REACH 225 - Adhere to new tightened views and encourage vaccination (SK)
05 May 2021 (11am - 7pm)
REACH
[10:58 am, 05/05/2021] +REACH: Dear contributors,
Welcome back! π
⏰ We will be opening the chat from 11am to 7pm today. ⏰
House Rules (short version of our Terms of Use) to keep in mind:
1. Be kind and respectful. We all want to be in a safe space to share our views.
2. Any and all threatening, abusive, vulgar or racially, religiously and ethnically objectionable content is prohibited.
3. Consider the quiet ones among us and give them a chance to comment.
4. No need to repeat your comment or in different forms (including caps) - we heard you loud and clear the first time.
5. Let’s protect each other’s privacy and keep contact details in this group what it should always be - confidential.
Full set of Terms of Use: https://go.gov.sg/reach-whatsapp-terms
We will strive to uphold these rules to ensure this is a safe space for all.
Please be assured that the points made by participants during the chat are aggregated and shared with relevant agencies.
The topic will be posted shortly.
Thank you
Megan π
[11:00 am, 05/05/2021] +REACH: π’ Topic π’
π¬ How do the new tightened measures that will take effect on May 8 affect you? How can we encourage one another to adhere to the measures and be vaccinated?
RECAP:
At a press conference yesterday, tighter measures to fight against the increased spread of Covid-19 were announced, most of which will take effect from May 8:
• Social gathering size in Singapore to be cut from 8 to 5 people from May 8-30
• Only up to 50% of staff allowed at workplaces at any one time from May 8
• Mandatory check-ins with TraceTogether token or app to be brought forward to May 17
• Gyms, fitness studios to be shut from May 8-30
In addition, Minister Gan also emphasised the importance of the vaccination in lowering the risk of infection and severe disease and called for people, especially the elderly who are vulnerable, to be vaccinated. It was also noted that the vaccine had done relatively well against viral variants arising from the TTSH cluster.
π https://str.sg/JtpC
π https://str.sg/JtpF
π https://str.sg/Jtpy
π https://str.sg/JtpC
πhttps://str.sg/JtGH
-----
[11:03 am, 05/05/2021] +~Smiling face: If there was one formula for our success, it was that we were constantly studying how to make things work, or how to make them work better.
Lee Kuan Yew
[11:05 am, 05/05/2021] +Caleb: Again no communication from gov.sg whatsapp and telegram. I don't know what is this platform for then.
[11:06 am, 05/05/2021] +YT: Can the authorities consider seriously closing spas, and massage parlours? People get into close contact in such places for prolonged periods. And, as most of us also know, many of these so-called spas and massage parlours provide other services too. They are not necessary and not essential. As it is, one massage lady from Spa 9 in the recent cases was tested positive. Please, stop these establishments before covid stops the rest of us!
[11:06 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: personnel no change. but to the society there are always 3 sides at least: grumblers / the ok lor / the super supportive fan - YES YES IS good
[11:08 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: good for consideration but using the same grounds where breeding is possible den hawker centers should fall under the radar as well (not closure) but to further enforce rules ....
[11:09 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: admit it which kpt or hwaker centre u go got safe distancing most if not all can be seems having clustered party while buying food
[11:10 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: as to the recent society changes, govt had did their best stop worry abt what the society feels
[11:10 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: if at this stage society things what is push out is wrong den i have no words to say also
[11:12 am, 05/05/2021] +Ben: if we close all the spas and hawker centres then how do people earn a living? I agree with precautions, but mandatory testing and vaccination is the only way to stop it. In the UK, front line staff are tested every 72 hours. Front line being people who deal with public, not back office staff.
[11:12 am, 05/05/2021] +YT: I think less so for coffeeshops. Most are open air. And transient contacts. People usually don't sit there for more than 30 minutes. But I agree that rules need to be enforced at coffeeshops, especially try not to talk when eating, and to put on masks when waiting for food to come or when done eating and waiting for others to finish.
[11:12 am, 05/05/2021] +richard Wong: Nowadays one find so many spa operating in HDB estate. I do not understand why the Authorities and relevant agencies allow all these spa to operate in the heartlands for 24 hours !!!!!operate in downtown is understandable. I wonder who are the people go to these spa in the middle of night !!!!
Another thing is most of the workers are foreigners, don’t they have restrictions quota on employment of foreign workers for this industry ?????
[11:13 am, 05/05/2021] +YT: Spas and massage parlors are different. Enclosed space and close contact.
