Singapore detects first three local cases of new Omicron sub-variants | The Straits Times

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/singapore-detects-first-three-local-cases-of-new-omicron-sub-variants

Singapore detects first three local cases of new Omicron sub-variants

All three were either asymptomatic or had mild symptoms, and did not require hospitalisation. ST PHOTO: ONG WEE JIN

SINGAPORE - Singapore has detected its first local cases of the new Omicron sub-variants that are driving a fresh increase in Covid-19 numbers all over the world.

On Sunday (May 15) night, the Health Ministry (MOH) said it has found two cases of the BA.4 variant and one case of the BA.5 variant through active surveillance.

The cases were first detected via polymerase chain reaction tests and confirmed through whole genome sequencing.

All three were either asymptomatic or had mild symptoms, and did not require hospitalisation. They were fully vaccinated and had gotten their booster doses.

They self-isolated upon testing positive for Covid-19 and had not been exposed to vulnerable settings, MOH said in a statement.

"We will step up local surveillance efforts and continue monitoring the spread of BA.4 and BA.5 in Singapore," it added.

"While our society is now more resilient against the virus, everyone should to continue to play their part and remain vigilant to mitigate the spread of Covid-19."

It urged people to ensure they are up to date with recommended booster jabs and exercise caution in areas with many people, especially for those who are more likely to develop complications if infected.

BA.4 and BA.5 were first detected in South Africa early this year and are now the dominant variants there. This means they have overtaken the BA.1 and BA.2 strains, which drove the original Omicron outbreak - including in Singapore.

The new variants have mutations in the spike protein which make them more effective at evading the immune system and more transmissible, MOH said. They are considered variants of concern by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

"However, emerging real-world evidence from other countries supports that BA.4 and BA.5 infections will likely give rise to similar clinical outcomes, compared to previous Omicron lineages."

As at last Wednesday, at least 1,000 cases of BA.4 and BA.5 had been reported in at least 16 countries, according to the World Health Organisation.

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Hottest temperature since 1983 recorded in S'pore during recent weeks of warm weather

Hottest temperature since 1983 recorded in S'pore during recent weeks of warm weather



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Mercury in S'pore hits 36.8 deg C in April, second-highest temperature on record | The Straits Times

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/hottest-temperature-since-1983-recorded-in-spore-during-recent-weeks-of-warm-weather

Mercury in S'pore hits 36.8 deg C in April, second-highest temperature on record

Weather experts say Singapore is not in the grips of a heatwave, and that the temperatures seen are not outside the norm. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI

SINGAPORE - Weeks of sweltering heat in Singapore saw the mercury race past 34 deg C several times in the past six weeks, and hit the second-highest temperature on record last month.

On April 1, it peaked at 36.8 deg C in Admiralty, just 0.2 deg C shy of the all-time high recorded in Tengah on April 17, 1983.

Weather experts say the Republic is not in the grips of a heatwave, adding that the temperatures seen are also not outside the norm.

But it will get hotter for Singapore and the rest of the world, with climate change making its presence felt.

Typically, the months of April and May are warmer for the country owing to inter-monsoon conditions, which are characterised by strong heating from the sun and light variable winds, National Environment Agency's Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) told The Straits Times.

This week, the mercury hit 35.6 deg C at Paya Lebar and Marina Barrage between 2pm and 3pm on Tuesday, it said.

Temperatures have stayed high in recent weeks even with a natural climate phenomenon called La Nina, which has been bringing cooler and wetter weather to South-east Asia since late 2020.

Despite warmer weather due to the current inter-monsoon period, the threshold for declaring a heatwave has not been breached, MSS noted.

A heatwave in Singapore occurs when the daily maximum temperature is at least 35 deg C on three consecutive days, and the daily mean temperature throughout the period is at least 29 deg C, said MSS.

Based on past records, the nation experiences one to two heatwaves per decade, it added. The last heatwave occurred in April 2016.

But there was some relief in April with higher-than-usual rainfall.

Despite maximum temperatures soaring past 34 deg C for nearly half of April, thundery showers during the month helped to moderate the overall temperature, making it the third-coolest April in the last 10 years, said MSS.

About half of the island was drenched by above-normal rainfall for that month.

Weather and climate scientist Koh Tieh Yong from the Singapore University of Social Sciences said the conditions in April are within normal climatic variations.

He added that the temperatures currently experienced is not linked to the severe heatwave in India.

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Fwd: Is S’pore facing a recession risk? | The US, divided within, needs to reinvent itself: Harvard's Graham Allison

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Begin forwarded message:

From: ST Editor's Picks <editorspicks@edm.straitstimes.com>
Date: 6 May 2022 at 3:33:12 PM SGT
To: changchengliang@gmail.com
Subject: Is S'pore facing a recession risk? | The US, divided within, needs to reinvent itself: Harvard's Graham Allison



Dear ST reader, In his May Day Rally speech on Sunday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong warned of economic challenges ahead for Singaporeans this year. These include slower growth and a possible recession as Russia's war in Ukraine and China's Covid-19 lockdowns roil global supply chains and push up prices. Senior correspondent Ovais Subhani speaks to experts on the issue. Also, look back on our tips on how to save costs during this time. Meanwhile, parents with questions about their child's PSLE preparation can get them answered at an upcoming ST forum. It is free for those who are ST subscribers. If you are not one yet and wish to sign up for the forum, do subscribe. You can do both here. I wish you a good weekend. Thank you for reading The Straits Times. If this e-mail is not displayed properly, click here. FRIDAY, MAY 06 2022 Warren Fernandez Editor-in-Chief Dear ST reader, In his May Day Rally speech on Sunday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong warned of economic challenges ahead for Singaporeans this year. These include slower growth and a possible recession as Russia's war in Ukraine and China's Covid-19 lockdowns roil global supply chains and push up prices. Senior correspondent Ovais Subhani speaks to experts on the issue. Also, look back on our tips on how to save costs during this time. Meanwhile, parents with questions about their child's PSLE preparation can get them answered at an upcoming ST forum. It is free for those who are ST subscribers. If you are not one yet and wish to sign up for the forum, do subscribe. You can do both here. I wish you a good weekend. Thank you for reading The Straits Times. These 2 years lost (or not): Looking back at how S'pore coped with Covid-19 Some pivoted businesses, others changed careers. Some fought on the front lines, others battled the disease. Troubles of world's biggest economies may become S'pore's problem as experts flag recession risk Singapore also gets its boom and bust economic cycles from overseas. So, when three key trading partners are in trouble, it should expect challenges ahead. Ready, set, roam: Vacation ideas for June school holidays Believe it or not, June is just around the corner. Now that borders have reopened, it is time to conjure up grander plans. The US, divided within, needs to reinvent itself: Harvard's Graham Allison The rise of China is a difficult adjustment for the United States, says the political scientist. Japan rattled by apparent negligence in fatal Hokkaido boat tragedy The tragedy has exposed what has been an industry blind spot, something the government intends to rectify with better oversight. Badminton player Loh Kean Yew is The Straits Times' Athlete of the Year 2021 He created history last December when he became Singapore's first world champion in the sport. It's work from anywhere for some firms' staff From Spotify to Dropbox, here are some firms that have given their staff the option to work from anywhere. Don't miss: • In Your Opinion Podcast: Singapore's 4G refresh of the social compact should include politics • Health Check Podcast: Is sleep customisable? Sign up for more free newsletters from The Straits Times here. Manage subscription here.

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Acts of a monster 🤦‍♂️