REACH 266 - View on new normal (SK)

18 Aug 2021 (10am - 7pm)

REACH

[10:00 am, 18/08/2021] +REACH: Dear contributors,

Welcome back! 😊

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Megan 😊

[10:09 am, 18/08/2021] +REACH: 📢 Topic 📢 

Providing an update on the Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme (VIFAP) on Monday (16 Aug), the Ministry of Health (MOH) said that a total of $782,000 has been paid out, or is in the process of being paid out, to 144 applicants.

Out of which, two patients suffering from serious side effects related to the vaccine have each received the highest payout of $225,000 in government financial aid so far.

💬  As more in our community are getting fully vaccinated as we approach endemic COVID in Singapore, what are your expectations of the new normal?

One of them is a 16-year-old boy who suffered a cardiac arrest after his first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. MOH also said that the myocarditis was likely a serious adverse event caused by the vaccine, which may have been aggravated by the youth's strenuous lifting of weights and high consumption of caffeine through energy drinks and supplements.

There were a total of 52 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases reported on Tuesday (17 Aug). Of the local cases, 35 were linked to previous cases and already quarantined, and another three linked cases were not in quarantine when they tested positive.

A 90-year-old man who was fully vaccinated but had a history of chronic kidney disease and hypertension died from COVID-19 complications on Tuesday (17 Aug). He is the first fully vaccinated person to die from issues linked to Covid-19 in Singapore.

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/highest-financial-aid-of-225k-paid-to-two-patients-for-serious-side-effects-from

👉 https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/community/90-year-old-man-dies-from-covid-19-complications-the-first-death-of-fully

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[10:31 am, 18/08/2021] +Caleb: Countinue Maintain personal hygiene like hand washing ect. 

Wearing mask regardless if it's mandatory by law.

[10:35 am, 18/08/2021] +Caleb: seamless check-in where business can just scan my TT app/token or NRIC to check my vaccination/COVID status.

Now if I use TT token, I still have to show either hard/soft copy of my vaccination cert

[10:49 am, 18/08/2021] +Alvin Lim: As more in our community are getting fully vaccinated as we approach endemic COVID in Singapore, what are your expectations of the new normal?

1) Mask mandate indefinitely with harsher fines and penalties for repeated offenders.

2) WFH as default, if clusters are detected in certain industry sector, thorough inspection of premises and lockdown for that industry might be needed.

3) Swabbing test for everyone on regular basis if possible. If not as many as possible.

[10:49 am, 18/08/2021] +Alvin Lim: My 2.14 cents

[11:15 am, 18/08/2021] +Elena Woo: We should not be approaching endemic if the young (less than 12 years old) are still not able to be vaccinated.

[11:27 am, 18/08/2021] +m6dm6n: +1

[11:34 am, 18/08/2021] +Boon: +1

[11:40 am, 18/08/2021] +CQ: +1

[0:07 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ken Loh: Agreed

[0:17 pm, 18/08/2021] +REACH: Workers to start returning to offices as COVID-19 restrictions ease for workplaces

As the COVID-19 situation in Singapore stabilises and with vaccination rates climbing, companies in Singapore are preparing for a partial return to the office with some intending to retain flexible working arrangements.

More: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/covid-19-back-office-work-home-wfh-2119871

[0:22 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: 

1. Get everyone vaccinated 100%. Mandate vaccination if necessary when final approval is granted.

a. Because herd immunity is no longer possible as many medical experts say so even if 95% are vaccinated.

b. Even if 10% unvaccinated will have 570,000 people unvaccinated and put pressure on our hospital resources.

c. Adopt 100% vaccination like other dangerous virus pandemic such as smallpox measles mumps rubella diphtheria polio TB etc.

[0:25 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: 

2. Make mask mandatory.

3. Continue to source for treatment drugs for covid-19.

4. Maintain but adjust social distancing measures as situation deem fit eg. WFH, social events, dine-in, vaccine-differentiated measures etc.

[0:26 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: 

5. Explore if 3rd shot booster that can prevent Delta and other strains is necessary.

[0:29 pm, 18/08/2021] +Sally: Agreed 👍

[0:32 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/covid-19-vaccine-breakthroughs-effectiveness-ncid-chief-2117826

Breakthrough of vaccines only 1000 infected against more than 4 million vaccinated (0.00025%). 

Also unvaccinated have 17% people develop serious illness, need oxygen support or ICU versus 1% for vaccinated. 

Thus vaccination is not ineffective - but is the only solution to tackle covid.

[0:33 pm, 18/08/2021] +Suma pamu: +1

[0:33 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/the-world-may-never-reach-herd-immunity-against-covid-19                                                                                                                                The world may never reach herd immunity against Covid-19. 100% vaccination is required.

[0:34 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: 

https://sg.yahoo.com/news/us-could-see-200-000-200622525.html                                              US could see 200,000 Covid cases a day again: ‘Unvaccinated are sitting ducks’

[0:35 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/covid-19-fiji-compulsory-vaccination-civil-servants-no-jab-no-job-2113456     

Fiji civil service - no jab no job - Mandatory Vaccination for civil servants.

