A look at Singapore’s COVID-19 response, a complex and wicked problem on a grand scale
“COVID-19 was a very complex and wicked problem on a grand scale,” said DPM Lawrence Wong. Our battle with the virus was a journey with many twists and turns, and with repeated surprises and disruptions along the way. The situation was dynamic and fluid, with new information and developments unfolding daily. We had to operate […]
Expired vaccines are an insurance premium we paid to stave off catastrophic consequences: Ong Ye Kung
The Government knew early on during the COVID-19 pandemic that vaccines would provide us with a safe exit from the pandemic. Hence the mass vaccination strategy. However, without sufficient doses of vaccines, our mass vaccination strategy would have been a non-starter, as Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said in Parliament. COVID-19 was a new virus. […]
Omicron likely to be more widespread than just South Africa, says Ho Ching
The new variant of concern (VOC) named Omicron is likely to be more widespread than just South Africa, said Ms Ho Ching in a Facebook post. One Belgian case, for instance, visited Egypt and Turkey, and was not anywhere near southern Africa. This suggests more widespread transmission than just in southern Africa. The Omicron, said […]
Netizens react to Singapore’s vaccination measures in the workplace
Singapore’s vaccination drive has been really successful thus far, about 96% of our workforce is vaccinated. Over the weekend, it was announced that vaccinated employees will be allowed to return to their workplaces from 2022. Unvaccinated employees will not be allowed to return to their workplaces unless they take regular PET tests and test negative […]
Why are there 2 different numbers for the ICU? Ho Ching explains
Some people have noticed that the MOH’s daily updates for the COVID-19 situation have different numbers for the ICU. Why are there 2 different numbers for the ICU, they asked. Because we are kiasu, said Mdm Ho Ching. In many countries, covid cases are hospitalised only after they are very seriously sick. But here in […]
Sinovac-CoronoVac included in the National Vaccination Programme
The Sinovac-CoronoVac COVID-19 vaccine will be included in the National Vaccination Programme (NVP), the Multi-Ministry Taskforce said. This follows the interim authorisation of the vaccine by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA). This will allow those who are medically ineligible to take any mRNA vaccine to take three doses of Sinovac-CoronacVac. Those who had allergies or […]
We feel every single loss keenly. My deepest sympathies and condolences to all the families: PM Lee
The journey to living with COVID-19 has not been a smooth or easy one. With a highly vaccinated population (almost 85%), 98% of COVID-19 infections are either asymptomatic or mild, making it a disease not to be feared. Only 2% of cases develop a serious illness or need ICU care. Some die. But 2% of […]
Full text of PM Lee’s speech on the path to COVID endemicity: Protect the Vulnerable, Secure our Future
PM Lee Hsien Loong addressed the nation on 9 October 2021 to give an update on the COVID-19 situation and the path forward towards living with COVID-19. Here is the full transcript of the speech: My fellow Singaporeans Local COVID-19 cases have increased sharply over the past few weeks. All of you are understandably anxious. […]
Everyone will meet the virus sooner or later but we need not fear: Ho Ching explains
We will all meet the virus sooner or later – perhaps as fast as 3 months, or perhaps as late as 6 or 9 months if we collectively work to slow the spread – but with vaccination, we can be more relaxed about meeting the virus, Mdm Ho Ching said. For the old folks, vaccination […]