A novel Omicron sub-variant known as the XBB has been driving a considerable increase of COVID-19 cases in Singapore, according to local media.
Singapore's Ministry of Health reported 7,716 local cases per day in the preceding week, compared to 2,000 last month (MOH).
The number of new cases reached 11,732 on Tuesday, a new high and more than double the previous day's total.
Singapore's Health Minister, Ong Ye Kung, predicted that the caseload will rise to 15,000 patients per day on average, with some days reaching 20,000 or 25,000.
He predicted that the infections will peak in mid-November, adding that "this is likely to be a short and sharp wave."
It appears so. According to Channel News Asia, Ong stated on Tuesday that "XBB is displaying characteristics that it dominates over all other sub-variants."
According to the MOH, there is no proof that XBB causes more severe sickness.
So far, the vast majority of patients in Singapore have reported mild symptoms such as sore throats or moderate fevers.
Dr. Leong Hoe Nam of Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital in Singapore said that three mRNA shots or four Sinovac dosages "remain extremely efficacious"