REACH 222 - Views on tightened measures (SK)

01 May 2021 (11am - 7pm)

REACH

[10:16 am, 01/05/2021] +REACH: Dear contributors,

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[10:18 am, 01/05/2021] +REACH: 📢 Topic 📢 

💬 What are your views on the new tightened measures implemented to curb the spread of Covid-19?  

Singapore is tightening rules on social interactions in a bid to tackle the growing number of Covid-19 cases in the community. This means stricter limits on the number of people who can be present in malls, attractions and large standalone stores, with residents urged to have no more than two social gatherings a day. 

From May 1, Singapore will also bar all long-term pass holders and short-term visitors who have been in Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the last two weeks. 

Minister Lawrence Wong also noted that while vaccines are not foolproof, they will have a bigger impact on reducing the overall virus spread in the community when more people are vaccinated, and urged every person who is medically eligible to get inoculated. 

👉https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/public-urged-to-cap-social-gatherings-at-2-a-day-measures-tightened-to-curb-covid

👉https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/tightened-measures-at-ttsh-limits-on-social-gatherings-heres-what-you-need-to-know

👉https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/disastrous-if-people-overreact-to-vaccinated-people-getting-covid-19-vaccines-do-work

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[10:20 am, 01/05/2021] +Caleb: No communication to the mass. Like thru gov.sg whatsapp and telegram.

[10:20 am, 01/05/2021] +Caleb: Only communicate thru news channel.

[10:24 am, 01/05/2021] +Rama: Expected due to uncertainties.

[10:25 am, 01/05/2021] +Suma Pamu: I thought i am only not receiving ..and Some issue .. wanted to Remove and add again in contacts😄

[10:27 am, 01/05/2021] +Caleb: They only send covid updates daily

[10:29 am, 01/05/2021] +YT: My views of the new tightening measures? Three words: Not Tight Enough! 

Frankly, this is a feeble attempt to show the public there's some fprm of reaction from the government due to the recent spike in community cases. It's like, do for the sake of doing. How do you enforce 2 social gatherings in a day? 

Are our government leaders getting complacent? Please, nip this before it gets too late. So many clusters opening up already and we can expect more as the people from these clusters would have interacted with many others or visited places. 

I hope the government will tighten further and more now rather than regret later and have to scramble to contain the outbreak again.

[10:30 am, 01/05/2021] +Fulgrim: They won't. The Western press has been attacking all other vaccines except their own.  I hear there are conditions if u want western vaccines. It is not "free"....

[10:31 am, 01/05/2021] +Fulgrim: I think they always open up too fast and need to be more wary . I know the economy is hurting but when clusters happen and u have to take drastic measures,  it hurts the economy even more

[10:36 am, 01/05/2021] +Suma Pamu: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(21)00869-2/fulltext

[10:49 am, 01/05/2021] +Leonard Lau: Australia bans arrivals from India, citizens and residents who fly home face jail and fines

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/australia-bans-arrivals-india-citizens-residents-flout-jail-fine-14724262

[10:50 am, 01/05/2021] +Suma Pamu: This one 

Last few lines

There is consistent, strong evidence that SARS-CoV-2 spreads by airborne transmission. Although other routes can contribute, we believe that the airborne route is likely to be dominant. The public health community should act accordingly and without further delay

[10:51 am, 01/05/2021] +Suma Pamu: I urge MOH Take More Precautions For Health Care Proffessionals...who are tirelessly working Since last Feb.

[10:51 am, 01/05/2021] +Rama: The noose tightens

[10:51 am, 01/05/2021] +XaniceAfcai: Also ppls are commenting why our minister or whoever on tv(tough they are seated apart) at press interview without mask while comparing to other countries... The spokeguy is on the mask.

[10:52 am, 01/05/2021] +YT: Only Australia has the guts to do that. Imagine doing that here. Turning your own citizens away? All will end up voting for opposition next election.

[10:52 am, 01/05/2021] +Rama: I believe easier to speak and be understood without the mask on is better.

[10:53 am, 01/05/2021] +YT: Yes, they should be masked.

[10:53 am, 01/05/2021] +Sam: I think this is too much. How can you bar your own citizen from returning home. You can manage their arrival and put them in proper quarantine centre. I thought government always have duty towards citizen. Anyway, staying in jail may be safer than in certain part of India.

