Here we Covid again, this time feeling se
Covid cases are on the rise again. Singapore has issued a health advisory as new cases climbed to some 56,000 in the December 3-9 week, up from some 32,000 the week earlier. Experts say there is no cause for worry.
But the consensus is it's better safe than sorry. In India, cases are rising in Kerala where this Covid JN.1 sub-variant has claimed four lives. Neighbouring Karnataka has brought back mandatory masking.
Heavy precaution is in the air.
Health departments need to ensure that as gatekeepers, they are up to speed on the disease. So far, national and sub-national governments have proved to be on the ball. Stepping up surveillance and testing from the start will enable health departments send out alerts to other branches of the administration on measures they need to take.
It is a good idea, especially in these winter months when poor air quality is already compromising immunity, to step up with precautionary measures, particularly for the most vulnerable segments such as the elderly, children and the infirm. Masking, improved sanitation, better ventilation and, especially, improved crowd management in public spaces would be measures that all administrations could take to minimise spread of this new variant. Ensuring that hospitals can turn around operations with no time wasted to deal with a sudden and rapid escalation of JN.1 cases, and dissemination of accurate information are essential steps that administrations should take.
Precautionary measures apart, this new Omicron sub-variant should serve as a system-check moment to ensure that healthcare and allied processes are fit for purpose.