[11:13 am, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: New measures doesn’t impact me and immediate family much. Would think most Singaporeans will agree to new stricter measures. Some might even say it’s not enough. Feel that this is a very balance approach and good to see we moving in right direction. Would expect more restrictions of businesses if we don’t flatten the curve. Good job for the current/new team! Keep it up. My 2.14 cents
[11:14 am, 05/05/2021] +Ben: Stopping the mass gatherings would make more sense. We have 50-250 gathering inside. A Spa person only comes in to contact with maybe 8 people a day maximum. Agreed though there is a risk and they should be tested.
[11:14 am, 05/05/2021] +YT: Yes. Who needs a massage at 3am? Tells you what kind of business they are really in. Hahaha. You know, i know. Everybody knows. But authorities seem to not know. Duh!
[11:15 am, 05/05/2021] +YT: So if a masseuse is covid positive and comes into 8 persons a day, then those 8 will go home and spread to another 2 or 3 each. Very soon, there will be an epidemic.
[11:15 am, 05/05/2021] +Ben: Personally.... a lot of time rearranging plans for May (it's my Birthday month.... lol )
[11:15 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: spa ? what about ah long legal type duhhhhh both are as poisonous
[11:16 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: good one there 70 big birthday ? hahahhaha grand dinner? watch out for pax limit
[11:16 am, 05/05/2021] +Ben: and if someone attends an event who is positive and spreads to 50 people then that is multiplied many times over... I'm not disagreeing with you, SPA is a problem, as is the MRT and many other places. How do we differentiate?
[11:17 am, 05/05/2021] +CQ: Imperial Apple in Tanjong Pagar, close enough for traders who work Europe shift...
[11:17 am, 05/05/2021] +Ben: Yes, I had to cancel everything..... not quite 70 lol π
[11:17 am, 05/05/2021] +YT: MRT is transient contact. You don't touch the person sitting next to you right, I hope. And most people get on or off the train in less than 30 to 45 minutes.
[11:18 am, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Horny uncles? :3
[11:18 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: face it in a country u cannot eleminate such vice activity .. and hey no one force them the service providers and clients is a paid transaction aka business deal
[11:18 am, 05/05/2021] +Ben: Yes, but many more people in close proximity for about the same time as a massage I think?
[11:18 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: so let's give this sector a break
[11:18 am, 05/05/2021] +Valli: +1
[11:18 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: all humans are no angels also ...
[11:19 am, 05/05/2021] +Ben: lol, some people get massage for health reasons. Sitting down all day, wfh causes back ache!
[11:19 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: they are at least making an honest living instead of scamming people
[11:19 am, 05/05/2021] +YT: Nope. I believe spas and massage parlours should be closed. Not just for safety, but for moral reasons. These are places of sleaze that are unnecessary in such times.
[11:19 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: MORAL!!!! DEN GEYLANG SHOUDL BE DEMOLISH
[11:19 am, 05/05/2021] +YT: Home wrecking is a honest living?
[11:20 am, 05/05/2021] +Ben: Personally I've not been for massage since CB last year, since I don't enjoy the risk :) and no I don't mean those sorts of massages either!
[11:20 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: i bet u my last dollar with lesser vice does not = a safer society it ight be worst
[11:20 am, 05/05/2021] +Ben: That's harsh. Surely if a man goes for that kind of massage the home life is already challenging.
[11:21 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: what i think this short phase is for society is really to reduce human food print
[11:21 am, 05/05/2021] +CQ: I think public transport contact is worse than shopping malls. People go to Don Don Donki, that place listed as pkave visited. Then how they got there? Teleport ah? Common sense right?? If malls are listed, so should public transports. Unless it's double standard applied, which explains EVERYTHING
[11:21 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: the word is still not strong for companies
[11:21 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: people are still returning to offices
[11:22 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: once human foot print is reduce, exposure rate will reduce ... business affected but not totally no business ....
[11:22 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: some will suffer more like taxi drivers
[11:22 am, 05/05/2021] +CQ: All spas and massage parlours? Then Kenko? Hotel Spas? Where do I go when I got muscle knot? You ease it out for me ah?
[11:22 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: but again is for the mass not for individual
[11:22 am, 05/05/2021] +Ben: It's trues there are many inconsistencies in the measures. 4 x 4 max for outdoor football, but 20 for indoor Ju-Jitsu is ok.... however, we can't take a binary all or nothing approach. The measures are about reducing and limiting the spread, while trying to maintain a normal life as much as possible.
[11:22 am, 05/05/2021] +richard Wong: I am not against spas operating in downtown . It’s a business . I am totally against them operating in the heartlands and on 24 hours !!!
