REACH 288 - What are your views on the new measures announced on 23 Oct to help Singapore move towards a calibrated reopening? Are you confident in Singapore’s “middle ground” approach to prevent deaths while still making progress? (SK)
25 Oct 2021 (10am - 7pm)
REACH
[10:08 am, 25/10/2021] +REACH: Dear contributors,
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[10:11 am, 25/10/2021] +REACH: π’ Topic π’
Explaining the rationale behind the measures announced by the multi-ministry task force (MTF) on Sat (23 Oct), Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a FB post that while Singapore cannot go into an indefinite lockdown and stand still, it also cannot "simply let go and let things rip”. PM Lee added, “We have to travel this road to get to living safely with Covid-19. We want to get there with as few casualties as possible.”
MTF co-chair Minister Lawrence Wong also elaborated on this "middle ground" approach. He stressed that we were trying not to veer to either extremes. This means keeping measures static, but also not opening up to the extent where the healthcare system is at risk of being overwhelmed.
π¬ What are your views on the new measures announced on 23 Oct to help Singapore move towards a calibrated reopening? Are you confident in Singapore’s “middle ground” approach to prevent deaths while still making progress?
On Sat (23 Oct), the MTF announced a host of measures that will help Singapore build strong foundations to enable the safe resumptions of activities. The measures include workplace vaccination measures from 1 Jan 2022, inclusion of Sinovac in the national vaccination programme, extension of home recovery to fully vaccinated pregnant patients and concessions for those who cannot be vaccinated.
In a FB post, PM Lee also said that some measures can be eased if the weekly infection growth rate - that is, the ratio of community cases in the past week over the week before - drops below one and Singapore's hospital and intensive care unit situations remain stable. The current weekly infection growth rate is around 1.15.
π https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/pm-lee-singapore-cannot-lock-down-indefinitely-but-also-cannot-let-things-rip
π https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/singapores-middle-path-approach-has-prevented-deaths-while-still-making-progress
π https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/home-recovery-for-pregnant-covid-19-patients-who-are-less-than-26-weeks-into-their-term
πhttps://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/sinovac-included-in-singapores-national-covid-19-vaccination-programme-3-doses
πhttps://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/from-jan-1-only-those-fully-vaccinated-can-return-to-workplace-others-must-test
----
[10:28 am, 25/10/2021] +Stan: Please correct me if i am wrong, but there seems to be more deaths recorded now on a daily basis then during the first lockdown.
[10:34 am, 25/10/2021] +Joseph: You are correct.... but what exactly is the point you are trying to make?π
[10:47 am, 25/10/2021] +Poh S. Lim: First lockdown, no Delta variant, second lockdown with Delta variantɹ۬
[10:51 am, 25/10/2021] +Joseph: I am sorry, I still don't get the point either of you are making. What is the context and purpose of those statements?
[10:53 am, 25/10/2021] +Joseph: I can't tell where Stan's leading question is heading, and I am not sure if Poh is answering my question or Stan's π
[11:11 am, 25/10/2021] +Lim Suang: I think Poh is answering Stan's question
[11:12 am, 25/10/2021] +Lim Suang: Adding on to Stan's question, perhaps he is asking if the death rate is trending down since we implemented the latest restrictions. If not, then why so?
[11:13 am, 25/10/2021] +Joseph: I have a question too ... why is everyone except Stan, answering a question that I posed to Stan? π
[11:15 am, 25/10/2021] +Lim Suang: What is the problem as long as there is meaningful conversation going on?
[11:20 am, 25/10/2021] +Joseph: I didn't say it is a problem .. Its a genuine, curious observation... hoping to also hear it from the horse's mouth. Really surprised to see so much speculation around it. π And I am not sure I agree that the conversation so far had been meaningful.
[11:29 am, 25/10/2021] +Lim Suang: To answer the question of the day, i am unsure about the necessity of some of the new measures (particularly the 2-person dine in). The middle ground approach has yet to show clear sign of effectiveness in curbing the number of cases and alleviating the burden on our healthcare system
[11:33 am, 25/10/2021] +Lim Suang: Especially accompanied with this news:
"ST had seen a note from EDB chairman Beh Swan Gin to forum delegates that groups of up to five may dine together at NEF venues and other designated restaurants in the city, and that guests can include non-NEF delegates." https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/delegates-at-bloomberg-forum-in-spore-can-dine-in-groups-of-5-at-specific-venues
[11:33 am, 25/10/2021] +Joseph: I think it is a positive step to emphasize the rationale for the constant calibration of measures eg. stabilisation of hospital/ICU situation.
