Free ART kits coming: We can't rule out tightening of Covid-19 measures, says DPM Wong

Free ART kits coming: We can't rule out tightening of Covid-19 measures, says DPM Wong
Mr Lawrence Wong said the uptick in the number of infections is driven by the newer BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron sub-variants.
PHOTO: The Straits Times

There is no need to tighten safe management measures for now but this cannot be ruled out as more Covid-19 infections are reported, said Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

Stressing the need for vigilance and testing, he announced that all households will receive 10 antigen rapid test kits. Distribution will begin some time next month.

Speaking to reporters after touring a mobile vaccination centre at Nee Soon Central, Mr Wong said the uptick in the number of infections is driven by the newer BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron sub-variants.

"We should expect cases to continue to rise", he said.

While there is no evidence yet that the current infections are more severe, and with hospitals still able to cope with the situation, Singapore should be able to "ride through this wave" without having to tighten existing rules.

But the situation is fluid, said Mr Wong, who was with Health Minister Ong Ye Kung.

On June 21, the Health Ministry said the BA.4 and BA.5 variants accounted for around 30 per cent of all virus cases in the past week, up from 17 per cent the week before.

ALSO READ: '2 doses are not enough': Ong Ye Kung urges public to get their booster shots to prepare for new Covid-19 wave

This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.

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