Many countries have join the rank to impose mandatory vaccination for various sectors to tackle covid pandemic and end the economic sufferings.

[0:39 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/british-columbia-mandates-covid-19-vaccines-staff-long-term-care-and-assisted-living-homes-2109576                                                                            Canada join US to mandate vaccination for staff of long-term and assisted living homes.

Canada also mooting the idea of mandatory vaccination for all federal workers.

[1:02 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ben: We should mandate vaccination for teachers and those in contact with under 12s, until they can be vaccinated too.

[1:03 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ben: If not,can we be told what % of teachers are vaccinated?

[1:03 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ben: We are told how many seniors are. Please advise about health care workers and teachers, since they are in contact with vulnerable.

[1:03 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ben: Don't have to specify which vaccine

[1:05 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ben: In suspicious about the need for a booster. mRNA should be effective against any covid virus with the spike protein, which includes Delta. mRNA programs the body, not like old fashioned anti body vaccines.

[1:06 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ben: Being mRNA means that your body produces the antibodies to any cell with the spike protein . You don't need antibodies present in your blood  , unless your body isn't very good at producing them in which case you will need a booster every 6 months.

[1:09 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ben: Should be obligatory to let parents know if commercial private teachers in contact with kids are vaccinated or not, since it's not mandatory for them to be

[1:17 pm, 18/08/2021] +Smiley face: 18 August, 2021 

To: Distinguished MTF, DMS And All Honorable Members 

Annual Vaccination Initiative (AVI):

Proposed Booster japs to be implemented starting January 2022, the first pioneer(Feb-March 2021) batch of 15% will be invited and there onwards every batch of 15% on a targeted monthly basis. 

Main:

For individuals who have completed PARTIAL vaccination regardless of brands, the booster jap will count as a valid fully vaccinated status. 

Individuals whom DECLINE the coming BOOSTER will have their vaccinated status cancelled. Inclusively, whatsoever reasons thereafter, these individuals will be able to REINSTATE their status once they have taken this booster jap. 

EXEMPTION will be given to individuals whom are adverse from the initial 1st or 2nd or both japs. There will be three categories of exemption, first is a 6 month exemption, second 1 year exemption and the third a full exemption. These exemptions will be given to individuals by MOH registered medical clinics and certified medical practitioners - private & public. 

This booster japs initiative will be an ANNUAL renewal of vaccination STATUS minus those who are partially or fully exempted.

[1:29 pm, 18/08/2021] +Alvin Lim: Students and staff can return to school once they or their close contacts test negative for Covid-19

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parenting-education/students-and-staff-can-return-to-school-once-they-or-their-close

[1:30 pm, 18/08/2021] +Alvin Lim: I still strongly disagree with this as new silent clusters may be formed as more vaccinated ppl return to office and get infected without any onset of severe symptoms.

[1:32 pm, 18/08/2021] +Alvin Lim: WFH should be the default unless no choice. If can WFH, must work from home. If allow 50%, then bosses will ask everyone to come back and you will have hard time enforcing the rules.

[1:33 pm, 18/08/2021] +Jack: Agree

[1:33 pm, 18/08/2021] +Alvin Lim: And with more ppl in ICU and critical condition, the “Endgame” should not be a priority.

[1:33 pm, 18/08/2021] +Alvin Lim: Almost one death in every two or three days iirc

[1:34 pm, 18/08/2021] +Alvin Lim: Curb all these down to single digit ICU first and let community cases down to the 10s then we can talk about “Endgame”

[1:37 pm, 18/08/2021] +Sally: Agreed

[1:54 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ken Loh: MNC should have not so much issue.

Is more for SME, but then again they have 1 whole year to transit to WFH. Technically should be able to be done. 

But the bonding and working physically is required for more effective communication… meeting online is hectic and many time drag on, then face to face interaction.

[1:55 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ken Loh: WFH I really don’t know new colleague as physically not there.. specially those new one that join on site. 😅

Many do not have computer access, over time will have barrier and won’t be in touch with people on the ground

[1:56 pm, 18/08/2021] +Caleb: Adults can return to work also?

[2:01 pm, 18/08/2021] +Jack: I have concern if go office then always take public transport with so many people.. what is I got covid with no symptoms and my family with two young children with no vaccination also inspected.. there big issues.. with Delta variant many people death.. who is going to take responsibility..

[2:03 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Many elderly have yet to be vaccinated.

So unless they are persuaded or mandated to vaccinate - elderly who are more vulnerable will more likely to overwhelm the hospitals.

All the current statistics show that elderly are the one that are hospitalised.