Beyond that, I think its about time the G/MOH stop trying to "Nanny" the people.
The G/MOH has done what it can/should:
- Vax whoever wants to be vaxxed
- Test kits for whoever needs it
- Masks
- Educate whoever wants to learn
- Safety guidelines
- Medical facilities on standby
We all have to individually decide the level of risk that is appropriate for us.
G/MOH need to let people decide for themselves.
As for us, citizens, don’t break the law. Follow simple directives and exercise common sense, Most importantly, if/when the sh*t hits the fan, don’t blame anyone else if the outcome is not as we hoped.expected… because that is probably not going to help much.
[11:34 am, 25/10/2021] +BL: Bad: 2 person dine in, kids unable to play football outside. ⚽️ singing banned πΆ
[11:34 am, 25/10/2021] +BL: Good: mandatory vax for the office
[11:35 am, 25/10/2021] +BL: Yep, agree with most of this
[11:37 am, 25/10/2021] +Caleb: maybe allow dine-in to group of 5 if all 5 have went thru PET?
[11:38 am, 25/10/2021] +Caleb: or the whole f&b outlets have to go thru PET also
[11:38 am, 25/10/2021] +BL: UK has shown the disaster of abandoning reasonable precautions, so I'm glad we are not there. However,we can simplify the rules now.
[11:39 am, 25/10/2021] +BL: Vax yes can ; unvax no cannot. Lol
[11:40 am, 25/10/2021] +BL: Remove restrictions for restaurants dine in capacity, or at least give a maximum number per sqm so 8 people can sit together if the overall number of people in the space is the same.
[11:42 am, 25/10/2021] +Joseph: As a parent, I am more careful (kiasu?) with my own kids. Seriously, other people's children, not really my business to restrict/discipline....but if they are playing under my roof, then I expect them to follow boundaries that I set, which may be less stringent than what I prescribe for my own kids.
[11:42 am, 25/10/2021] +Smiley face: I am surprised by these apparent double-standards: 300 delegates from 55 different countries. I could see the justification if delegates could only dine with other delegates but, as said above, it says:
"groups of up to five may dine together at NEF venues and other designated restaurants in the city, and that guests can include non-NEF delegates."
[11:43 am, 25/10/2021] +Smiley face: So if I could get a NEF delegate to invite me and my kids to lunch I could actually eat at the same table as them .........
[11:46 am, 25/10/2021] +Lim Suang: Appreciated your analogy. However, personally i feel that we have always maintained that foreigners have to respect our rules when they are in SG. This is how we dealt with offenders from more powerful countries such as Michael Fay vandalism case in the 1990s
[11:47 am, 25/10/2021] +Joseph: at NEF venues and other designated restaurants in the city
[11:47 am, 25/10/2021] +Lim Suang: Using your analogy, it seems like we are with parents who are favouring other ppl's kids. It is obvious that the children will have their grievances about this
[11:48 am, 25/10/2021] +Joseph: I is with regards to breaking our laws while already here... the other, is about relaxing extraordinary restrictions within a "sandbox" for invitees
[11:51 am, 25/10/2021] +Lim Suang: Seems like creating a special region where SG rules do not apply for foreigners. Other than embassy ground, i hope that we are not doing this in other parts of SG...
[11:52 am, 25/10/2021] +Caleb: ya lor, can we pay and join this gathering ?
[11:52 am, 25/10/2021] +Joseph: Heard of Embassies and diplomatic (vehicle) license plates before?