[10:53 am, 01/05/2021] +YT: For the hearing impaired who need to lip read?

[10:54 am, 01/05/2021] +Rama: A sign language interpreter would be great.

[10:56 am, 01/05/2021] +Sam: If safe measurement is in place , taking mask off and address press conference is ok. Don't share mic, sanitise the place after the event. Nearest person is at 1 m away. Wear mask immediately after talking. Etc.

[10:56 am, 01/05/2021] +XaniceAfcai: True not tight enu. Ppls in neighbourhood are in their phrase 4 mood. Gathering at playground, multi purpose hall, brisk walking at mscp or garden downstairs, take lift down etc all no mask.

Some Coffeeshop or. Hawker ppls no mask or chin mask. Alr report few cases. Similar to salon too.

Some Shops in neighbourhood or mall also also bo chap.. No safe entry scan where they ha e the qr code in their shop.

There are more...

[10:56 am, 01/05/2021] +Caleb: I think at least a plastic barrier between them will be good.

[10:57 am, 01/05/2021] +Ben: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/new-covid-19-cases-april-29-21-seven-family-members-ica-officer-wife-nurse-ttsh

[10:57 am, 01/05/2021] +Ben: If this story is correct can anyone explain why a non-vaccinated officer was put on front line to deal with arriving passengers?

[10:58 am, 01/05/2021] +Ben: If that is the case, it's a worse scandal than the dormitories last year.

[10:58 am, 01/05/2021] +Caleb: ICA said all their jobs are front facing

[10:58 am, 01/05/2021] +Caleb: Hard to change their job

[10:58 am, 01/05/2021] +Ben: Then non vaccinated staff should be in back office roles

[10:59 am, 01/05/2021] +Ben: Just incredible to put a non vaccinated member of staff at such risk and also the risk of his family and the community.

[10:59 am, 01/05/2021] +Ben: Better they stay home

[11:00 am, 01/05/2021] +Caleb: Maybe gov can expedite jab to their household members. If the person can't be jab due to medical conditions.

[11:00 am, 01/05/2021] +Ben: Look at the repercussions. Could throw the whole country back months.

[11:00 am, 01/05/2021] +Ben: Not exactly fair to the person either, and kids can't can't vaccinated yet.

[11:00 am, 01/05/2021] +Ben: His nephew contracted it and then was at school for several days.

[11:00 am, 01/05/2021] +Ben: Now all those kids were at risk

[11:01 am, 01/05/2021] +Caleb: At least jab the adults first lor

[11:01 am, 01/05/2021] +Sam: The word tightening should send a message to the public that our condition is worsening and we need to be vigilant. Do we have to be told what to do all the time? In fact, we should take the leadership role to advise people around us and to ask them to observe safe distancing and all the SMM to mitigate the infection risk. 

Any , the measure to be implemented at Park is essential. I am regular park user and often see crowd bigger than 8 pax. Tougher enforcement should be implemented on them as I noticed some are regular offenders.

[11:01 am, 01/05/2021] +Ben: Simple, don't put non vaccinated people in charge of dealing with new arrivals to the country.

[11:01 am, 01/05/2021] +Ben: How could anyone not know that?

[11:02 am, 01/05/2021] +Ben: Who made the decision this officer should deal with new arrivals, knowing they were not vaccinated?

[11:02 am, 01/05/2021] +Ben: I rarely get upset, but this was a terrible decision.

[11:02 am, 01/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: I applaud MOH quick move. Really feels more decisive than last time. We should continue to adapt quickly as the ground situation changes. Overall good job 👏🏻 

On the community side though, I’ve noticed people are now complacent and no longer taking wearing mask seriously. Many walking about heartlands area with masks on their chin instead wearing it properly. Could there be better enforcement or awareness roadshow for these folks?

For the greater society side of things, many people seem to be back to normal. Going to work, eating outside and shopping, outing with friends and family, etc. We need to get our people to be mentally prepared for another Phase 1 or Circuitbreaker if it happens.

My 2.14 cents

[11:04 am, 01/05/2021] +Ben: We are partly in this situation because of the short sighted and negligent decision to have a non vaccinated ICA dealing with new arrivals. Clearly we have to tighten up and prevent further spread. However, let's keep it as short as possible and not make the same mistake again.

