Prime Minister Lawrence Wong tests positive for COVID-19, will self-isolate

SINGAPORE: Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced on 3 December 2024 that he has tested positive for COVID-19 for the first time.

The Prime Minister revealed the diagnosis in a Facebook post, noting he experienced a bad sore throat in the morning after a recent series of overseas work trips.

“Initially I thought it might just be a normal flu bug. But I just took a test to be sure. Turns out, I’ve finally succumbed to COVID after all these years!” he wrote.

Mr Wong added that he is feeling well overall and plans to self-isolate while continuing to work from home.

The announcement comes after a period of extensive international engagements for Mr Wong.

From 28 November, he visited Thailand at the invitation of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, where he attended an official lunch hosted by Ms Paetongtarn and had an audience with the Thai King and Queen.

Earlier in November, Mr Wong was in South America from 14 to 20 November, participating in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Peru and the G20 Summit in Brazil.

Additionally, he made an introductory visit to Indonesia from 5 to 6 November to meet with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

In his post, Mr Wong urged the public to remain vigilant as the holiday season approaches.

He recommended keeping vaccinations, including flu shots, up to date and taking precautions such as wearing masks if feeling unwell to protect others.

During the pandemic, PM Wong served as a co-chairman of the multi-ministry task force on COVID-19.