[11:52 am, 25/10/2021] +Lim Suang: Yes, as mentioned in my previous comment
[11:53 am, 25/10/2021] +Joseph: The sooner you realise life is not always “fair”, the more time left for you to live happily π
[11:53 am, 25/10/2021] +Lim Suang: As much as i support the gov and understand where they are coming from. This exception really come at a wrong timing
[11:53 am, 25/10/2021] +james: it's called diplomatic immunity
[11:58 am, 25/10/2021] +REACH: ➡️ Pofma correction direction issued to Truth Warriors website over Covid-19 false claims
https://str.sg/3cH9
➡️ Tourism sector eyes long-term goal - recovery
https://str.sg/3cVi
➡️ VTLs important milestone for S'pore, but no major recovery in inbound tourism expected yet
https://str.sg/3cVw
[0:01 pm, 25/10/2021] +BL: I suspect we will all be allowed to do this by then
[0:04 pm, 25/10/2021] +Joseph: Yes.. like i said, the G/MOH should just stop Nannyinng everyone. Just calibrate and keep minimal restrictions with an eye on maintaining HOSPITAL/ICU capacity as much as possible. Deaths need to rise. Then people will PLEAD for restrictions and exercise caution even without G/MOH intervention.
[0:07 pm, 25/10/2021] +REACH: MOH releases two new daily charts to better reflect Covid-19 situation in S'pore
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/moh-releases-two-new-daily-charts-to-better-reflect-covid-19-situation-in-spore
[0:10 pm, 25/10/2021] +CQ: The non-NEF delegates are people like guest speakers, guest of honour etc etc... I guess you and your kids could be keynote speakers...
[0:25 pm, 25/10/2021] +Smiley face: I don’t agree that the UK shown “the disaster of abandoning reasonable precautions”!!!
In the first 12 months of Covid (March 2020 - February 2021) there were approx. 125,000 deaths in the UK.
On so-called “Freedom Day” (19 July 2021) when restrictions where removed, 87% of the UK population had been vaccinated.
Between Freedom Day and now an additional 9,000 people have died (so 36,000 extrapolated over 12 months - a reduction of 71%). The last 10 years stats show that about 25,000 a year die of flu and therefore at current rates deaths are up 44% compared to a normal year which is a lot but not as dramatic as 12 months ago.
Infections increased (unsurprisingly) but the number of cases has been static for the three months since Freedom Day.
People have moved on with their lives: they are going to work, seeing family, socialising, kids are at school, playing sport, hanging out with other kids, and everyone I’ve spoken to is much, much happier.
That doesn’t sound like a “disaster” to me, that sounds like living with Covid.
[0:29 pm, 25/10/2021] +BL: No idea where you got those numbers from.
[0:30 pm, 25/10/2021] +Smiley face: https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/details/deaths
[0:31 pm, 25/10/2021] +BL: They are also talking about needing to introduce restrictions again and expect cases to spike to 100,000 over winter. 44% increase in death rate is huge. Whilst I do agree with many of the relaxed measures over there, some simple ones like wearing a mask on public transport have been removed.
[0:31 pm, 25/10/2021] +BL: On so-called “Freedom Day” (19 July 2021) when restrictions where removed, 87% of the UK population had been vaccinated.
[0:32 pm, 25/10/2021] +BL: Really 87% vaccinated by 19th July? What happened subsequently to bring this down to 67%
[0:33 pm, 25/10/2021] +BL: "The last 10 years stats show that about 25,000 a year die of flu and therefore at current rates deaths are up 44% compared to a normal year which is a lot but not as dramatic as 12 months ago."
[0:34 pm, 25/10/2021] +Smiley face: 87% was the figure that the government published which excluded children because at the time children were ineligible for the vax because it was licensed.
[0:34 pm, 25/10/2021] +BL: If 2,000 usually die a month of flu and 3,000 a month are dying of covid, that's very bad and probably mostly unneccessary.
[0:35 pm, 25/10/2021] +BL: So now they are at 67% should they rething their policies?
[0:35 pm, 25/10/2021] +Smiley face: In fairness, I do completely agree on that - if my 3 year old can wear a mask why can't an adult wear one on the tube?!
[0:35 pm, 25/10/2021] +DC: The gov's middle approach has resulted in deaths both vaxed and unvaxed. 2nd, it has resulted in hospitalisations with almost 60% vaxed.
As rightly pointed out above, there are more deaths than before the middle approach is taken. The policy has therefore resulted in deaths. From the eyes of the law, the gov has a higher duty of care to its citizens? Has the current policies met this benchmark?
