Asia's First With-Corona Singapore... New Cases Exceed 1,000

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jihwan] In Singapore, where the COVID-19 vaccination completion rate reaches 80%, the number of new confirmed cases has surpassed 1,000. Although it was the first in Asia to declare a 'With COVID' policy, the surge in new cases is attributed to the relaxation of quarantine measures and the increase in Delta variant infections.

Local media reported on the 19th that 1,009 new cases were confirmed the previous day, marking the highest number since April 23.

With a population of 5.7 million, Singapore's COVID-19 vaccination rate is about 81%, one of the highest in the world. Accordingly, the authorities began easing quarantine measures from early last month. They stopped counting the total number of confirmed cases and set a policy to manage only severe and critical patients like the flu, aiming to restore daily life to pre-COVID-19 levels. Dine-in at restaurants was allowed for those who completed vaccination, and the limit on gathering sizes was increased from 2 to 5 people.

However, as cases surged recently, further easing of restrictions has been halted. Nevertheless, the Singapore government maintains its so-called 'With COVID' policy focus on managing severe and critical patients rather than suppressing the number of confirmed cases.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.