Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta.  In response to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases in Singapore, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin has advised the public to adopt a dual approach to protection - vaccination and adherence to health protocols. "We still have vaccinations in Indonesia. Our condition should be better," he said on Monday (4/12/2023). Minister Budi Gunadi asserted the importance for Indonesians who have not yet received their COVID-19 booster dose to get vaccinated immediately at the nearest health facility. The minister announced that the vaccination programe would remain free until the end of December 2023. In addition to vaccination efforts, he highlighted the need for the public to continue practicing health protocols, including regular handwashing with soap and running water and wearing masks - especially in public places. the need for the public to continue practicing health protocols, including regular handwashing with soap and running water and wearing masks - especially in public places. Despite the increase in COVID-19 cases in Singapore, the minister was confident that this trend has not led to a significant increase in hospitalized patients in Indonesia. "We are not seeing additional hospitalized cases. There is indeed an increase, but overall the immunity with vaccination is quite good," he said. Recent data from The Straits Times showed that the number of COVID-19 cases in Singapore doubled to 22,094 between 19 and 25 November 2023, compared with 10,726 the week before. However, the number of patients hospitalised and admitted to intensive care units in Singapore has remained relatively stable on average. Local health authorities in Singapore attribute the recent spike in COVID-19 infections to factors such as the end-of-year travel season and reduced immunity in the population. (mg/inp/pr/nm)