We do not yet have a study on long covid cases. Given what USA and UK are experiencing, i do not expect these to be low. What will become of those who suffer long term consequences medically? Their insurance premiums, their livelihoods and their lives?
We mentioned that sg can be a case study for those opening up. But Gibraltar has higher vax rates than us and they have opened up to similar deaths and hosp? Did we study gibraltar before we made plans? If so, where have we failed? Why are we still short of beds and in fear of short of beds and medical care?
Going forward, how will the gov and its policies be accountable should more deaths occur and more of its citizens suffer from long covid?
[0:46 pm, 25/10/2021] +jimmy chew: Let's not forget to encourage the task force. I think they are doing a great job balancing on a tightrope.. walking into darkness and the unknown and adjusting well. I have no complaints. My freedom is not curtailed π€£π€£π€£. I take social responsibility and if you have to die. You have too ❤️
[0:48 pm, 25/10/2021] +jimmy chew: I think it's good that they share the challenges and using foresight and insights why decisions are made. It's shows their desire for Singapore best πππ
[0:53 pm, 25/10/2021] +Caleb: π
[0:54 pm, 25/10/2021] +jimmy chew: I am happy that they're open to feedback because they're not all Knowing. It challenging to hear and yet validate with data to make sure it's true. Deciphering who has an agenda and who really is calling real danger π€£π€£π€£
[1:42 pm, 25/10/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
1. I think many people will be wondering, how come we have achieved one of the highest vaccination rate - 85% and the moment we open up, why do still clock 3,000 over infection per day, hundreds of serious illness in hospitals and double digit or high single digit death per day.
2. The main reason is, we have not achieve Superhuman Immunity state - even though with high double dose vaccination.We are in fact a "Covid-Naive" state.
Superhuman Immunity are acquired by 2 ways :-
a. Superhuman Immunity = Vaccinated Immunity + Booster Immunity
(Similar to Hepatitis B = 2 jab + 1 jab booster)
--- in other words, we have not completed the full course of vaccination (as perceived by the vaccine vendors - whereby 2 jab vaccination is only good for original covid but not the Delta covid.
--- Only 2 jabs + 3rd booster shot is considered commpleted full course vaccination.
Note:- This is experience by Israel - who prescribed 3rd booster to whole population and achieve a very positive result.
b. Alteratively, Superhuman Immunity = Vaccinated Immunity + Natural Infection Immunity
(where about over 3,000 people are going through infected by Delta and developing mild symptoms while minorities with co-morbidities develop more serious illnes and a few even death per day).
Serious illness where majority need oxygen support.
Some succumb to multi-organ complication and need ICU.
Note :- Countries in "Covid-Naive" state experiencing massive casualties in terms of hospitalisation and death before stabilising and enter into endemic are Denmark, Norway, Japan.
Where Countries experiencing massive casualties before stabilising but not yet entering into endemic are US, Italy, Spain, France and to a very little extent UK (who is still experiencing high casaulties).
3. Singapore currently are experiencing both a. and b. scenarios at the same time - indeed the "Middle Path".
a. We are actively pushing out the 3rd booster to 30 years and above. Hence those when the 6th months 2nd jab is up, we should quickly go for our 3rd booster shot - to acquire Superhuman Immunity.
b. Unfortunately, some 3,000 over people a day is experiencing natural infection - where more than 98% of these people experience mild symptoms, the remaining experiencing more serious illness unfortunately - especially those unvaccinated (which form a large proportion) and partially vaccinated as well as those fully vaccinated (but anti-bodies wane).
4. Hence how should we approach the current "Covid-Naive" state with our "Middle Path" approach and reducing our casualties without overwhelming our healthcare system?
a. Ramp up vaccination for those unvaccinated.
i. Mandating vaccination for those 113,000 unvaccinated workers to report to work or do mandatory test at their own cost.
ii. Reach out to those unvaccinated Elderly and other Adults about 70,000 - to persuade them to vaccinate.
b. Roll out 3rd jab booster for those who have received 2 jabs but has reached 6th month and above.
5. This is the only way for us to use "Middle Path" wisely - by helping people to acquire Superhuman Immunity through booster (like Israel) and reduce Natural Infection Immunity as hence incur lesser casaulties and reducing pressure on our healthcare services.
