COVID-19

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that emerged in late 2019 and quickly spread across the world. It was declared a global pandemic on 11 March 2020 by the World Health Organization (WHO). In May 2023, WHO declared that COVID-19 is no longer a public health emergency of international concern. However, the virus continues to circulate in communities and remains a global health risk.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary in severity from asymptomatic to:

• Fever

• Chills

• Sore throat

• Cough

• Runny nose

• Headache

• Loss of taste or smell

• Fatigue

• Myalgia

• Nausea, vomiting

• Diarrhoea

What are the potential complications of COVID-19?

COVID-19 can potentially lead to complications such as shortness of breath due to pneumonia and respiratory failure, as well as other severe conditions, potentially leading to death.

The groups most likely to develop severe disease are:

• persons aged 60 years or older;

• pregnant women;

• persons who are immunocompromised or have underlying medical conditions such as obesity, diabetes, heart, lung or renal disease.

Some individuals may experience long-term effects from COVID-19 infection, known as “long COVID-19”, where symptoms last for weeks or months. This condition can affect people of all ages, including those who initially had mild symptoms. Symptoms and condition can range from mild to severe and may relapse over time. Most common symptoms include fatigue, breathlessness, and cognitive dysfunction.

How does COVID-19 spread?

COVID-19 spreads mainly through the respiratory droplets or particles released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or sings. Other people can breathe in these droplets and particles, or these droplets and particles can land on others’ eyes, nose, or mouth.

The virus can also be spread indirectly when a person touches a contaminated surface (e.g. doorknob, utensils) then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.

The incubation period of COVID-19 is about 1 to 14 days and can vary across variants.

How do I prevent COVID-19?

General advice for prevention of COVID-19

• Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations (see details below)

• Perform standard hygiene measures such as:

  • frequent hand hygiene (especially before eating or handling food)

  • regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces and shared spaces (e.g. door handles, countertops, kitchens, toilets)

  • avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth

• Wear a mask in crowded places, especially in indoor settings

• If you are feeling unwell or experiencing respiratory symptoms:

  • avoid close contact with others and self-isolate, if possible.

  • wear a mask.

  • if you need to go out, exercise social responsibility by avoiding crowded places, vulnerable settings (e.g. hospitals, aged care facilities), and contact with vulnerable persons (e.g. elderly).

Persons who are part of the high-risk groups should take greater care to avoid exposure to COVID-19 virus. They are especially encouraged to be up-to-date on with COVID-19 vaccination, and seek medical attention promptly if feeling unwell.

Vaccination

Vaccination remains our first line of defence against COVID-19 infection. Our high vaccination rates has been pivotal in enabling us to weather past waves of COVID-19 infections, build up our societal resilience, and protect our healthcare system.

Unvaccinated individuals who are receiving COVID-19 vaccination in 2024/2025 should receive:

1. ages 6 months to 4 years: Two vaccine doses, eight weeks apart; and

2. ages 5 years and older: One vaccine dose

Vaccinated individuals aged 6 months and above who are receiving an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccination in 2024/2025, should receive it at an interval of around one year (and at least five months) from the last vaccine dose.

Vaccination is free under the National Vaccination Programme (NVP) for all Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents, Long Term Pass Holders and certain Short Term Pass holders.

Where can I get vaccinated?

Find the nearest vaccination sites and their operating hours at https://www.gowhere.gov.sg/vaccine.

All persons eligible for COVID-19 vaccination may book an appointment at a Healthier SG General Practitioner (GP) clinics through vaccine.gov.sg/covid, or at selected polyclinics through the HealthHub booking system. Alternatively, you may walk into any Joint Testing and Vaccination Centre (JTVC)* without an appointment.

*The five JTVCs at Bukit Merah, Jurong East, Kaki Bukit, Sengkang and Woodlands will cease operations from 1 December 2024. Individuals who wish to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations at a JTVC should do so by 30 November 2024.

You must accompany your child/ward if he/she is aged 12 years and below. Children/wards below 18 years will require the consent of their parents/guardians to get vaccinated. Identification document must be brought along on day of vaccination for verification purpose.

Mobile Vaccination Teams

Mobile Vaccination Teams (MVTs) will continue to be deployed to selected heartland locations to make it even more convenient for seniors to get vaccinated. Each MVT will be deployed at a given site for a few days before moving on to the next location.

Check the latest MVT deployment schedule and location.

Home Vaccination Teams

Persons who are unable to leave their homes (e.g. persons with disabilities, mobility difficulties) but want to receive the COVID-19 vaccination may arrange for the services of Home Vaccination Teams (HVTs). They may do so through the following means:

Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme (VIFAP) for COVID-19 vaccination

Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme (VIFAP) for COVID-19 Vaccination provides goodwill financial assistance to persons who experienced serious side effects caused by the COVID-19 vaccines received under the National Vaccination Programme.

Learn more about the Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme (VIFAP) for COVID-19 Vaccination.

How is COVID-19 treated?

COVID-19 is usually a self-limiting illness and symptoms can be managed at home or in the outpatient setting.

Medical treatment of COVID-19 is mostly supportive although antivirals medication may be prescribed by doctors where appropriate, such as for case with severe disease or at high risk of severe COVID-19.

For more questions, check out our FAQs at AskMOH.