[2:05 pm, 18/08/2021] +Jack: Young children will get also. You see US so many young children got it

[2:06 pm, 18/08/2021] +Jack: These two group of age should consider vaccination

[2:10 pm, 18/08/2021] +Kevin: https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/threads/omg-wfh-going-to-end.6580869/

[2:10 pm, 18/08/2021] +Alvin Lim: I agree. Myself have a newborn last year and everyday when she cough or have flu I always worry

[2:10 pm, 18/08/2021] +Alvin Lim: And I work onsite everyday at Changi Airport

[2:11 pm, 18/08/2021] +Kevin: https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/threads/if-dont-want-go-back-ofc-tomorrow-can-give-what-excuse.6580928/

[2:12 pm, 18/08/2021] +Suma pamu: MOE and MOH keep on Saying children are safe .. may be they know better than those Experts in USA and Europe. 

No focus on Children....

[2:12 pm, 18/08/2021] +Kevin: Work from home too long become like that

[2:30 pm, 18/08/2021] +An fan: Our doctors tried this Ivermectin?

https://covid19criticalcare.com/ivermectin-in-covid-19/

[3:12 pm, 18/08/2021] +REACH: Integrated Shield Plans will cover only MOH-approved outpatient cancer treatment from 2023

People who have bought Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) from private insurers may not be able to claim for certain drugs used in outpatient cancer treatments from April 2023.

More: https://str.sg/3wFP

[3:21 pm, 18/08/2021] +Elena Woo: Same... i just gave birth recently and this is one of my concerns as well...

[3:22 pm, 18/08/2021] +Elena Woo: Exactly it is just that this never got into the alert radar of high risk, which I think it becomes too complacent.

[3:23 pm, 18/08/2021] +Elena Woo: DISAGREE with this as this can create potential hidden clusters that become easily out of control.

[3:24 pm, 18/08/2021] +Elena Woo: Actually my main concern is not on vaccination for adults, but vaccination for young children. My entire household is alr vaccinated except my newborn baby. 😥😥

[3:25 pm, 18/08/2021] +Elena Woo: And somemore moving into endemic when young children cannot be covered at this point of time? I really doubt the thought process is complete.

[3:30 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/column-major-study-ivermectin-anti-222751048.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall&guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly9zZy5zZWFyY2gueWFob28uY29tLw&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAGI1rnLZy1QX1BYcw8vflDofKvZF0N-CWHLX__bFq37-ZHsU8PFjiRH3zC7xzKH4Fmy-0XmYjs9kVj9yjiUXh300TVEzMhbHlkjFp5LBG07OT4qFqUPM5w8iAe87kyz6ZbIJxSdqbROROM1VEe6bhB9UclbKRx70fYzLjWdQ2Wi2                                                                                                          Ivermectin - the magical covid drug - touted by the anti-vaxx group - is a complete flop.

[3:30 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: 

https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-hydroxychloroquine 

WHO does not recommend hydroxychloroquine to prevent COVID-19 - another drug touted by the anti-vaxx group. All these bizzare anti-vaxx group touted drugs have somehow link to Trump's big lies.

[3:30 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: https://news.google.com/articles/CAIiEIxtjGoT-pk35PMpgD2UwSYqFggEKg0IACoGCAowm_EEMKAiMOfsywM?hl=en-SG&gl=SG&ceid=SG%3Aen

The Vaccine Scientist Spreading Vaccine Misinformation

Robert Malone claims to have invented mRNA technology. Why is he trying so hard to undermine its use?

[3:31 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/covid-19-endemic-time-for-a-frank-conversation      

Our public health experts name 2 groups that will be crucial in our endemic roadmap. 

1 is the seniors and the 2nd is the children below 12 years old. Vaccination of both these 2 groups are imperative - for the endemic road map.

Don't be surprise mandatory vaccination will be on the way when US FDA grant the full and final approval.

[3:32 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/none-of-the-children-infected-with-covid-19-require-oxygen-support-or-are-in-the                                                                                                    124 children in hospital or community care - but none in ICU. All unvaccinated.

Majority infected by own household.

They also don't experience long covid - symptoms that lingers 4 weeks or more.

[3:34 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/who-trial-three-drugs-treat-covid-19-2106446

WHO trial 3 treatment drugs for covid-19 patients.

[3:34 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/covid-19-australia-victoria-state-steady-rise-cases-lockdown-2104856                                                                                                                                      Australia get tough on vaccination. No jab no job.

[3:34 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/context-important-risks-covid-19-mrna-vaccine-benjamin-ong-1935161                                                                                                                              Medical experts on covid vaccine side effects. Important to view covid vaccines side effects into the right context. Else Singapore will not be able to take advantage of its access to effective COVID-19 vaccines if people react to “every alarmist sort of viewpoint that comes up”.

[3:34 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: 

https://sg.yahoo.com/news/picture-shifting-vaccines-transmission-shaping-164407331.html        

Vaccination no longer focus on blocking transmission as vaccinated people can still transmit covid-19 - but re-shaping how to learn to live with covid.

That's using vaccines as protection from developing serious illness as cannot depends on the wall of herd immunity to stop covid from spreading.

[3:34 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: 

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/cdc-recommends-pregnant-women-covid-160200924.html                                    

CDC recommends pregnant women get COVID-19 vaccine

[3:34 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-record-covid-19-new-cases-pregnant-women-vaccine-2108286                                                                                                                                   Malaysia urge pregnant women to get vaccinated as 70 pregnant women die from covid.