[11:05 am, 01/05/2021] +Caleb: Also since covid-19 most ppl are asymptomatic, can we do random test in hospital and elder care home?

[11:05 am, 01/05/2021] +Caleb: Can be sewage test ect

[11:05 am, 01/05/2021] +Ben: People started going back to normal because we trusted the measures in place. We love with these restrictions and limitations  to tackle the problem. Then someone thought I was OK for a non vaccinated ICA officer to deal with new arrivals many of whom we know have Covid.

[11:05 am, 01/05/2021] +Ben: As you can tell, I'm very upset!

[11:06 am, 01/05/2021] +Ben: It's like building a dam and then drilling a hole in it

[11:06 am, 01/05/2021] +Caleb: Or ART or breath test which is not so invasive.

[11:21 am, 01/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Hear hear bro

[11:21 am, 01/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: We learn from mistakes

[11:22 am, 01/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Vaccination is still voluntary as of now

[11:22 am, 01/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: And hard to get slots

[11:25 am, 01/05/2021] +Leonard Lau: We got to accept this is part of parcel of a progressive society . Learn Unlearn and Relearn.  Many civilisation took centuries to build certain values

[11:25 am, 01/05/2021] +Peter T Ng: 👍

[11:30 am, 01/05/2021] +Leonard Lau: TTSH situation is not a mistake . It is unprecedented.  The virus is so tricky .   Let’s support them instead .  Give them space to sort the situation .

[11:33 am, 01/05/2021] +Stella Yip: I wonder if TTSH has air con with UV to kill germs/virus, similar to those newly installed in airplanes. 🤔

[11:33 am, 01/05/2021] +Sam: There are still a lot to learn about the vaccine.  What is the reason for infection after 2 doses of vaccines? Vaccine is not effective? Something gone wrong in handling the vaccine render it ineffective? Mutated virus or virus variant?

The only thing that we should conclude is we have to continue to be vigilant, adhere to SMM and do not let our guard down even we have vaccinated twice.

[11:34 am, 01/05/2021] +Stella Yip: I wonder if the shopping malls will upgrade their air con with UV or similar to kill germs/bacteria/virus to make it safer. 🤔 . Cost may be a concern?

[11:47 am, 01/05/2021] +Girl wave hand: I rather the government take swift decision to revert back to phase 2 to control the outbreaks than close many businesses like phase one.

[11:47 am, 01/05/2021] +Girl wave hand: current restrictions to control the outbreaks is too feeble

[11:54 am, 01/05/2021] +Leonard Lau: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=393003611687392&id=125845680811480

[11:57 am, 01/05/2021] +Boon: I am glad for the transparency of news, which raises awareness. Awareness forms a key part of community preparations.

[11:57 am, 01/05/2021] +Caleb: [Sent by Gov.sg – 1 May]

Restrictions for travellers from Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan & Sri Lanka to SG

⛔No entry or transit for LT pass holders and short-term visitors from 2 May 

Precautions for TTSH cluster

- Public places visited by the cases will be closed for 2 days

➡️Full list of public places: go.gov.sg/publicplaces

[From 3-16 May]

- COVID-19 PCR test available for recent visitors to TTSH

More COVID-19 measures

[From 1-14 May] 

 🗓️ Odd and even date entry restrictions on Sun at Lucky Plaza & Peninsula Plaza 

- Outdoor BBQ pits & campsites closed 

[From 7-14 May] 

- Operating capacity for approved attractions reduced to 50%

➡️ Employees should WFH if they are able to do so

More: go.gov.sg/govsg-010521

[11:57 am, 01/05/2021] +Caleb: No mention too restrictions on social gathering to 2groups per day

[11:57 am, 01/05/2021] +Caleb: Which everyone can play a part in

[11:58 am, 01/05/2021] +Stella Yip: Hope G and BCA have stricter rules on safe distancing and mask wearing within condo common areas.  My friend stays in a condo with large number of FT.  They often gather is large numbers and some wear their masks below their noses.  When my friend complain to security, security will disperse them. But they will re-gather after the security move to other areas of the condo.  My friend was very frustrated and called the police to come catch these people but the police say that private estate so need to go to BCA.  BCA has spoken to MCST but MCST already know of this problem long ago but cant do much.  Hope police can show face in condo when alerted by condo residents so that a clear message is given to these FT that our local G is very serious on safe distancing and mask wearing.  And police should issue fine/penalty is these FT continue to behave like this within the condo common areas.  They should not use condo common areas as loop hole.

