28th May 2023 – (Singapore) Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has tested negative for COVID-19, seven days after testing positive for the virus for the first time. Mr. Lee announced his negative result on Facebook on Sunday, saying that he would be back to work on Monday. He had been advised by his doctors to “take this weekend to rest up” and was unable to attend the bicentennial celebrations at Raffles Institution on Sunday.
Minister for Education Chan Chun Sing delivered the speech at Raffles Institution on Mr. Lee’s behalf. Raffles Institution commemorated its 200th Founder’s Day on Sunday, celebrating its strong ethos and spirit and reputation for student leadership, academic excellence, and service to Singapore over the past 200 years.
Mr. Lee had tested positive for COVID-19 on 22nd May after state visits to South Africa and Kenya. He was prescribed the antiviral medication Paxlovid because of his age and had his most recent COVID-19 vaccine booster in November. He urged Singaporeans to keep their vaccinations up-to-date, as it reduces the risk of severe illness.