[3:47 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ken Loh: Mummy chat group most are scared and not taking

[3:48 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ken Loh: Any miscarriage in resultant of vaccine wavier form need to be signed. Hence most think twice. 

Specially those IVF couples

[3:51 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Singapore government have not promote vaccination for pregnant women.

But US, UK, Israel, Indonesia, Malaysia all recommend pregnant women vaccinate.

[3:52 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ken Loh: Promoting don’t mean people will take 😅

IVF couple takes effort to get pregnant, if they ask for wavier don’t in turn give confidence to the couple which spend over $10 k or so

[3:52 pm, 18/08/2021] +Joseph Ong: Maybe G needs to consider intensive media blasts to educate people about mRNA and counter misinformation surrounding the issue. 

I am still amazed that many think mRNA is new/experimental when it has been researched and worked on for almost 40 years. 

Small bite sized information blasts .. intensive and sustained … over multiple media platforms.

[3:56 pm, 18/08/2021] +Caleb: +1

[3:59 pm, 18/08/2021] +Joseph Ong: People are considering in isolation, the risk of the vaccine potentially causing harm to pregnant women and/or unborn child but fail to consider the risk if they catch CV19 while unvaccinated. 

There is no perfect solution. Both carries risks, but it seems the decision being taken now is based on a lack of proper understanding and hence, a “mis-assessment” of the different risks involved.

[4:02 pm, 18/08/2021] +Alvin Lim: This is true

[4:02 pm, 18/08/2021] +Alvin Lim: I would think a couple who tried so hard to conceive won't take the risk

[4:02 pm, 18/08/2021] +Alvin Lim: however, pregnant ladies are encourage to take some cold and cough vaccines

[4:03 pm, 18/08/2021] +Alvin Lim: i think whooping cough vaccine or something

[4:05 pm, 18/08/2021] +An fan: http://www.wral.com/coronavirus/duke-unc-see-unexpected-covid-19-clusters-among-vaccinated-students/19824920/

[4:06 pm, 18/08/2021] +Joseph Ong: if the G is confident and/or have strong scientifically back evidence/data showing that CV19 impact on the young is not something to be concerned about, then now is the time to share it!

If it doesn’t, or there is nothing to support the current confidence that we can move into endemic stage without having a viable vaccine for the young and no proven therapeutics in the event one catches CV19, then we should reconsider the decision to open.

[4:09 pm, 18/08/2021] +Suma pamu: +1

[4:16 pm, 18/08/2021] +Alvin Lim: I think fully opening up right now is not a good idea too.

[4:18 pm, 18/08/2021] +Joseph Ong: Vaccinated does not mean cannot catch CV19

What the vaccine does is that it makes it harder for the virus to invade our cells and multiply. 

Viral load will be lower - over same timw period - compared to unvaccinated. 

Viral shed will be less. 

Result = Vaccinated people:

1. tend not to get as ill/sick. 

2. recover faster

3. less infectious compared to unvaccinated

Similar to a kid who has taken the chicken pox vaccine; does not mean will not catch chicken pox, but when he/she does, the symptoms are much milder and recover faster. 

Please bookmark 

Very tiring to keep having to remind whenever you come across a headline that seem to support your decision to not vaccinate. 😂

[4:18 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ah Heng: the decision to open is nail dead

[4:19 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ah Heng: reuters had an article on us opening to vaccination pax (air travel)

[4:20 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ah Heng: in all society we have people who wants and do not want to open globally, the same for vacc and do not want to vacc whatever reason

[4:21 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ah Heng: end of the day is vacc or no vacc are we able to have all outside their house put on properly the mask to protect both sides of the camp

[4:21 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ah Heng: dun forget unvacc includes the sick and child besides the stubborn

[4:22 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ah Heng: mask is here to stay and frankly whats the unholy thing about putting on mask, does it shorten one's life? does it make u look uglier forever? does it gives a stigma you are the sick one ?

[4:23 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ah Heng: we are a very funny society ... when sick dun wan see doctor , when knowing certain sickness is airborne dun wan put on mask, now with advisory to put on mask still dun wan put on properly

[4:24 pm, 18/08/2021] +Joseph Ong: My worry is not about opening to vaccinated travelers, rather, it’s about the procedure to check/verify authenticity of vaccination status and enforce QO/SHN. 

Recent sharing by close friends about how MOH staff seems overwhelmed and uncoordinated in their efforts resulting in head scratching screw ups is a real cause of concern. 

No use having “foolproof” plan on paper when implementation/enforcement is not up to scratch.

[4:24 pm, 18/08/2021] +An fan: About Chicken pox I fully agree. My kids got the chicken pox vaccine  job when they were one year old. When my nephew who stayed with us got it from school or someone my kids were not infected at all. But all these COVID-19 vaccines are still experimental to me. We do not know is there are Long term side effects.