[11:58 am, 01/05/2021] +Boon: The new clusters are concerning and I am also glad for govt’s swift and importantly - balanced - measures.

[0:01 pm, 01/05/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: 

My close friend comments: 

I notice many smaller businesses like shops don't enforce safe entry.

In fact now is the time to station ambassadors to check that people are carrying tokens or activate apps. 

Speedy contact tracing is very important to ringfence further transmission .

Smaller shops don't have the resources, if the population diligently carry their tokens or activated contact tracing app then contact info at least can be picked up speedily and leave fewer stones unturned.

We just need to station ambassadors at places like mrt station, malls, office buildings, or rope in bus captains to ensure people are carrying their tokens.

Then most contact tracing info will be taken care of.

[0:03 pm, 01/05/2021] +Boon: Measures like this depends on the public would adhere to them. Thank you for allowing “self-governance” “self discipline” as measures by the public to act for the interests of their community. This is not a “feeble” measure or a half hearted measure but one that respects the public’s maturity.

[0:04 pm, 01/05/2021] +Boon: The calls for “tighter” restrictions seem reasonable but shall we first practice such self governance before asking for restrictions to be imposed on us?

[0:06 pm, 01/05/2021] +Boon: And regarding the calls for “tighter measures” - how should they look like? What would be their costs to the economy, business and employment - and to our national reserves? Do we have a view of these costs before asking for “tighter” restrictions?

[0:06 pm, 01/05/2021] +jimmy chew: I thought they did well and they were on their toes and did what was necessary to balance risk and business and freedom for everyone business and citizens. I feel it not easy to have a good balance

[0:08 pm, 01/05/2021] +Boon: Let’s take a step back. We should continue to have transparent news - so that we can be aware and act on informed basis. Let’s recognise a balance is difficult and for now, we have the freedom to regulate ourselves by voluntarily restricting to 2 social meetings (thats max 18 pax still!). And the we adjust accordingly - since we are a dynamic society! 💪

[0:09 pm, 01/05/2021] +Boon: 👍

[0:10 pm, 01/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: I’m also trying to ask more SDA in heartlands cos now most of them are inside malls only.

[0:11 pm, 01/05/2021] +Boon: *correction, 16 pax. Typo error.

[0:14 pm, 01/05/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Heartlands did not see any SDA.

In fact, many people who group together and don't wear masks are in the heartlands.

But because it is open spaces, government pay lesser attention due to limited resources.

Malls are closed space and more people congregate, that's why SDA are deployed.

But if govt have enough resources and can deploy to heartlands, I don't disagree because most people flouting the not wearing masks and social distancing - come from heartlands.

[0:16 pm, 01/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: 👍🏻 exactly my thoughts!

[0:19 pm, 01/05/2021] +REACH: Happy Labour Day from REACH! Stay safe!

[0:23 pm, 01/05/2021] +Boon: 🌻💪

[0:30 pm, 01/05/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: 

1. If government do well in contact tracing.

2. Quickly ring-fence and ensure infection risk are contained.

3. Do tests on ring-fence.

4. Ramp up vaccination.

I think we don't have to panic and scramble for lockdown like going back into the last CB.

Our contact tracing capabilities, ring-fencing cap (eg. Quarantine and SHN enhance by tech) and testing with various methods - have improved by leaps and bounds.

Thus we don't have to panic and trigger a lockdown.

Govt just have to do well in contact tracing,  ring-fencing first and testing first.

Then let us monitor the infection number - and take calibrated approach.

Remember we can adjust the "Spike-cool" infection curve math model up and down in a calibrated approach - in tandem with the infection cluster, infection number that correspond to the contact tracing, ring-fencing and the testing number.

Then we can adjust the restrictions up or down to balance the economy vis-a-vis the public health safety - as the statistics present itself.

This model design by my close friend specifically to tackle this pandemic and help the Nation cope with the economy well being.

[0:34 pm, 01/05/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Model inspired by my close friend observing the sea waves 🌊 coming into shore and retreating - and then work out the math model.

Thinking out of the box.