[11:22 am, 05/05/2021] +YT: I like going to Don Don Donki. Hahaha...
[11:22 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: hospital hahahahah phyiso.....
[11:22 am, 05/05/2021] +Caleb: For spa. Maybe at least allow TCM Tuina
[11:22 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: ttsh ai mai hahahahaha
[11:22 am, 05/05/2021] +Ben: Taxi drivers? Just guessing.... but yes, fair point.
[11:23 am, 05/05/2021] +YT: Totally agree. Take the sleaze out of our towns please.
[11:23 am, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Yes, a man’s masculinity is also health reason :3
[11:24 am, 05/05/2021] +YT: So, bottom line is, if the authorities are reading this, please close ALL spas and massage parlours. They serve no purpose. Back ache, go to TCM. Don't need to go to a so-called spa or massage parlour.
[11:24 am, 05/05/2021] +Valli: My idea
Govt should impose a 2 or 3 day minimum movement for all & enforce thorough cleaning of all places during this period.
[11:24 am, 05/05/2021] +CQ: I'm still of the view that if the garmen is serious, straightaway CB one month and be done with it. Don't do this jit puah jit puah thing. Not here not there, people still chin mask. It does absolutely nothing!
[11:26 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: CB one mth !
[11:26 am, 05/05/2021] +Valli: TTSH incident, unknowingly people have been moving around many places.
[11:26 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: cannot lah
[11:26 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: rice bowl already breaking for some sector
[11:26 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: ask govt for money again
[11:26 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: den how many times we going to do this
[11:27 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: every time out break cb
[11:27 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: 10 outbreaks down the rd again CB
[11:27 am, 05/05/2021] +Valli: Use the weekend to do this
[11:27 am, 05/05/2021] +Stan: https://covidvisualizer.com/
[11:28 am, 05/05/2021] +Valli: No CB or lockdown required.
We need crowd control & minimise movement of people for essential needs only.
[11:28 am, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: We can’t CB again. Don’t support that move. Remember this is the new “normal” and might last till 2023 or longer.
[11:28 am, 05/05/2021] +CQ: And can I call out Min LW's BS here? Yesterday he spoke of the imported cases and referred to the migrant workers. That's a strawman argument. The problem are not the migrant workers cos when they come in, they're quarantined and then they go straight to the dorms.
What the people are calling for closing borders are the other imports like work passes and dependents like wife, mother, father, children, neighbour and their dog. These go into the community. Don't come and tell us this is a "necessity otherwise who build our flats". Please, these people are not doing that. This is what the "close border" refers to. Don't try to pull the proverbial cotton from sheep over our eyes please.
[11:29 am, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: If everytime we have new clusters declare CB, we might never resume anything at all next time cos there will be no businesses left alive by then. My 2.14 cents
[11:31 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: and proper masking up for general public. for high risk essential workers like health car not need ppe is ok but at least face shield them , they are facing sick ppl of various reasons 8 hours a day, buay tio will also tio just depending on a paper mask
[11:31 am, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: It’s like a gf/bf everytime encounter issue say wanna breakup. Then when ok already wanna patch back.
[11:31 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: den shit happens again
[11:31 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: hahahahahha
[11:32 am, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Yes very toxic gf/bf
[11:32 am, 05/05/2021] +Ben: Agreed - let's just not make obvious mistakes like ICA officer and Hospital Visits.
[11:32 am, 05/05/2021] +CQ: It's not every time. But it's very clear from how the hospitals and MPs have reacted this time that the s**t is getting serious. If this doesn't get nipped in the bud, it's going to be a long drawn battle.
[11:32 am, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: If we do that to businesses here guess what? They’ll leave us for good π
[11:33 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: they can leave bit go where
[11:33 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: msia \ thailand \ burma \cambodia \vietnam \ china?
[11:33 am, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Other markets
[11:33 am, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Yes
[11:33 am, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: You think our local market very big? Lol
[11:33 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: frankly a few big name left with a big bang but sneak back in quietly....
[11:34 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: again if talk about cb even we locals dun wan cos we know how bad it can be
[11:34 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: and just nice we cb in a period where the rest o fthe world also cb-ing
[11:34 am, 05/05/2021] +Ben: Maybe there is a concern about the new variant discovered in India becoming virulent here? I don't know and I'm not spreading gossip or rumours, but a quick 1 week CB would indeed tell us a lot.
[11:39 am, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Businesses can do that of cos but they will remember what happened and either change their pricing/products or gov need to give them tax free benefits to entice them back.
