Health Minister Highlights Risks as Reinfection Rate Rises
SINGAPORE: According to Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, 15 out of every 100 people infected with COVID-19 in Singapore have experienced reinfection, and this figure could lead to another wave if it continues to rise.
During a public lecture at the Yale-NUS College President’s Speaker Series, Ong explained that the possibility of a significant surge depends on how quickly reinfection rates increase. “At present, about 15 per cent of those infected are experiencing COVID-19 for the second time. If this figure rises to 50 per cent, we could see another wave,” he said.
With over 4,000 new cases reported on Sunday and Monday, Mr. Ong warned that Tuesday, typically the peak day for cases, could see numbers double. “It’s not unusual for cases to increase to 9,000 or even 10,000 by Tuesday, which puts extra pressure on hospitals and healthcare workers,” he added.
This surge is linked to increased social interactions over the weekend, leading to a higher number of cases on Tuesdays. Ong reassured the public that Singapore has successfully managed previous waves while continuing to gradually reopen, with the current case numbers being part of this reopening phase.
In reflecting on his experience leading Singapore’s multi-ministry task force, Ong recalled a pivotal moment when the team decided to remove most COVID-19 restrictions. “During the Delta wave, we took a decisive step: we simplified the rules, abolished quarantine overnight, and implemented the Protocol 1-2-3,” he explained.
While the decision to release 40,000 people from quarantine posed risks, Ong felt it was a necessary move based on available data. He noted that the clearer rules helped people feel more in control of their actions, reducing fear.
“By the time vaccination rates reached 80 to 90 per cent, the Delta wave was over, and we began to reopen,” Ong concluded.