[0:35 pm, 01/05/2021] +Ben: It doesn't take centuries to know that you should not put a non vaccinated person in a position of dealing with incoming travellers at an airport. Not sure I understand your message ?

[0:35 pm, 01/05/2021] +Ben: Yes, in this case I understand the officer cannot take the vaccine due to medical reasons. I don't know that as a fact, but if true then don't put them in that role.

[0:36 pm, 01/05/2021] +Ben: Yes, but not for front line people, and if they don't want the vaccine then put them in a different role.

[0:38 pm, 01/05/2021] +Ben: We had already put good measures in place but they are useless if we have gaps like the ICA officer situation

[0:48 pm, 01/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: No bro vaccination is still voluntary even if you’re front line staff iirc

[0:49 pm, 01/05/2021] +Valli: Thumbs up for all the measures. 

Regular broadcast thru TV is very important, not only of the measures but also the Covid situation & the places visited. 

Create awareness thru TV

[0:49 pm, 01/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Then last time before vaccination come out all those front liners in PPE will tio virus meh?

[0:49 pm, 01/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Don’t jump to conclusions, the officer might get infected from somewhere else

[0:54 pm, 01/05/2021] +Valli: The travel restrictions currently implemented & with SMM measures should help to bring down the cases. 

Hope these restrictions for the Long term & short term visitors will last till the outbreaks in other countries are controlled.

[0:56 pm, 01/05/2021] +Ben: Yes, I understand. Non vaccinated staff should not be front line dealing with arrivals into Singapore

[0:57 pm, 01/05/2021] +Ben: They should be given other roles.

[0:57 pm, 01/05/2021] +Ben: Now we have a real world example of why that is important, even if no one could have figured that out before

[0:58 pm, 01/05/2021] +Ben: 99% of our cases are from arrivals into Singapore

[0:58 pm, 01/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: Agree

[0:58 pm, 01/05/2021] +Ben: An ICA officer got infected and has spread that unknowingly to many others who will in turn spread it again

[0:58 pm, 01/05/2021] +Leonard Lau: Vaccination does not prevent one to get infected with Covid19 .

[0:58 pm, 01/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: The stats show it

[0:59 pm, 01/05/2021] +Ben: It reduces the chances massively and even if thevget infected the symptoms are reduced which makes it less likely to spread

[1:00 pm, 01/05/2021] +Ben: Of course, so less look at the most likely and deal with that scenario

[1:00 pm, 01/05/2021] +Ben: Otherwise why bother with all these measure?

[1:00 pm, 01/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: Think have to do a 1 plus 1: non vacc taff in high risk environment where chances of interaction with infected is more than 70% .... Den these staffs must have 100% protection setup including vaccine

[1:00 pm, 01/05/2021] +Ken: https://www.facebook.com/345185573000/posts/10159166290888001/?d=n

Wah all close

[1:01 pm, 01/05/2021] +Ben: Everything we do to prevent the spread is based on statistics and estimates

[1:01 pm, 01/05/2021] +Valli: This message should be broadcast in the TV regularly also. 

The elderlies are of the mindset that it is 100% protection.

[1:01 pm, 01/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: Not only elders please is all ages races and nationality

[1:02 pm, 01/05/2021] +Ben: Yes, telling people it's 100% is misleading and people then won't trust the message at all.

[1:02 pm, 01/05/2021] +Valli: TV broadcast will reach all residents .

[1:03 pm, 01/05/2021] +Ben: Look at the cost of the slip up.

[1:03 pm, 01/05/2021] +Ben: It does in 95% of cases, so let's all get it done if our health allows

[1:45 pm, 01/05/2021] +Caleb: Including youtube, tiktok and instg5

[1:45 pm, 01/05/2021] +Caleb: Instagram

[2:12 pm, 01/05/2021] +Caleb: https://tdy.sg/2PD3X1s

Gov of Singapore, please don't let down on Singaporean please.

[2:14 pm, 01/05/2021] +Suma Pamu: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/sgh-and-skh-report-many-patients-at-ae-skh-wards-operating-at-full-capacity

[2:15 pm, 01/05/2021] +Suma Pamu: Reach any update.. is this because Ttsh closed few wards?!

Or Is it Because sudeen surge in Cases(Waiting for Test Result?!)