[4:24 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ah Heng: more reports of fake papers on sale now

[4:24 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ah Heng: even in usa they caught one medical staff selling these

[4:24 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ah Heng: for 10 usd per piece

[4:25 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ah Heng: not to mentioned asia countries where well we are famous for copy cat

[4:26 pm, 18/08/2021] +Alvin Lim: I think all we are saying is fully open is not a good idea now and yet we are not close.

[4:26 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ah Heng: best to be cobservative like what we had been doing

[4:27 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ah Heng: dun jump the over the drain so fast wait fall into it again ... this time is no joke

[4:27 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ah Heng: see whathappen from changi -> red hill

[4:27 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ah Heng: and since then is every day 14 15 unrelated

[4:27 pm, 18/08/2021] +Joseph Ong: mRNA has been researched and worked on for almost 40 years. 

Given the number of people globally who have already taken the vaccine and for the period of time since. 

*It is the largest, widest and most comprehensive “trial” ever, spanning  geography, ethinicity, age, physical condition, etc…in the entire history of the world. *

If this is insufficient for you, nothing will.

[4:31 pm, 18/08/2021] +An fan: The technology used on vaccines is the first time right?

[4:33 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: 

But you are promoting unapproved drugs like ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine that have no effect and even have cause deaths.

[4:33 pm, 18/08/2021] +An fan: Really appreciate all  the global brave people, have to say.

[4:35 pm, 18/08/2021] +Joseph Ong: by the way, your statement that your “kids were not infected at all” is definitely wrong. 

I am sure they did not exhibit symptoms nor breakout in blisters, but that does not mean the vaccine prevented the chicken pox virus from entering their body. 

More likely than not, there was some physical separation of your nephew and your kids as soon as physical symptoms showed. And the vaccine made it more difficult to multiply quickly enough to overwhelm the system and allow your children’s immune response to counter the virus, resulting in no physically observed symptoms. 

I am also very sure that you know of cases where children vaccinated against chicken pox caught it anyways but with milder symptoms and quicker recovery times.

[4:35 pm, 18/08/2021] +Alvin Lim: My suggestion is instead of using words like Endemic or Opening, use the word “Pre” in front. Eg Pre-Endemic or Pre-Opening. It’s like a transition phase before we reach the “Endgame” yet there’s some small steps to slightly allow more activities in a very calibrated and cautious approach. See NZ lockdown after having 1 covid case again. My 2.14cenrs

[4:37 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: 

You seem to display that you have better medical knowledge than all the Countries health authorities & time and again - what you suggest have proven wrong - where you pick up all your misleading information from the anti-vaxx message.

[4:38 pm, 18/08/2021] +An fan: I am not a doctor, in no position to promote anything. Sharing websites info only. Because someone people did get well by that kind medicines. But also there are many people recovered without any medicine.

[4:39 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: 

But unfortunately your website are disapproved by WHO and all Health Authorities.

[4:39 pm, 18/08/2021] +Smiley face: Regarding the antiparasitic drug "ivermectin", it shows the number of infections and deaths of the new corona in a country that is prophylactically administered for another disease in Africa. It is necessary to thoroughly study the clinical trial, but it seems that we are at the stage where it is okay to have the patient give an informed outlet and get permission to use it. "

https://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/article/123988

[4:40 pm, 18/08/2021] +Joseph Ong: The reason mRNA is so effective and important, is because it is highly adaptable due to the way it works.

Our DNA and RNA instructs our cells - which are the building blocks of life - on what to do. 

That is why, mRNA, is so (unexpectedly) effective. 

Granted that it’s the first time it has been applied to vaccines, it does not negate any of the other facts that i had stated earlier. 

This vaccination “trial” - according to you - *is the largest, widest and most comprehensive ever, spanning  geography, ethinicity, age, physical condition, etc…in the entire history of the world. *

[4:41 pm, 18/08/2021] +An fan: You are right in a way. When my nephew shared the same room with my son, he did not show symptoms. Only when he went home he developed symptoms

[4:42 pm, 18/08/2021] +Rama: Well done

[4:43 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: 

And compiling all what you have posted - it is very typical of those anti-vaxx message posted by those ultra-antivaxx group from the West - mainly related to Trump supporters anti-vaxx group.

[4:43 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ben: This ties in with the earlier topic about sharing disinformation. People - please check the source of the website and if not accredited, or if in doubt - don't share! :)

[4:45 pm, 18/08/2021] +An fan: Trump got  it right? What medicine did he use? He recovered so fast. Out doctors ever used the same medicine? Or too expensive

[4:45 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: 

So you are better than all the medical authorities.

[4:46 pm, 18/08/2021] +Joseph Ong: The bright side of CV19 pandemic, is that it reignited interest in, and most definitely accelerate the study ans eventual use of mRNA in medicine and therapy to counter ailments like cancer and genetical anomalies in people. 

And maybe, IF ..  there are side effects from the vaccine showing up later on… mRNA may be also be the answer to reversing it.

