As at May 3, the World Health Organisation has classified KP.2 as a variant under monitoring. There are currently no indications, globally or locally, that KP.1 and KP.2 are more transmissible or cause more severe disease than other circulating variants, MOH said.

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Singapore facing new Covid-19 wave; vaccination recommended especially for seniors: Ong Ye Kung - The Straits Times

Singapore is experiencing a new wave of COVID-19, as authorities recorded more than 25,900 cases from May 5 to 11. The cases are nearly doubling week-on-week. The government has issued a health advisory asking people to wear masks again, news agency PTI reported.

The estimated number of COVID-19 infections in the week of May 5 to 11 rose to 25,900 a 90% increase compared with the 13,700 cases in the previous week, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said.

The average daily COVID-19 hospitalisations rose to about 250 from 181 the week before, the MOH added.

We are at the beginning part of the wave where it is steadily rising," said Ong. So, I would say the wave should peak in the next two to four weeks, which means between mid- and end of June," Singapore daily The Straits Times quoted Health Minister Ong Ye Kung as saying.

The health ministry said that the average daily number of intensive care cases remained low at three compared to two the previous week.

MOH is closely tracking the trajectory of this wave," the ministry said.

The health ministry further said that to protect hospital bed capacity; the public hospitals have been asked to reduce their non-urgent elective surgery cases and move suitable patients to transitional care facilities or back home through Mobile Inpatient Care@Home, an alternative inpatient care delivery model that offers clinically suitable patients the option of being hospitalised in their own homes instead of a hospital ward.

Urging people not to seek treatment at a hospitals Emergency Department if their symptoms are mild or if they have no medical vulnerabilities, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung asked the elderly persons, medically vulnerable individuals and residents of aged care facilities to receive an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if they have not done so in the last 12 months.

If the number of COVID-19 cases doubles one-time, Singapore will have 500 patients in its healthcare system, which is what Singapore can handle. However, if the number of cases doubles a second time, there will be 1,000 patients, and that will be a considerable burden on the hospital system", PTI quoted the health minister as saying.

He said there are no plans for social restrictions or other mandatory measures for now, as COVID-19 is treated as an endemic disease in Singapore, and imposing additional measures would be a last resort.

Globally, the predominant COVID-19 variants are still JN.1 and its sub-lineages, including KP.1 and KP.2. Currently, KP.1 and KP.2 account for over two-thirds of cases in Singapore.

Early this month, the World Health Organisation classified KP.2 as a variant under monitoring. There are currently no indications, globally or locally, that KP.1 and KP.2 are more transmissible or cause more severe disease than other circulating variants.

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Singapore faces new COVID-19 wave, 25,900 cases reported in a week, masks advisory issued | Mint - Mint