[3:14 pm, 01/05/2021] +Ben: https://www.ica.gov.sg/news-and-publications/media-releases/media-release/ica-statement-on-confirmed-covid-19-case-of-an-ica-officer

[3:14 pm, 01/05/2021] +Ben: "Majority of jobs are frontline so people are deployed there, vaccinated or not."

[3:14 pm, 01/05/2021] +Ben: Seems like this is a major flaw in strategy. And now we are seeing the results of it.

[3:15 pm, 01/05/2021] +Ben: Gov tells us not to let down Singapore, but ICA policy is actively working against us.

[3:15 pm, 01/05/2021] +Ben: Please - only deploy vaccinated staff on frontline. Put others in back office roles where they are safe.

[3:16 pm, 01/05/2021] +Ben: At the very least they should have daily tests.

[3:16 pm, 01/05/2021] +Ben: :ICA officers who are medically eligible have been strongly encouraged to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their loved ones and their colleagues." This should be mandatory in their line of work unless medically they cannot and they should then be in other non front line roles.

[3:18 pm, 01/05/2021] +Ben: I'll say it for the last time, and then move on. It was a reckless and careless decision to knowingly put a person who cannot be vaccinated on the front line dealing with new arrivals into the country where almost all our cases are coming from. It's galling that now the responsibility is being put onto the public who have been accepting restrictions for so long.

[3:26 pm, 01/05/2021] +Rama: 🤦‍♀️😱😨

[3:30 pm, 01/05/2021] +Caleb: +1

[3:31 pm, 01/05/2021] +Caleb: Ya lor. Now ICA very busy?

[3:31 pm, 01/05/2021] +Caleb: Must deploy non vaccinated staff to frontline ?

[3:33 pm, 01/05/2021] +Caleb: Thought Gov say we have very high testing capabilities? How come never do random test to hospital inpatients and visitors?

[3:58 pm, 01/05/2021] +Ben: Yes, just reduce the number of staff. Maybe people just have to wait a few minutes longer. Small price to pay to keep everyone safe

[4:18 pm, 01/05/2021] +Valli: To manage existing cases and not to overburden our healthcare system, can bar all long-term & short-term travellers from all countries for a 2 weeks period & monitor situation. 

 Barring of Long-term pass holders & visitors from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, SriLanka should remain for a longer period.

[4:18 pm, 01/05/2021] +Elena Woo: Actually the pattern of india resurgence of cases can be seen since March. Yet our response is slow to curb at first hand, hence now the virus seep thru the cracks and spout hidden clusters.

[4:19 pm, 01/05/2021] +REACH: Consultation on Real Estate Salesperson Examination Candidates Courses Requirement  📝📝📝 Individuals who want to be property agents must attend the Real Estate Salesperson (RES) course before they can sit for the RES examination.  After passing the exam and meeting the prevailing criteria, they may apply to the Council for Estate Agency (CEA) for certification.  🏠 CEA is seeking feedback whether such individuals could be given a choice to study on their own and/or attend a course to prepare for the examination in Singapore.   What do you think?  Share your views below!  https://go.gov.sg/cea-res-exam

[4:20 pm, 01/05/2021] +Elena Woo: When their numbers start surfacing 20k plus, increased from the 10k plus, this is a sign already.

[4:20 pm, 01/05/2021] +Elena Woo: And we took 1 mth to ban travel from their country.

[4:21 pm, 01/05/2021] +Valli: Yes my same thought.

[4:25 pm, 01/05/2021] +Elena Woo: We don't study daily infections rate by country to better determine our borders shd be open or close to that specific country? If not such patterns can be picked up early and can be banned within 1 week instead of 1 mth.

[4:27 pm, 01/05/2021] +REACH: 7 community cases and 2 dormitory residents among 34 new COVID-19 infections in Singapore

Nine locally transmitted cases were among the 34 new COVID-19 infections reported in Singapore as of noon on Saturday (May 1), the Ministry of Health (MOH) said in its preliminary daily update.

Of the locally transmitted cases, seven are in the community. Three of these are linked to Case 62541, a 46-year-old female Philippine national who is a nurse, and were detected from the Health Ministry's testing of patients and staff members at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

More: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-cases-community-tan-tock-seng-hospital-imported-may-1-14724138

[4:27 pm, 01/05/2021] +Elena Woo: Dorms again.