[11:40 am, 05/05/2021] +Valli: Crucial for a thorough cleaning & sanitizing of all places. Authorities should ramp up on this as much as possible.
[11:40 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: understand and is not my issue on one is holding them back also is a free world but liek u mentioned the results they have to face it to regain entry
[11:40 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: is the same every where else just that who is more willing to nego properly .....
[11:43 am, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Imagine you business 1mil sunk cost to setup shop here. Then CB no business can’t profit at all and close shop. Next time you come back you willing to put another 1mil and risk it all again?
[11:43 am, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Fool me once, fool me twice?
[11:45 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: the cb is not predictable de
[11:45 am, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: like the saying goes business is always a gamble if u hit the right wave in luck wrong tide in shit
[11:48 am, 05/05/2021] +Ken: To a certain degree…
Without their spouse, kids, etc. the people here might leave and cause when given a choice some will choose family. Hence we given them PR/EP to bring their families over.
But we have to set a stricter but fair judgment when approval is given to them. In turns need more time and manpower to approve π
I have many friend that are first generation citizens, as well as foreigner colleagues. This is really the things they care about. They need support to care for their kids here, some are Singaporean babies.
My block nearby a bunch of China grandmas always gather. We are still not very far from our former roots.
But at the same time if the countries are badly hit we should ban them.
[11:49 am, 05/05/2021] +Ken: I am 2rd gen, my wife is first gen Singaporean.
Hence we do see the demand there… my MIL wants to travel back to HK, cause they might not have chance specially those elders that might not have so much time. We used to travel yearly becomes unknown.
[11:50 am, 05/05/2021] +CQ: I'm calling out his false equivalence. Of course everyone is "important", just don't lump things together like that and expect us to buy that lame explanation like we're sheep...
[11:51 am, 05/05/2021] +REACH: Covid-19 safety measures stepped up at preschools and early intervention centres
There will be more entry restrictions at preschools and early intervention centres from Saturday (May 8), including a ban on all parents except those with newly enrolled children.
Mixing of children between different classes will also not be allowed, while field trips and other large group activities conducted outside centres will be suspended.
More https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parenting-education/covid-19-safety-measures-stepped-up-at-preschools-and-early
[11:53 am, 05/05/2021] +Ken: Business decision, really heng sway… Some do very well some don’t. Risk taken not always be rewarded as many won’t know what will change.
I have know friend that got into freezer food business before Covid was doing so so..
During Covid and Cb business grew 3 to 5 times.
Have to plan and if over optimistic has its cost to pay.
[11:55 am, 05/05/2021] +Ken: Some business such as selling house plant doing very very well.. due to demand price went up 10 to 20 times for some
[0:03 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Agreed and hence our gov actions need to be balanced and measured.
[0:05 pm, 05/05/2021] +Leonard Lau: Agree .. it is all the data points and decisions deliberated decides
[0:10 pm, 05/05/2021] +Elena Woo: How long is our interval for our front line workers to do their routine test? I dun think it is every 72 hours right? Our routine testing gap may be too wide.
[0:16 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: I hope this means splitting classes for the humanities or other subjects is forbidden.
[0:16 pm, 05/05/2021] +Ben: Yes because if not frequent enough then there is time to spread and false negatives to be missed.
[0:17 pm, 05/05/2021] +Caleb: RRT is every 2 weeks
[0:18 pm, 05/05/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
1. In TTSH, 9 fully vaccinated people are infected - with mild symptoms.
31 people unvaccinated are infected with serious conditions. (India double mutants are found).
High virus load because all patients are without masks.
2. In ICA, 130 officers are uninfected as most are fully vaccinated.
The ICA officer is unvaccinated.
The 7 ICA family members are unvaccinated and infected over meal. (India double mutants variants)
3. In Tuas south, one fully vaccinated Vietnam cleaner is infected with India double mutants variants.
No others are infected.
So vaccination is important.
What is the percentage of vaccination in Singapore now?
Has the working group 45 years and below start vaccination already?
[0:18 pm, 05/05/2021] +Elena Woo: Most spas and massages are legit and proper.
[0:20 pm, 05/05/2021] +Elena Woo: Not every one can take the tuina from TCM sia.
[0:21 pm, 05/05/2021] +Elena Woo: This is true... π
[0:25 pm, 05/05/2021] +Elena Woo: 2 weeks! The gap is too wide already!
