Covid-19 antigen rapid test (ART) kits flew off the shelves at many pharmacies over the weekend after news broke that Singapore is facing a new wave.
Cases of Covid-19 have been rising in the last two weeks, a result of the Covid-19 sub-variants, which scientists have nicknamed "FLiRT," drawing from the letters in the names of their mutations.
Globally, variant JN.1 and its sublineages, including KP.1 and KP.2, remain the predominant Covid-19 variants. The combined proportion of KP.1 and KP.2 currently accounts for more than two-thirds of the cases in Singapore.
As of May 3, the World Health Organisation has classified KP.2 as a variant under monitoring.
There are currently no indications, globally or locally, that KP.1 and KP.2 are more transmissible or cause more severe disease than other circulating variants.
Watsons has seen demand for Covid-19 test kits surge by more than 150 per cent in the past week, its Singapore managing director Irene Lau said.
"Our stores are well-stocked, and we have scheduled replenishments. We continuously seek collaborations with partners to promptly address any further increases in demand."
A Guardian spokeswoman said the chain has seen an increase in demand for Covid-19-related items, such as masks, test kits and cough and cold medicine, in line with the recent wave.
"Despite this rise, there have been no instances of insufficient stock over the past two weeks. Guardian is proactively managing our inventory and working very closely with our suppliers to ensure that we maintain sufficient stock levels to meet our customers' needs during this period," she said.
Heeding the Government's call for people to get an additional Covid-19 vaccine dose was Mr Senthil Nathan, 47, who was at the Sengkang joint testing and vaccination centre (JTVC) getting his fifth shot on May 20.
Denne historien er fra May 21, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra May 21, 2024-utgaven av The Straits Times.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
US weighs breakup of Google in landmark online search case
WASHINGTON – The United States said on Oct 8 that it may ask a judge to force Alphabet's Google to divest parts of its business, such as its Chrome browser and Android operating system, that it noted are used to maintain an illegal monopoly in online search.
Home-grown CRU will close last fitness studio on Nov 10
Refunds will be addressed once moving-out process is finalised, says staff member
Oil slides on possible ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel
HOUSTON – Oil prices slid on Oct 8, settling down more than 4 per cent on news of a possible ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, although prices found some support on fears of a potential attack on Iranian oil infrastructure.
HBO documentary suggests Peter Todd is creator of Bitcoin
PORTLAND, Oregon - A new HBO documentary about the origins of Bitcoin suggests that Mr Satoshi Nakamoto, the pseudonymous creator of the original cryptocurrency, is likely Canadian software developer Peter Todd.
China's finance minister to hold briefing, raising stimulus hopes
He is expected to launch moves to shore up growth, strengthen fiscal policy on Oct 12
More travel during China's Golden Week, but spending still lags
BEIJING - Chinese tourists shelled out less money during their long holiday that ended on Oct 7 than before the Covid-19 pandemic, even as signs emerged that spending is stabilizing after a recent barrage of stimulus measures unveiled by the government.
Wall Street gains lift investors here with S'pore stocks up 0.6%
● SGX is STI's biggest gainer, rising 1.8% to $11.61 ● Local banks end higher; regional indexes mixed ● S&P 500 up 1%; Nasdaq adds 1.4%; Dow Jones rises 0.3%
46 schools to get new principals – 22 taking on role for first time
Forty-six schools will receive new principals at the start of the school year in 2025, as part of the Ministry of Education's (MOE) annual reshuffle exercise.
Board members of statutory boards get reminder on gift rules
Board members of statutory boards have been sent a letter by the Public Service Division (PSD) to make clear the circumstances under which they could be considered public servants under the law.
Body of hiker who fell off cliff in Everest region brought back
The body of Mr Harry Tan Eng Kwang, who died after he slipped and fell while hiking in the Everest region of Nepal about two weeks ago, arrived in Singapore on Oct 9. His family is holding a three-day wake at The Garden of Remembrance in Old Choa Chu Kang Road and the cremation will be held on Oct 12.