6. Maintaining restrictive measures is to buy time - so that we can push up the vaccination rate for those unvaccinated and roll out 3rd jab booster to those fully vaccinated where anti-bodies has waned.
7. Only when the whole population are vaccinated and acquire Superhuman Immunity - can we emerge from a "Covid-Naive" state into an Endemic State - following the example of Israel (through 3rd jab booster) or other Countries through (Natural Infection Immunity + Vaccinated Immenity ---- but at a very high price of massive casualties like Denmark, Norway, UAE, Saudi, Japan and to a lesser extent, US, Spain, Italy, France and to a lesser extent UK).
[2:55 pm, 25/10/2021] +Smiley face: https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/no-vax-no-hire-employers-can-also-terminate-unvaccinated-workers-as-last-resort
[2:58 pm, 25/10/2021] +Ken Loh: π
[2:59 pm, 25/10/2021] +CQ: Can I provide a feedback about the phrasing of the new workplace measures ah...? The various statements from MOM, minister, press have used words such as employees, staff, workers etc. As a result, there are some unvaccinated EMPLOYERS who think that these measures don't apply to them. I'm pretty sure that's not the intention of the MMTF. Can the terms be aligned and the relevant making the statements pay attention to the choice of words please....
[3:00 pm, 25/10/2021] +DC: Good. But don't we have to weigh against the risks? US FDA approve the boosters for 65 and above and high risk profile personnel above age of 18. UK JCVI is still holding out jabs for 12 to 17. So why are we "show hand" ALL IN?
[3:02 pm, 25/10/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
Don't show hand like Israel - can.
But just see more casualties, more death and more lockdown.
[3:04 pm, 25/10/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/sep/27/data-israel-covid-booster-shots-standard
The message from Israel is clear: Covid booster shots should be standard - like Hepatitis B - 2 shots + 1 booster shot.
Israel demonstrate to the World that its 3 vaccination shot have defeated the Delta wave.
[3:06 pm, 25/10/2021] +DC: This is like moving the goal post to suit the trajectory of your ball. The approval was given for a 2 dose vaccine with an efficacy of 50% and above. 4 mths away, your efficacy falls to 50% and you ask for a 3rd jab, and a 4th and a 5th? Where is the risk vs benefits weigh?
[3:08 pm, 25/10/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
Don't shift goalposts can.
Just follow what the west are doing - more hospitalisation and more death.
[3:10 pm, 25/10/2021] +DC: Your mrna vax came from the west. That's following what the west is doing.
[3:10 pm, 25/10/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
Not my mRNA.
[3:11 pm, 25/10/2021] ☸️ Danny εΏ:
Just see the action and the outcome.
Decide for yourself.
[4:10 pm, 25/10/2021] +Timothy Low: It appears to be
double standards by many people too.
[4:12 pm, 25/10/2021] +Caleb: +1
[4:28 pm, 25/10/2021] +Fulgrim: +2
[4:29 pm, 25/10/2021] +Fulgrim: It's indefensible. The virus doesn't care if u are captain of industry or a menial labourer. They shouldn't have made an exception yet expect us to keep to the 2 pple rule
[4:34 pm, 25/10/2021] +Fulgrim: Why don't they just make it compulsory? Why is so hard for them? They pass lws easily enuff
[4:35 pm, 25/10/2021] +Fulgrim: Laws
[4:39 pm, 25/10/2021] +Boon: +3, although to me, the matter is not that the delegates and non-delegates can dine together (up to 5), but why is the option of a pre-event test (PET) is now available to this event such that non-delegates can dine together in a group of 5 with delegates if they first passed a PET (presumably ART which can be self-admin, and not PCR). Why wasn't and why can't this PET option be offered to the struggling Sg F&B industry and to people in Sg first? "...ST had seen a note from EDB chairman Beh Swan Gin to forum delegates that groups of up to five may dine together at NEF venues and other designated restaurants in the city, and that guests can include non-NEF delegates. The agencies said that anyone not attending the NEF but who wishes to have meals or meetings in venues or restaurants designated for the NEF must undergo a mandatory pre-event test and obtain a negative result beforehand..."
