Incubation Periods of SARS-CoV-2 Wild-Type, Delta, and Omicron Variants–Dominant Periods in Singapore

Abstract

This study in Singapore analysed the incubation periods of the following SARS-CoV-2 variants: Wuhan-Hu-1, Delta, and Omicron. Three pandemic waves were examined: Wuhan-Hu-1 (January 2020–March 2021), Delta (May–October 2021), and Omicron (January–June 2022). Data from the SingHealth COVID-19 registry, covering patients from 23 January 2020 to 10 June 2022, were used to calculate incubation periods during the three time periods. The study found median incubation periods of 11 days for Wuhan-Hu-1, 3 days for Delta, and 3 days for Omicron (p-value: <0.001). This study highlighted the impact of different containment measures and the importance of robust EMR systems for tracking and managing infectious diseases. Key challenges included accurate contact tracing and IT infrastructure capabilities. The findings support the use of EMR data for future infectious disease preparedness in Singapore.

Keywords

• SARS-CoV-2 variants
• incubation period
• electronic health record