An one-and-a-half year-old toddler who was infected with Covid-19 died on Monday, marking Singapore’s first death caused by the virus in a patient under 12 years old, according to a statement from country’s Ministry of Health.
The MOH reiterated its recommendation that all children aged 5 to 11 years should be vaccinated, especially if they have underlying chronic medical conditions.
In a separate statement, the authority also urged people to take their vaccinations and boosters in preparation for a rise in Covid cases driven by new variants.
Deputy prime minister Lawrence Wong said on Tuesday that the city-state cannot rule out tightening Covid-19 restrictions again as it faces a new surge in cases, the Straits Times reported. Separately, local broadcaster CNA quoted Wong as saying the country will have to be prepared for any contingencies. Adjustments to measures will be made “if need be”, he said.
Wong’s warning came after the average daily infections over a seven-day period in the Southeast Asian nation climbed to more than 5,500 from around 3,500 at the start of June. Around 92% of Singapore’s population is double-vaccinated, while more than three in four have also had a Covid booster. Hospitalizations have remained largely stable, though the number of virus-infected patients has risen above 300 in the past week, according to health ministry data.
- Bloomberg