[4:41 pm, 25/10/2021] +Rama: Gan Kim Yong explains 5-person dining-in rule for Bloomberg forum, stresses event's importance for S'pore
https://www.straitstimes.com/business/gan-kim-yong-explains-5-person-dining-in-rule-for-bloomberg-forum-stresses-events
[4:43 pm, 25/10/2021] +Caleb: +1
[4:44 pm, 25/10/2021] +Rama: At what cost to us is this importance!?
[4:46 pm, 25/10/2021] +Caleb: More F&B may close down...
[4:46 pm, 25/10/2021] +Caleb: Shops too
[4:46 pm, 25/10/2021] +Caleb: And then no tourist
[4:46 pm, 25/10/2021] +Caleb: Is a cycle....
[4:46 pm, 25/10/2021] +Rama: Much more to come!
[4:48 pm, 25/10/2021] +Fulgrim: The bigger cost is the loss of trust and belief in the impartially of the government. U can't have diff sets for rules for diff classes of people. One set of rules for the elites and one set for everyone else
[4:48 pm, 25/10/2021] +Fulgrim: This is the much bigger Consequence
[4:48 pm, 25/10/2021] +BL: Yes, this is just poor communication. The risk is that people interpret him as saying the F&Bs aren't important too, and our social lives aren't important either.
[4:49 pm, 25/10/2021] +Rama: So, let the F and B die a staged death!?
[4:49 pm, 25/10/2021] +Caleb: FYI PET must be done by MOH appointed places.
DIY not counted.
[4:50 pm, 25/10/2021] +Caleb: +1
[4:50 pm, 25/10/2021] +Rama: What exactly is the current trust of the people for the government they duly elected in trust!?
[4:50 pm, 25/10/2021] +BL: I actually agree this is an important event and agree with allowing 5 people. I also think they should allow 5 people anyway, event or no event. In the end I suspect they will allow 5 people by late November, so it would have been better to say that is their expectation so they are proceeding on that basis.
[4:51 pm, 25/10/2021] +Rama: Our own people side lined for the bigger good!?
[4:52 pm, 25/10/2021] +BL: Well, my view is that we shouldn't be sidelined, we should be allowed to dine with as many people as we like (subject to a maximum number allowed in the restaurant)
[4:53 pm, 25/10/2021] +Rama: Government it seems could not care less!?
[4:56 pm, 25/10/2021] +Boon: It would be interesting to see how many such forum will be held in Sg to maintain our status as a hub city; and for attendees to continue to dine in 5 while ordinary Sg people dine in 2. When I am writing this, it felt silly to quibble over 5 versus 2 pax to dine - but the quotes reads like it is because visitors need to network/optimise their time here, but people don't need to socialise for business or can make Sg a global hub, hence dine-at-2 only. "The Bloomberg New Economy Forum (NEF) is an important event that will help Singapore to maintain its status as a hub city, which in turn will support economic recovery and create good jobs for Singaporeans, said Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong..."
[4:56 pm, 25/10/2021] +BL: That's a bit harsh - just not very good at communicating sometimes which can make anyone seem distant and arrogant.
[4:57 pm, 25/10/2021] +BL: Yes - it's an odd view to express and comes across quite insensitive.
[4:57 pm, 25/10/2021] +BL: To be fair, it's a positive piece about Singapore opening up to do business, which we need to protect our economy
[5:00 pm, 25/10/2021] +Boon: Agreed. It is good that Sg is opening up. But there are more policies coming up to handle a fast moving and nuanced situation, and a number of them are inconsistent - and these are making ordinary lives more "complex" and restrictive.
[5:02 pm, 25/10/2021] +BL: Yes- too many nuances. Should just be Vax'd or not. If yes do what's sensible, if not then stay home.
[5:02 pm, 25/10/2021] +BL: Yes exactly. The lack of music was so that people wouldn't stay longer at a bar. Since the bar closes at 10.30 then what difference does the music make??
[5:03 pm, 25/10/2021] +Boon: For example, if we take the comments in this report as the truth - eg, that restaurants cannot play music but gyms can, it begs the question what does music to do with Covid? https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/eateries-frustrated-dining-limit-seek-more-communication
[5:03 pm, 25/10/2021] +BL: No live singing because the singer might spread covid? Really? Then just get them to do a test first.
[5:06 pm, 25/10/2021] +Smiley face: I was told that if there is music in a bar or restaurant you have to talk louder in order to be heard and therefore (apparently) expel more air, spit etc from your mouth.
