While the number ofhospitalised COVID-19 patients has gone up, from 80 last month to 220 currently, Ong saidthis is still "far below" the figure during the peak of the pandemic.
Fewer than 10 COVID-19 patients have been in the intensive care unit (ICU) atany one time over the past month, he added.
Although the current wave is not severe, Ong cautioned that the additionalcaseloads do add to the heavy workload of the hospitals.
He called on people to do their part to keep themselves healthy and if they areunwell, to stay home and wear a mask, adding that those who are vulnerablegroups, such as people aged 60 and above, should get vaccinations annually.
The official said the Heath Ministry continues to conductgenetic sequencing of the viral samples, noting that there are now multipleCOVID-19 variants circulating, including XBB.1.16./.
