As activities resume and life returns to normalcy, clinics said they expect COVID-19 cases to continue rising before stabilising.
“I think eventually we will hit a steady state, and we might get some spikes from time to time. If it follows other respiratory viruses like influenza, then we might see spikes during the winter seasons,” said Dr Chua.
LITTLE CAUSE FOR CONCERN
With Singapore now treating COVID-19 as endemic, doctors are also moving away from focusing on topline figures.
“We are living with COVID … We do not think this is a concern, because it is well known that the current strains of COVID-19 cause minor symptoms in the vast majority of cases,” said Dr Wong Kia Boon, communications director of OneCare Medical.
The firm’s clinics no longer swab for verification or certification, and only do so if patients need it for administrative reasons, he added.
“There is also intense surveillance locally, regionally, internationally for any emerging strains that may lead to severe illnesses again,” he said. “Guidelines will certainly evolve to deal with any emerging trend should this ever happen.”
As Singapore lives with the virus, the Health Ministry and doctors are reminding the public to get their COVID-19 booster shots when due, and to continue good personal habits, such as masking up in crowded areas, and seeking prompt medical attention if unwell.