172 of the new cases were imported, as the country reports a rise in infections ahead of the new year.
Singapore has reported 344 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Friday (Dec 31), with half of the cases—172—being imported infections. Additionally, one fatality was recorded, bringing the national death toll to 828 due to complications related to the virus.
The number of new cases represents an increase from Thursday’s 311 reported infections. Of the new cases, 172 were locally transmitted, with 165 in the community and seven in migrant worker dormitories. The Ministry of Health (MOH) also confirmed 158 new Omicron variant cases, including 124 imported and 34 local cases. The MOH continues to report daily cases and Omicron infections as separate datasets.
The weekly infection growth rate increased to 0.82 on Friday, up from 0.73 on Thursday. This figure marks the highest growth rate in over a month, with the previous peak recorded at 0.83 on Nov 23. A growth rate below 1 indicates a decline in new weekly cases.
Since the start of the pandemic, Singapore has recorded 279,405 COVID-19 cases. As of Friday, 46.2% of ICU beds were occupied, a slight drop from 49.9% on Thursday. There are currently 266 patients in hospital, with 42 requiring oxygen supplementation, and 16 patients in critical condition in the ICU.
Regarding vaccinations, 91% of Singapore’s eligible population has completed their full vaccination regimen. The vaccination of children aged five to 11 commenced earlier this week, contributing to this updated figure. Additionally, around 40% of the population has received a vaccine booster.