[0:26 pm, 05/05/2021] +Boon: π
[0:26 pm, 05/05/2021] +Caleb: Many will not want to work to get poke into the nose
[0:26 pm, 05/05/2021] +Caleb: They can do like sewage test surveillance ect
[0:27 pm, 05/05/2021] +Elena Woo: Can bring up the vaccination earlier for those below 45 yrs old to start in May? And are there any experts to advise for those mummies who just give birth, how many months required before they can vaccinate?
[0:27 pm, 05/05/2021] +Valli: Yesterday I went in one, China aunties, no temperature taken, and lack in cleanliness & SMM.
[0:28 pm, 05/05/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
I am more concerned about 45 years old and below - who form the majority of the workforce.
This group not call up for vaccination yet except those in frontline.
[0:28 pm, 05/05/2021] +Elena Woo: Supposed to be in Jun i think?
[0:29 pm, 05/05/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ: π€·
[0:30 pm, 05/05/2021] +Caleb: Ya
[0:30 pm, 05/05/2021] +Caleb: No stock
[0:30 pm, 05/05/2021] +Caleb: I see vax center not so crowded at waiting area
[0:32 pm, 05/05/2021] +Christine: Have you done a swab test before? It is not pleasant. There are a lot of considerations and trade offs to consider such as swabbing capacity, diagnostics capacity, consumables, to consider etc. HCW and other frontline workers are humans too, doing noble professions. Please don’t make it seems like a punishment for them to make it safe. Have trust that the leaders who are making the decisions and are keep us safe thus far have done their due dilligence.
[0:32 pm, 05/05/2021] +Christine: Just to be clear. This is a comment in general and not directed at you @Elena Woo. π
[0:33 pm, 05/05/2021] +Valli: My worry if this Indian double mutant virus were to slip into the dormitories, what will the outcome be.?
This can easily happen as in the Marine sector, locals work together with them.
What can be done to prevent this.
[0:33 pm, 05/05/2021] +Elena Woo: Still 2 weeks apart is too wide when UK can do every 72 hrs. And referring to frontline workers who are impt.
[0:36 pm, 05/05/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
1. Full vaccination in dorm (including previous infected ones).
2. Reduce high virus load by putting on masks.
3. Don't share meal.
4. Keep in small group and don't mix.
5. Period testings.
This will reduce the chances of outbreak in dorms.
[0:36 pm, 05/05/2021] +Christine: Our infection rates in Singapore and UK are different hence the measures taken should be taken into context and considerations based on the resources we have and what we can bring in in the event of the subsequent lockdowns
[0:36 pm, 05/05/2021] +Elena Woo: And it is for health and safety sake and not whether it is comfortable to do the test or convenient to do the test or not. I think priority. If the gap is too wide, the time lapse for response and react becomes longer and more risk of leak and cases undetected.
[0:38 pm, 05/05/2021] +Christine: There is a need to balance the precious resources and prioritise it in areas we need the most.
Hence for ttsh cluster, they swabbed more frequently and preemptive reach out to all staff for swabs. So what i am saying is: the measures should be tailored and contextualized to areas where it requires the most and not a blanket rule for all frontline professionals.
[0:42 pm, 05/05/2021] +Elena Woo: Are you sure they are swabbed more frequently? Some one earlier replied saying it is once every 14 days eh.
[0:42 pm, 05/05/2021] +Elena Woo: If it is more frequent, i dun see any issue. If it is 14 days, i think the gap is too wide.
[0:43 pm, 05/05/2021] +Leonard Lau: Pls refer to m the news . TTSH swabbed their staff and patients 2-3 times in a week.
[0:44 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: π±
[0:44 pm, 05/05/2021] +Christine: Now as part of ttsh cluster investigation. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/tan-tock-seng-hospital-ttsh-cluster-visitors-pharmacist-may-4-14743160
[0:47 pm, 05/05/2021] +Elena Woo: I din find their swab frequency in news. Only saw recently they will swab every staff and patient.
[0:52 pm, 05/05/2021] +Valli: Authorities should foresee slip-ups to happen, and be prepared in advance on how to tackle when this arise.
[0:53 pm, 05/05/2021] +Ben: 30 April — One vaccine dose can nearly halve transmission risk
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-00502-w
"A single dose of the COVID-19 vaccine made by either Pfizer or AstraZeneca cuts a person’s risk of transmitting SARS-CoV-2 to their closest contacts by as much as half, according to an analysis of more than 365,000 households in the United Kingdom."
[0:53 pm, 05/05/2021] +Ben: And people still say they don't want to be vaccinated?
[0:58 pm, 05/05/2021] +~Smiling face: Does anyone know the safety rulings for private condominium GYM under the latest Phase 2 protocol?
