Singapore has recorded a sharp spike in COVID-19 cases since the beginning of December, forcing the country to issue a travel advisory. The spike has been attributed to the JN.1 subvariant of Omicron, which is also said to be the reason behind the surge of cases in Kerala.
The numbers: At least 56,043 cases were reported in the first week of December in Singapore, with the daily average COVID hospitalisations rising to 350 from 225 every week.
You should know: Singapore has "strongly encouraged" people to wear face masks in crowded places.
The health ministry has also encouraged people to wear masks while coming in contact with other 'unwell people' and when interacting with 'vulnerable populations'.
The government has asked people to avoid crowded areas with poor ventilation.