[4:47 pm, 18/08/2021] +Smiley face: Updates:

Israel REQUIRES Covid-19 tests for aged 3+ as infections SURGE (Report)

Children as young as 3 will need to show a negative result to enter schools, swimming pools, hotels and gyms from the start of next Wednesday. (AFP)

The move comes as the Delta variant of Covid rips through Israel – despite an extensive vaccination program for adults.  Mandatory quarantine for travellers, including fully vaccinated from most countries of the world starts on Monday.

Israel already requires children aged 12 and over to show a Green Pass, which was re-introduced last month.  PM Naftali Bennett said the sate would fund unlimited tests for children aged 3-11.

[4:53 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: 

You are reckless in promoting disapproved drugs and misleading people.

[4:54 pm, 18/08/2021] +Rama: Dotard didn't get anything right!

[4:55 pm, 18/08/2021] +65 8248 8959: Dear contributors, please be reminded to keep to the topic that is being discussed. We have had good feedback from this group, and we hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!

[4:55 pm, 18/08/2021] +Joseph Ong: Chicken pox is contagious from the time symptoms such as squeezing, runny nose and/fever shows. This usually precedes the appearance of blisters by 1-2 days. Even then, it requires physical exchange of fluids for the virus to transfer/spread to another host. So, if your nephew was not even exhibiting symptoms such as squeezing/fever when he was at your place, then he was not even contagious at that time.

[4:56 pm, 18/08/2021] +Alvin Lim: ICYMI here

[4:56 pm, 18/08/2021] +Alvin Lim: Here too

[4:57 pm, 18/08/2021] +Alvin Lim: And final one

[4:57 pm, 18/08/2021] +An fan: He looked very tired then. No running nose. We thought he was so lazy

[4:59 pm, 18/08/2021] +Joseph Ong: Trump's Covid-19 treatment: What is Regeneron's antibody cocktail? 

https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/what-you-need-to-know-about-regenerons-covid-19-treatment

Bear in mind as well that Trump caught the original variant of CV19. 

The delta variant that is ravaging across the globe now is quite different and much more infectious and harmful.

[5:06 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ben: Expectations of the new normal: 3 day quarantine when arriving from overseas until under 12s are vaccinated, then no quarantine with a negative test, and another negative test 3 days later.

[5:07 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ben: Masks to be worn indoors, but not needed outside, once under 12s are vaccinated

[5:08 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Mask must be worn even outdoors as long as it is in public.

[5:08 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ben: Night clubs closed until under 12s are vaccinated (yes I know under 12s don't go to clubs, but older siblings do!)

[5:09 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ben: Yes correct at the moment, but I've been asked what my expectations are for the new normal.

[5:09 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ben: Only vaccinated allowed at indoor dining, expand to groups of 8

[5:11 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ben: Cinemas to allow f&b in screenings where are audience are vaccinated

[5:12 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ben: We need to allow Singaporeans to travel and return with a 3 day quarantine if they are vaccinated and test negative. That's my hope!

[5:12 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ben: 14days makes no sense to me any more.

[5:13 pm, 18/08/2021] +Alvin Lim: Masks is here to stay perhaps for another year

[5:14 pm, 18/08/2021] +Alvin Lim: Isn't Temasek giving out free N95 masks?

[5:14 pm, 18/08/2021] +Alvin Lim: N95 is worse than surgical masks tbh lol

[5:16 pm, 18/08/2021] +Thomas: Trump is treated with Regeneron which is experimental at that time.

[5:17 pm, 18/08/2021] +Elena Woo: But you don't forget the long term effects of covid post recovery that can stay on. This is unknown part.

[5:18 pm, 18/08/2021] +Thomas: Those with Covid-19 recovered has long term effect

[5:18 pm, 18/08/2021] +Thomas: The vaccine and treatment drugs are all experimental until official apporved

[5:19 pm, 18/08/2021] +Thomas: So along the line of worry like Anti-vax .... we should not be treated even we get Covid ?

[5:19 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ah Heng: glad to see we still have people who remember abt the long term effect

[5:19 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ah Heng: of covid hahahahaha

[5:20 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ah Heng: thus personnel i think to protect one self like  WHO advert

[5:21 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ah Heng: we need different layers of protection starting with the basic -> intermediate (vaccine) -> secondary (social distant, social culture masking / sick go see doctor ) -> finally national care

[5:22 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: 

My close friend comments:-

We need to be realistic what endemic will look like in SG:

(1) let's not forget that the world around us is reeling from the damages of Delta variant. 

We are a tiny speck on the world map.

If we covid-proof sg like a bubble, we want SG to be a hub of many things and everything - goods, services and people moving in and out of SG. so let's be prepared to see much higher imported cases and they will spill over to community and remember not to deem the higher case numbers as failures. 

Then when do we know we are going to fail, or failing is the big question. 

(2) We once thought that vaccines will put this pandemic to an end. 

But Delta variant proved to be a game changer and rewound the clock.

We are back to heighten alerts phases and so are the rest of the world. 

Our vaccine turn out to be an imperfect vaccine and now mathematically speaking impossible to reach herd immunity. 