Public Gyms will be closed starting May 8.
[1:00 pm, 05/05/2021] +Boon: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-extends-stay-home-notice-to-21-days-for-travellers-from-higher-risk-places
[1:03 pm, 05/05/2021] +Boon: Even as Sg moves into Phase 2, and we argue/debate about how to best manage it, it looks like Sg would still allow visitors from “high risks countries” to enter. It this an exception or rule? Is Sg already prepared to dedicate resources to these visitors if they are Covid positive and support those in Sg who may get infected from them?
[1:07 pm, 05/05/2021] +Wiliam ONG: Some say pool need to be close as unable to save distancing. π
[1:09 pm, 05/05/2021] +Thomas: Other than india etc where no flight in. UK example we allow
[1:09 pm, 05/05/2021] +Ben: 100 people to worship as much as they like but only 30 for a one-off funeral? Why is that?
[1:10 pm, 05/05/2021] +Caleb: Funeral ppl may cry and scream and close body contact?
[1:10 pm, 05/05/2021] +Valli: Exactly.
It is questionable how these visitors are pre tested at their departure and still arriving here positive.
And why Spore is accepting them. π€·♀️
[1:10 pm, 05/05/2021] +Ben: Should be more leeway for Weddings and Funerals
[1:11 pm, 05/05/2021] +Thomas: Including Malaysia is not in the list of low risk countries. So , we neef to be open but managed it
[1:11 pm, 05/05/2021] +Ben: Yes, the tests are not 100% accurate. I know someone tested positive as many times as negative while she was in quarantine and tested daily.
[1:12 pm, 05/05/2021] +Ben: Vaccinations and Regular testing are the best way to manage this.
[1:12 pm, 05/05/2021] +Boon: And why is Singapore only strict with ourselves, and prepared for biz, social and family impacts, when some “high risks countries” have not been strict with themselves?
[1:13 pm, 05/05/2021] +Thomas: We are the hub of Asia and we are small
[1:23 pm, 05/05/2021] +Boon: Isn’t it exactly because we are small and a hub that we need to be resilient? How long can we continue to be resilient if we keep taking the impacts from “bigger waves”, if we keep incurring opportunity costs from others fear of the costs of being more Covid prudent ?
[1:27 pm, 05/05/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
My close friend comments:-
It's quite clear that the war is not over. We have not won. No country has.
Relaxing, tightening and relaxing again is the new normal. We just have to adjust and max out life accordingly rather than regret later.
Vaccination is a good mitigation measure but not a solution. People who are vaccinated can be infected and help spread the virus. Then this calls for a different model and way of life. Previously, we believe that if we are vaccinated we can attend large events without going through a swap test? But if we follow this model, then several vaccinated persons who are infected can slip into a large event and spread to many others who were tested negative and thought it was safe.
Still have to push the vaccination program aggressively to prevent burdening the healthcare system but controls still have to be in place. We have to accept this reality.
[2:05 pm, 05/05/2021] +REACH: Parks and developments recognised for good landscape design and management
A total of 27 parks and developments in Singapore have been recognised for good landscape design and management under an enhanced certification scheme by the National Parks Board (NParks).
More https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/parks-and-developments-recognised-for-good-landscape-design-and-management
[2:23 pm, 05/05/2021] +Ken: π€£π€£
[2:24 pm, 05/05/2021] +Ben: Thanks for sharing. It's good to remind ourselves what a beautiful country we live due to the hard work of the people who live here!
[2:24 pm, 05/05/2021] +Ken: Yup… lol a lighter tone to all the serious topics…
I send to say good job to my NPARK friend lol
[2:25 pm, 05/05/2021] +Ben: πππ
[2:27 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-q5V6LDxEY
[2:42 pm, 05/05/2021] +Valli: I love the greenery around us and also the flowery trees that run along our roads.
[2:45 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: all these are visions of our forefathers who plan it so we have a better Quality of Life
[3:04 pm, 05/05/2021] +Valli: World’s Most Vaccinated Nation Reintroduces Curbs as Cases Surge
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-05-04/world-s-most-vaccinated-nation-reintroduces-curbs-as-cases-surge
[3:06 pm, 05/05/2021] +Ben: Further evidence the Chinese Vaccine may not be very effective?
[3:07 pm, 05/05/2021] +Caleb: Think vaccinated nation need to be at least 85% and above
[3:07 pm, 05/05/2021] +Ben: UK saw massive drop in infections after just 20% vaccinated using Astra Zeneca
[3:07 pm, 05/05/2021] +Ben: They were in lockdown too though π
[3:38 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: 1 community case among 16 new COVID-19 infections in Singapore
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-new-cases-moh-ttsh-cluster-community-imported-may-5-14746538
[3:40 pm, 05/05/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
Very good.