[4:28 pm, 01/05/2021] +Elena Woo: 3 linked to TTSH and 2 linked to dorms, how about the remaining 4 community cases?

[4:29 pm, 01/05/2021] +Valli: All efforts should be placed on tackling this recurrence cases & clusters. 

Put a stop to imported cases for the time being.

[4:29 pm, 01/05/2021] +Elena Woo: I guess the hidden clusters still lurking

[4:30 pm, 01/05/2021] +Elena Woo: Put a stop to all countries will worsen the economy badly. But at least perform trend analysis to better manage the border controls.

[4:32 pm, 01/05/2021] +Valli: For a 2 weeks period to tackle this recurrence.

[4:33 pm, 01/05/2021] +Elena Woo: Just 1 day will cost millions already.

[4:33 pm, 01/05/2021] +Elena Woo: Because it is not only the airlines affected.

[4:37 pm, 01/05/2021] +Valli: But if the cases become overwhelming , all the efforts so far goes to waste. More millions to spend. 

We cannot afford any lockdowns. 

It is better to contain the current cases.

[4:42 pm, 01/05/2021] +Valli: If the authorities can share more details of what mutant strain this new virus is, we can be more alert as the TTSH cluster is growing day by day.

[4:47 pm, 01/05/2021] +Fulgrim: I somehow think it is policy from the highest levels that Singapore cannot close its borders no matter what

[4:48 pm, 01/05/2021] +Fulgrim: I think the impact from travellers on the economy is too large and we need to open out doors asap

[4:49 pm, 01/05/2021] +Fulgrim: In order to achieve that and present an image of Singapore being open regardless of the situation ( or out desperation, take your Pick), they still choose to allow travellers in

[4:49 pm, 01/05/2021] +Fulgrim: That's why the drive to mass vaccinate and trace together

[4:49 pm, 01/05/2021] +Fulgrim: Once completed,  they will throw open the doors fully

[4:50 pm, 01/05/2021] +Fulgrim: The travel must resume so that economy can recover

[4:50 pm, 01/05/2021] +Fulgrim: They will manage the fallout accordingly but I think they feel economic concerns Trump everything else

[4:51 pm, 01/05/2021] +Fulgrim: I cannot think of any other way to explain our policies and actions so far

[4:54 pm, 01/05/2021] +Valli: Any policy can be tweaked to safeguard Singapore

[5:20 pm, 01/05/2021] +CQ: Actually ah, the vaccinated individuals still get infected and still seems to have the ability to transmit the virus. So even if we're all vaccinated, what does it really mean for us? When can we truly be back to normal or is that even a thing anymore?

[5:21 pm, 01/05/2021] +Fulgrim: There is no 100% guarantee one but its a manageable risk.  But now with the rapid mutations and new variants,  they might have to reevaluate their strategy

[5:35 pm, 01/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Might be unlink

[5:35 pm, 01/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: For the remaining 4

[5:40 pm, 01/05/2021] +CQ: Or might be new cluster. I'm sure they will desperately try to link the cases so that the travel bubble doesn't burst.

[5:40 pm, 01/05/2021] +Elena Woo: I got a feeling travel bubble will burst.

[5:42 pm, 01/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Bubbles are meant to burst ironically

[5:42 pm, 01/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Lol

[5:43 pm, 01/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Dot com bubble, sub prime bubble, crypto bubble etc :3

[5:43 pm, 01/05/2021] +CQ: Lol! Maybe rename the travel thingy to something more auspicious?? 🤭🤭🤭

[5:45 pm, 01/05/2021] +REACH: Dear Contributors,

⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰

Thank you very much for being part of our WhatsApp chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan

[5:46 pm, 01/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: There’s a chance these cases come from single spreader but undetected so far

[5:54 pm, 01/05/2021] +An fan: Follow VPN, call it TPN travel private network

[5:55 pm, 01/05/2021] +Caleb: Or green lanes

[5:56 pm, 01/05/2021] +CQ: Travel diamond? Travel bowling ball?

[5:56 pm, 01/05/2021] +An fan: This is better

[6:00 pm, 01/05/2021] +REACH: Dear Contributors,

We will be closing the chat for today.

Thank you very much for being part of our WhatsApp chat and participating actively.

Goodnight!

Megan

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