- Child Fatality: Singapore experienced its first child death from Covid-19 in October 2023. This case was part of a broader trend of Covid-related deaths, with a total of 27 deaths reported in October.
Covid-19 Statistics in Singapore
- Age Distribution of Deaths: In October, the majority of Covid deaths (25 cases) involved individuals aged 60 and above. There was also one death in the age group between 12 and 59, in addition to the child fatality.
- Previous Cases: In September 2023, Singapore recorded 17 Covid deaths, all involving individuals aged 60 and above. The highest number of Covid-related deaths in 2023 was in April, with 54 cases, where all but one were aged 60 and above.
Government Response and Health Minister’s Statement
- Second Covid-19 Wave: Health Minister Ong Ye Kung stated that Singapore was experiencing a “second Covid-19 infection wave” in 2023, predominantly driven by two descendants of the XBB Omicron variant – the EG.5 and its sub-lineage HK.3.
- Endemic Disease Strategy: The government has no plans to impose social restrictions and is treating Covid-19 as an endemic disease. The Health Minister emphasized the importance of continuing precautions, especially for the elderly, and highlighted the need to keep vaccinations up to date.
- Vaccination and Precautions: Ong Ye Kung warned against lowering the guard against Covid-19, advising that more people are likely to fall sick and hospitalizations may increase. He stressed the importance of renewing vaccination protection before it wanes.
Conclusion
The first child death from Covid-19 in Singapore in 2023 underlines the continuing impact of the pandemic. While the government maintains an endemic approach to managing the virus, the Health Minister’s remarks remind the public of the ongoing need for vigilance, particularly regarding vaccination and precautionary measures.
Also learn about Singapore Faces New COVID-19 Wave, Health Minister Urges Continued Vigilance.