So the world and human race have to be on a constant lookout for the next Black Swan variant which defies traditional knowledge in infectious controls.

 I last counted there were 19 variants and our vaccines may not elicit  immunity against all of them.

[5:22 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ah Heng: of cos the best outcome is got get visit by covid with all these in place but again globally we have flaws and resistance in basic / intermediate and secondary .....

[5:23 pm, 18/08/2021] +Thomas: https://nocamels.com/2021/07/sanotize-covid-nasal-spray-israeli-pharmacies/

[5:24 pm, 18/08/2021] +Thomas: Sanotize may sell in Singapore once phase 3 proven to work. Maybe there is a light at then end of the tunnel for treatment. This is for early stage of catching Covid

[5:25 pm, 18/08/2021] +Thomas: https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/israel-nz-give-interim-approval-for-sale-of-coronavirus-nasal-spray-says-company

[5:25 pm, 18/08/2021] +Thomas: With this plus ART , we can safely open

[5:27 pm, 18/08/2021] +Joseph Ong: There will be more to come. Therapeutics together with vaccinations is what’s needed for us to achieve endemic status

[5:27 pm, 18/08/2021] +Elena Woo: With vaccine too

[5:34 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ah Heng: More than 8,700 people in Israel tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday, the highest number in a single day since January.

[5:34 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ah Heng: 8mins ago news

[5:35 pm, 18/08/2021] +Thomas: This pandemic; the development of drugs and vaccine is so fast that is unprecedented. Mind you, all are experimental drugs with monoclonal etc. Treatment for early, mild to severe stage of the Covid is being tested and developed. Using AI technology to seek existing drugs combination is really fascinating.

[5:35 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ah Heng: lost rack if they have social measures measures in place all these while

[5:35 pm, 18/08/2021] +Thomas: Interesting see their death rate. If low, means the Vaccine works

[5:35 pm, 18/08/2021] +Smiley face: Latest Israel SMM:

Under the new orders, private gatherings are capped at 100 people outdoors and 50 people indoors, while at event venues, the cap is 500 outdoors and 400 indoors.

Additionally, no event can surpass 75 percent of a venue’s full capacity. Mass events where there are no marked seats are capped at 1,000 people indoors and 5,000 people outdoors.

Face masks are mandatory in all closed spaces, apart from one’s place of residence, as well as in outdoor gatherings of at least 100 people. Masks were already mandatory in public indoor spaces.

Malls and other businesses were ordered to enforce social distancing and limit the number of shoppers allowed indoors.

[5:39 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ah Heng: hmm and we are seeing less report of certain countries also

[5:39 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ah Heng: so what is truth what is not and in the end is the society fighting among ourselves hahahaha

[5:43 pm, 18/08/2021] +Thomas: This is what we r doing 😊

[5:45 pm, 18/08/2021] +Suma pamu: Definitely opening up now is BIG MISTAKE

I sincerely hope i am Wrong 🙏🏽

[5:45 pm, 18/08/2021] +Thomas: On the other extreme where NZ lockdown for one case. Not a long term strategy. They will not open for couple of years which by then business will die and citizens frustrated. No society can close up for long and us , as we r international hub

[5:45 pm, 18/08/2021] +Caleb: +1

[5:46 pm, 18/08/2021] +Smiley face: ATTENTION ALL MEMBERS:

https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2021/08/grim-warning-israel-vaccination-blunts-does-not-defeat-delta

Uri Shalit, a bioinformatician at the Israel Institute of Technology (Technion) who has consulted on COVID-19 for the government. “One of the big stories from Israel [is]: ‘Vaccines work, but not well enough.’”

Numbers:

Sampling as at August 16, 2021:

154.7 severely ill patients in Israel were unvaccinated.

48.4 severely ill patients were partially vaccinated

19.8 severely ill patients were fully vaccinated

https://datadashboard.health.gov.il/COVID-19/general

https://www.google.com/search?q=israel+death+toll+covid&rlz=1C1CHBF_enSG813SG813&oq=israel+death+toll+covid&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i390l2.9489j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

[5:47 pm, 18/08/2021] +Thomas: We need a booster sooner, as virus mutates

[5:53 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: 

My close friend comments:-

3. So moving into endemic is necessary for SG after we have hit our highest vaccinated rate as practically as possible. 

Just remember that there's no proven path, we have to  feel every step of the riverbed as we cross the river (摸着石头过河)。

Every step of the way is a judgement call, let's stay together and not be divided if things don't turn out well as hoped or expected.

[5:57 pm, 18/08/2021] +An fan: I see only one guy wears mask. Curious

[5:58 pm, 18/08/2021] +Rama: Fast

[5:59 pm, 18/08/2021] +Ah Heng: hahahahahahahahahahaha assume is the report 600+ cases these will spread to the country they touch down....... open the cargo door and virus spread liao

[6:07 pm, 18/08/2021] +Rama: Destination  - beware !

