Planning a Trip to Singapore or Malaysia? Key Updates on the Recent Covid Spike You Should Know
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As of December 2023, Singapore and Malaysia are witnessing a surge in Covid-19 cases. Singapore reports a significant rise to over 56,000 cases in a week, with increased hospital admissions. Malaysia sees a 62.2% spike but is managing it without lockdowns, focusing on a health framework and public safety measures. Indian travellers to these countries are advised to wear masks, especially in crowded areas, stay updated on vaccinations, and exercise general caution
As you plan your trip to Singapore or Malaysia, it’s crucial to stay updated on the recent surge in COVID-19 cases primarily attributed to the JN.1 variant, a sublineage of BA.2.86. Stay informed about safety advice for travellers heading to these destinations during this period of heightened health concerns.
As of December 2023, both Singapore and Malaysia are experiencing a significant surge in Covid-19 cases. In Singapore, the number of cases in the first week of December rose dramatically to 56,043, compared to 32,035 in the previous week. The Ministry of Health in Singapore has advised the public to wear masks in crowded places, especially indoors, and urged travellers to take precautions such as wearing masks at airports and avoiding poorly ventilated crowded areas. Additionally, Singapore’s healthcare system is preparing for an increased demand, including plans for contingency and deferring non-urgent electives to maximise bed capacity for urgent cases. The average daily COVID-19 hospitalizations in Singapore have increased significantly, and the government has implemented additional measures to safeguard healthcare capacity, including opening a second COVID-19 Treatment Facility.
In Malaysia, there has been an increase of 62.2% in COVID-19 cases. However, their Ministry of Health has ruled out a return to lockdowns such as the Movement Control Order (MCO). Instead, they plan to reinstate the Test, Report, Isolate, Inform, Seek (TRIIS) framework to prevent any outbreak. Despite the increase in cases, the situation in Malaysia is still under control and not burdening existing health facilities. Malaysian health authorities are also encouraging the public to wear masks during gatherings and to stay vigilant, especially for those who are more vulnerable to complications from the disease.
So far there is no clear indication that BA.2.86 or JN.1 are more transmissible or cause more severe disease than other circulating variants.
Precautions for Indian Travellers
Given this uptick in COVID-19 cases in Singapore and Malaysia, Indian travellers should take the following precautions:
- Vaccination and boosters: Ensure your vaccinations, including COVID-19 booster shots, are up-to-date.
- Mask wearing: Wear masks in crowded places, particularly indoors and at airports.
- Avoid crowded areas: Try to avoid poorly ventilated and crowded areas.
- Travel insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical care overseas.
- Monitoring symptoms: Stay vigilant for any symptoms of COVID-19 and seek medical attention if necessary.
- Hygiene practices: Continue practising good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing and using hand sanitiser.
- Stay informed: Keep up to date with the latest travel advisories and health guidelines from India and your destination country.
By taking these precautions, you can better protect yourself while travelling to Singapore and Malaysia during times of increased COVID-19 cases.