No Community cases reported from TTSH.
Wonder this 1 case is it unlink case?
Look like we can contain this wave.
[3:43 pm, 05/05/2021] +REACH: 16 new Covid-19 cases reported, one in the community
There was one new Covid-19 case in the community reported on Wednesday noon (May 5).
There were also 15 imported cases, which were placed on stay-home-notices (SHN) on arrival in Singapore, said the Ministry of Health (MOH).
More https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/16-new-covid-19-cases-reported-one-in-the-community
[3:44 pm, 05/05/2021] +Ben: Let's hope the blip is over. We'll all be OK with the new measures if we see numbers like this.
[3:45 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Actually I’m more worried about unlinked cases
[3:46 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Means there’s someone out there still spreading and undetected
[3:46 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Just thinking out loud here
[3:46 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: But can dogs or cats get infected as well? Like really infected and spread to one another?
[3:48 pm, 05/05/2021] +REACH: Nursing homes turn away visitors who have been to TTSH, tighten measures to protect residents
This follows the rise in the number of community cases, including that of a resident who tested positive after being discharged from Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) where a cluster has been detected.
More https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/nursing-homes-turn-away-visitors-who-have-been-to-ttsh-tighten-measures-to-protect
[3:50 pm, 05/05/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/biden-unveils-target-70-americans-184628843.html
Biden unveils target of 70% of Americans vaccinated by 4 July – what then for the remaining 30%?
[3:50 pm, 05/05/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/fda-expected-to-authorise-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-for-teens-14739952
FDA expected to authorise Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for teens within the week: Report
[3:51 pm, 05/05/2021] +Valli: Even if we contain this wave,
We need to continue tightening of border controls & restrict the arrival of inessential travellers for a longer period.
We need to open up domestically if not life will be difficult with restricted movement.
[3:51 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Agreed
[3:51 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: ππ» good move
[3:52 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Need to focus on old folks home to avoid repeat from last years crisis
[3:53 pm, 05/05/2021] +Valli: Authorities should research on this, whether animals do carry this virus ?
[3:54 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Cos some cases like keep unlink
[3:54 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: But really unlinked? Where does it come from then?
[4:12 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: We need to look at all possible vectors. Just my 2.14 cents
[4:49 pm, 05/05/2021] +Suma pamu: Sorry didn't understand the news clearly
Today One Case
Not linked to TTSH
Means to linked otger cluster
Or Unlinked?!
[4:53 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Wait for details tonight bro
[4:54 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: They will announce the detailed findings later
[4:55 pm, 05/05/2021] +Suma pamu: Noted with thanksππ½
[5:05 pm, 05/05/2021] +Rama: Spot On!
[5:08 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Agreed we all need to cooperate.
[5:17 pm, 05/05/2021] +CQ: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/pfizer-robust-covid-19-vaccine-demand-26-billion-annual-sales-14745526
Cha-ching π°π°π°π°π°π°π€
[5:26 pm, 05/05/2021] +Ben: Well it's in our interest it works long term, and maybe in their interest it doesn't.... lol
[5:26 pm, 05/05/2021] +CQ: It is their interest to make a product which requires "annual subscription"... π
[5:28 pm, 05/05/2021] +Ben: Handy that all these variants keep popping up. Not like that a virus has never mutated before!
[5:30 pm, 05/05/2021] +CQ: So erm... Which lab did the western media claim this virus was released from again?? And remind me, who is it that's recording "robust revenues"????
[5:32 pm, 05/05/2021] +CQ: In all the classic movies, the evil villain who releases the poison always has the antidote. #justsaying
[5:45 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-virus-variants-india-singapore-what-you-need-know-14746598
[5:46 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: The variant has been called the "Bengal strain" as it was first detected in that region in India. It has also been called a triple mutant - although the variant contains a total of 13 spike protein mutations, there are three which are of concern.
All three mutations have been detected in other globally circulating variants and experts say they have evolved independently as the virus adapts to better infect humans.
[5:46 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: One of the mutations, E484Q, which is very similar to the E484K mutation found in the South African and Brazilian variants, has been called the "escape mutation". This is because it appears to partially "escape" immunity from prior infection or vaccines.
[5:46 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Another mutation, L452R, was associated with large outbreaks in California and is estimated to be 20 per cent more transmissible than earlier waves of the virus. A third mutation, P681R, is also thought to make the virus more infectious.
