Situation Report of MPOX in Global and ASEAN Region - 20 July 2023

Global Update

• Worldwide, over 691 million cases and over 6 million deaths have been attributed to COVID-19.

Regional Update

• Singapore will distribute six antigen rapid test (ART) kits to each household from July 17 to September 30 (Tham, 2023). This marks the fifth nationwide distribution of ART kits, with the previous round in November 2022 providing each household with 12 ART kits. As Singapore shifts towards COVID-19 endemicity, the Ministry of Health (MOH) urges Singaporeans to take proactive measures to safeguard themselves and their families, especially seniors and those with medical vulnerabilities. If a person tests positive with an ART test, MOH advises them to consider themselves as potentially infected with COVID19 and to avoid close contact with others while symptomatic. They may return to normal activities once their symptoms resolve. However, if it's necessary to go out while still symptomatic, wearing a mask, minimizing social interactions, and avoiding crowded places is strongly recommended