Beware of Omicron XBB Threats

Singapore is facing a threat of rising COVID-19 cases due to Omicron SBB infection. Singapore's Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said on Oct 15 that the outbreak would reach its peak in mid-November. According to him, Singapore will face an average of 15,000 Omicron XBB cases per day. "It will likely be a short, sharp wave," Ong said.

However, apart from Omicron XBB, the rising COVID-19 cases are also likely due to reinfection. According to him, 75 percent of Singaporeans have been infected, and some have reinfection, which is 5-6 percent of daily cases. Responding to the case in Singapore, Governor of the Riau Islands Anshar Ahmad said he was aware of the potential for transmission in areas bordering the country. "In the last few months, we have been a bit careless, but now we have to be vigilant because active cases in our neighbors are soaring," he said.