[5:46 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: More transmissible, more infectious and able to reinfect. This is like God Virus liaoz.
[5:53 pm, 05/05/2021] +REACH: Spirit of Hari Raya celebrations remains despite tighter limits on social gatherings, says President Halimah
Some people may be disappointed by the latest measures to curb the spread of Covid-19, but they are necessary to better protect all Singaporeans given the rise in infections and new variants, President Halimah Yacob said on Wednesday (May 5).
She added that she understood the disappointment some in the Muslim community felt as the stricter regulations come just before Hari Raya Aidilfitri next Thursday (May 13).
More https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/spirit-of-hari-raya-celebrations-remains-despite-tighter-limits-on-social-gatherings-says
[6:03 pm, 05/05/2021] +Rama: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/raffles-hospital-engaged-conduct-free-public-covid-19-testing-after-long-queues-screening?cid=tdy%20tg_tg-pm_social-msging-free_09102018_today
[6:16 pm, 05/05/2021] +SL: “The variant has been called the "Bengal strain" as it was first detected in that region in India. It has also been called a triple mutant - although the variant contains a total of 13 spike protein mutations, there are three which are of concern.”
The triple mutant is B.1.618, B.1.617 + (.1.2.3) are double mutate.
[6:17 pm, 05/05/2021] +SL: https://www.google.com.sg/amp/s/theprint.in/health/b-1-117-to-b-1-618-india-has-many-covid-variants-causing-infections-here-are-the-dominant-ones/644693/%3famp
[6:19 pm, 05/05/2021] +Franco: If Raffles Hospital can conduct free covid test, I just wonder why the authorities allow the price of covid test in Changi airport to be so expensive? I can understand to charge people coming into spore to do the swab test, but returning Singaporeans should be charged at a lower rate, not asking for free.
[6:20 pm, 05/05/2021] +Caleb: I think is gov pay raffles hospital to do it
[6:20 pm, 05/05/2021] +Caleb: And not raffles hospital offering for free
[6:20 pm, 05/05/2021] +Ken: Resource are limited. If free people will abuse
[6:22 pm, 05/05/2021] +Ken: PCR are not exactly free, the DNA gel etc… if it is pre cast which I think would be given the volume they run. Per test should range from $10 to $20 at cost. Not including logistics and disposal
[6:23 pm, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: trust me the whole singapore will flood raffles medical if it is free .. rememeber we are famous for q-ing up
[6:23 pm, 05/05/2021] +Kevinn Wang: not to mentioned the word FREE is like unleash of 10 generation of hungry ghost
[6:40 pm, 05/05/2021] +An fan: This is true. ζΎζ―ηζδΈζ解θ―
[6:41 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Gut feel that this virus isn’t from our time or world.
[6:41 pm, 05/05/2021] +Rama: Hugh!?
[6:42 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Just gut feel that this virus is prehistoric dormant in permafrost. Now global warming and ice caps melt so the virus is release.
[6:43 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: It is playing catch up to current times
[6:43 pm, 05/05/2021] +Rama: Oh!
[6:43 pm, 05/05/2021] +Rama: Possibly
[6:45 pm, 05/05/2021] +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
[6:45 pm, 05/05/2021] +Alvin Lim: Gdnite Megan!
[6:49 pm, 05/05/2021] +Rama: Couple in S’pore raises S$190,000 to send oxygen concentrators to India for fight against Covid-19
https://sg.news/?p=538707
[6:50 pm, 05/05/2021] +SL: Unfortunately it is from our time. very sad that it indeed exist.
[6:50 pm, 05/05/2021] +Rama: Ho Ching analyses TTSH cluster in detail, says all patients should be vaccinated
https://sg.news/?p=538674
[6:53 pm, 05/05/2021] +SL: π
[6:54 pm, 05/05/2021] +An fan: https://youtu.be/qFSQihHAjdE
[7:00 pm, 05/05/2021] +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 π
[7:02 pm, 05/05/2021] +REACH: Gym and fitness studio closures needed to 'eliminate risk' of Covid-19 clusters forming, say experts
Medical experts have told The Straits Times that the decision to close indoor gyms and fitness studios is timely after the multi-ministry task force (MTF) tackling the coronavirus pandemic in Singapore announced stricter measures to stop the spread of Covid-19 in the wider community on Tuesday (May 4).
More https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/coronavirus-gym-and-fitness-studio-closures-needed-to-eliminate-risk-of-cluster
=====
No comments:
Post a Comment