New COVID-19 Infections of XBB Variant Strain and Measures to Contain Its Spread

NOTICE PAPER NO.1466
NOTICE OF QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER
FOR THE SITTING OF PARLIAMENT ON 7 NOVEMBER 2022

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament
Mr Mohd Fahmi Bin Aliman
MP for Marine Parade GRC

Question No. 3666

To ask the Minister for Health (a) how many new COVID-19 infections are of the XBB variant strain; (b) what measures has the Ministry espoused to contain the spread of XBB within the community; and (c) whether additional precautions will be taken to protect healthcare workers from the spread of the COVID-19 XBB variant.

Written Answer

XBB accounted for around 80% of local cases in the week of 24 to 30 October.

We have weathered the wave without the need to reinstate Safe Management Measures. This is given the protection provided through vaccination, and also safe recovery from infections.

Further, Singaporeans did their part in to the exercising personal and social responsibility, in taking active steps to mask up, to test, and to self-isolate when unwell.

The Multi-Ministry Task Force (MTF) was ready to impose additional Safe Management Measures, such as mandatory wearing of masks indoors, or an appropriate level of Vaccination Differentiated Safe Management Measures. In the end, there was no need to do so as the infection numbers peaked and turned the corner quickly and earlier than expected.

While case numbers are coming down, XBB continues to spread. We cannot be complacent. So please continue to exercise personal and social responsibility, and keep your vaccinations up-to-date to prevent against severe illness.

To further protect our healthcare workers, since 25 October 2022, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has extended the bivalent Moderna/Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine to eligible healthcare workers in the public and private sector. Healthcare settings will also continue to apply infection prevention and control measures, including the use of personal protective equipment and mask-wearing requirements.