(Singapore, 21st)—The COVID-19 variant 'XFG' is spreading across the region. The Singapore Infectious Diseases Management Authority pointed out that cases of this variant were detected in Singapore as early as April this year, and it now accounts for more than two-thirds of Singapore's sequencing samples.
However, current data shows that the XFG COVID-19 variant does not cause more severe symptoms or higher mortality risk than previous strains. Authorities presently have no plans to implement additional preventive measures.
A report by Malaysian media on Friday (September 19) cited Health Minister Zulkifli as saying that cases of the XFG variant have also been detected locally, accounting for 8.2% in recent genomic surveillance.
Regarding the situation in Singapore, the Infectious Diseases Management Authority replied to Lianhe Zaobao's inquiry stating that the XFG variant was first detected in Singapore in April of this year, and the authorities are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation globally and within Singapore.
The Infectious Diseases Management Authority noted that as of Epidemiological Week 37 (September 7 to 13), XFG has become the dominant variant in Singapore, making up more than two-thirds of sequencing samples. However, the estimated total number of COVID-19 infections in the Singapore community during the same week remained at a low level.
The authorities said that the XFG variant is a descendant lineage of the JN.1 variant, and both belong to subvariants of the Omicron family of COVID-19.
"At present, both global and Singapore data do not indicate that the XFG variant causes more severe illness, more ICU admissions, or higher mortality rates than previously circulating variants."
The World Health Organization in June this year stated that the XFG variant has been classified as a "variant under monitoring," and its prevalence is steadily increasing worldwide. At the global level, the additional public health risk posed by the XFG variant has been assessed as low.
The Infectious Diseases Management Authority emphasized that there are currently no plans to implement additional public health measures regarding COVID-19. Existing COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective in preventing severe illness from the XFG variant.
The authority recommends that seniors aged 60 and above, the physically vulnerable, or nursing home residents ensure that their COVID-19 vaccination is up to date.
Those exhibiting mild acute respiratory symptoms (including COVID-19 or influenza) should stay home until symptoms subside. If going out while symptomatic is necessary, one should minimize social contact, wear a mask, avoid crowded places, and refrain from visiting the vulnerable.
However, current data shows that the XFG COVID-19 variant does not cause more severe symptoms or higher mortality risk than previous strains. Authorities presently have no plans to implement additional preventive measures.
A report by Malaysian media on Friday (September 19) cited Health Minister Zulkifli as saying that cases of the XFG variant have also been detected locally, accounting for 8.2% in recent genomic surveillance.
Regarding the situation in Singapore, the Infectious Diseases Management Authority replied to Lianhe Zaobao's inquiry stating that the XFG variant was first detected in Singapore in April of this year, and the authorities are closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation globally and within Singapore.
The Infectious Diseases Management Authority noted that as of Epidemiological Week 37 (September 7 to 13), XFG has become the dominant variant in Singapore, making up more than two-thirds of sequencing samples. However, the estimated total number of COVID-19 infections in the Singapore community during the same week remained at a low level.
The authorities said that the XFG variant is a descendant lineage of the JN.1 variant, and both belong to subvariants of the Omicron family of COVID-19.
"At present, both global and Singapore data do not indicate that the XFG variant causes more severe illness, more ICU admissions, or higher mortality rates than previously circulating variants."
The World Health Organization in June this year stated that the XFG variant has been classified as a "variant under monitoring," and its prevalence is steadily increasing worldwide. At the global level, the additional public health risk posed by the XFG variant has been assessed as low.
The Infectious Diseases Management Authority emphasized that there are currently no plans to implement additional public health measures regarding COVID-19. Existing COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective in preventing severe illness from the XFG variant.
The authority recommends that seniors aged 60 and above, the physically vulnerable, or nursing home residents ensure that their COVID-19 vaccination is up to date.
Those exhibiting mild acute respiratory symptoms (including COVID-19 or influenza) should stay home until symptoms subside. If going out while symptomatic is necessary, one should minimize social contact, wear a mask, avoid crowded places, and refrain from visiting the vulnerable.