[6:11 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: https://nocamels.com/2021/07/sanotize-covid-nasal-spray-israeli-pharmacies/

Israel develop very promising nasal spray drug that can prevent transmission, block infection of lungs and can help as treatment drugs in recovery.

Elderly and vaxx hesitant people may be coax to use this.

As some countries have given interim approval should HSA also explore this?

Elderly may feel less hesitant to take it if it is prove to be effective.

[6:14 pm, 18/08/2021] ☸️  Danny 心: 

This one can prevent transmission and cure also.

It can last 6 months.

After 6 months, spray again.

[6:35 pm, 18/08/2021] +Rama: Briton caught on video not wearing mask given 6 weeks in jail https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/courts-crime/briton-caught-on-video-not-wearing-mask-resisted-arrest-and-said-covid-19-was?utm_source=Telegram&utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=STTG&utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=social-media&utm_campaign=addtoany

[6:45 pm, 18/08/2021] +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

[6:52 pm, 18/08/2021] +Alvin Lim: Gdnite Megan

[6:55 pm, 18/08/2021] +Smiley face: Closest to us, from highly reliable sources, Malaysia official covid death numbers could be much higher. Among the significant group is the 70 years and above with well over 70% reported cases of covid death not taking into consideration of the health conditions / stage of vaccination. Its big geographical landscape, no fault to its reporting systems as the state of medical emergencies is the order of each day!

Note: confidentiality disclaimers

[6:59 pm, 18/08/2021] +Smiley face: 18 August, 2021 

To: Our Distinguished MTF, Min-MFA Min-LAW, DMS And All Honorable Members 

Watch "新加坡力拚與病毒共存　4階段路徑圖曝光 @寰宇新聞 頻道" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/a_B9sIv4t4g

Thesis:

A Happy One Percent Problem Towards Normality. 

Perhaps Singapore is transiting to becoming an International Centre for tourists and visitors to buy vaccines of all choices from AZ to Sinopharm. The power of abundance and uniquely Singapore! 

"Simply, for each INTENDED consequence comes along one FREE UNINTENDED !"

Main:

Incoming Taiwanese tourists and visitors upon passing the PCR swab TEST (up to 99% accuracy) in Changi Airport can roam freely. If they wish to vaccinate, it will be FOC too. An unintended outcome which is good for soon to expire vaccines to productive use, this instance our tourists. 

For Taiwanese tourists that are receiving their first dose of vaccine, how about the second dose, what is the number of days under this VISA issued to Taiwanese, this case up to a month of Visa may be needed. 

Unvaccinated or partially vaccinated tourists can dine freely, it is unnecessary for tourists or visitors to PCR daily to access all of our F&B from hotels to hawker centres. 

One unintended outcome will be the partially vaccinated and the unvaccunated Singaporeans need the  PCR negative test (up to 99% accuracy) 24 hours prior to publicly dine in with family other than hawker centres and coffee shops which is capped at two person per table. 

Perhaps, the MTF should CLARIFY these small details should these allowance of conveniences be extended to all inbound guests regardless of nationalities. In the YouTube video, a Taiwanese reporter interviewed and presented quick facts on our inbound policy. Is it true or misunderstood or needs POFMA this video? 

https://covidvax.live/location/twn

Taiwan Citizens:

1) Proof of Vaccination status is not required 

2)  Passed PCR upon arrival into Changi Airport are free to roam. For positive cases, 14 days quarantine. 

3)  continuously stayed within Taiwan for the past 21 days

4)) FOC Vaccination 

Risks & Rewards:

The inbound tourism industry will begin to improve with the gradual opening up of approved countries with low covid risk. The risk of cross geography infections of D or present or future variants of covid are unavoidable risks,, this case all inbound tourists and visitors from approved countries. 

Should any tourist who is infected with covid and needs hospitalisation, is there provision for sickbeds and critically ICU beds? The cost of hospitalisation is non-subsidise and fully borne by tourist and / or their valid and chargeable insurance coverages for a spectrum of medical services from ambulance, A&E, testings and hospital stay. These unforeseeable risks must be clearly spelled and in simple explanation prior to arriving into Singapore, all inbound tourists and visitors. 

Assumption of up to 100,000 tourists and visitors in Singapore for up to 5 nites stay per week. What are the available hotel rooms less the existing reserved for quarantine purpose which is 20,000 rooms or more. A standby alternative, perhaps, allowing EMPTY private apartments or condominium units to accommodate these inbound guests. New ruling reagarding short stay of up to ONE month may be allowed subject to PRE approval from the proper authority, it can be IRAS which will be handy in collecting these short stay licenses ($20) & taxes (10%). 

Summary:

It is an amicable humane gesture to extend free vaccination to tourists and visitors. There are risks and rewards attached to each factor, there are unintended consequences or unforeseeable ones too. Holistically, a road map towards the direction of normality, perhaps, there is a greater need to standardise choices, decisions and inclusively account to our citizens, in covid times, ALL FOR ONE and ONE FOR ALL.              

                 - - END - -

[6:59 pm, 18/08/2021] +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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