I was told that the difference was because you don't talk in the gym and therefore music or not makes no difference.
Apparently......
[5:07 pm, 25/10/2021] +Boon: π
[5:08 pm, 25/10/2021] +Smiley face: I know ......
[5:14 pm, 25/10/2021] +BL: Buy people breathe more deeply in the gym.... I mean it's a bit ridiculous to make this distinction. That is really from people who have nothing better to do....
[5:21 pm, 25/10/2021] +Boon: You are right. Thanks.
[5:45 pm, 25/10/2021] +Laurent: https://www.zerohedge.com/political/sweden-suspends-moderna-shot-indefinitely-after-vaxxed-patients-develop-crippling-heart
[5:48 pm, 25/10/2021] +Rama: MTF seems not able to communicate effectively to the general population
[5:50 pm, 25/10/2021] +BL: “young males under [age] 20 are up to six times more likely to develop myocarditis after contracting COVID-19 than those who have been vaccinated.”
[5:58 pm, 25/10/2021] +REACH: ➡️ Call 995 only for life-threatening situations, not Covid-19 infections: MOH, SCDF
https://str.sg/3cCa
➡️ Over 200,000 seniors receive Covid-19 vaccine booster shots
https://str.sg/3cCb
[6:39 pm, 25/10/2021] +N: I'm not confident of Singapore's approach. What is packaged as a "middle ground" narrative is more accurately termed as "calculated economic and social tradeoffs", with economic taking the pilot seat.
[6:39 pm, 25/10/2021] +Rama: Yup
[6:40 pm, 25/10/2021] +BL: True, however, how do we manage the perception world wide the SG is now a high risk country? We do have to curb the cases whilst also opening up.
[6:41 pm, 25/10/2021] +Rama: π€·♂️
[6:45 pm, 25/10/2021] +REACH: Dear contributors,
⏰ We will be closing the chat in 15 minutes ⏰
Thank you very much for being a part of our WhatsApp chat and participating actively.
Goodnight!
Megan
[6:59 pm, 25/10/2021] +Smiley face: 25 October, 2021
To: Distinguished MTF, DMS and All Honorable Members
"S'pore cannot lock down indefinitely but also cannot 'let things rip' in Covid-19 fight"
- - PM Lee
The Domestic Vaccinated Travelling Initiative (DVT)
Fact:
Starting January 1st, 2022, only fully vaccinated workers are allowed access to the physical workplace. For the partial or unvaccinated workers will have to undergo daily (24 hrs validity) ART tests. Malls and F&B to continue the Vaccination differentiate initiative.
DVT:
Key objectives -- to SURPRESS infection and NIMBLE the R ratio towards O.5 or less.
Perhaps a 90 DAYS TEST to ONLY allow the fully vaccinated people access to public transport like MRT, Bus, Taxi and Private Hire Car. Alternate way can be staggered travelling time into peak (7am to 9am, 5pm to 8pm) and off-peak with peak hours solely for the fully-vaccinated people. Fact is the EZ link card is a one card per identity system which can be linked and use for VALID entry of say a MRT gantry and / or boarding a public bus.
The exceptions are for youth 18 years and below can continue to use these public utilities including APPROVED school buses for daily commute to school. Parent and / or ward up to TWO persons are allow to accompany the younger children age 12 and below during these daily public commute to and fro schools, if needed.
According to global and local medical experts, it is proven that the unvaccinated people are both vulnerable to C19 and at the same time carrying larger virus load that may increase the chance of infecting many people regardless of Vaccinate status.
This proposed restriction will not materially affects all these public transport utilities simply there are 80% people fully vaccinated, this cases not much impact on the domestic transport economy, the corporate revenue or personal income.
The DVT test is sequential and an extended idea from the current Air Travel protocol whereby only fully vaccinated people are allow to cross international borders.
Second, this test can further SURPRESS the present R1. 15 ratio to perhaps at best towards R0.5. In singleton, to find ways to NIMBLE the R ratio to near zero, for this will ease many concerns, reduce complexities and minimise collateral damages too!
It is a short time test designs to protect all vaccinated from C19 exposures from other sources of possible virus leak such as the unvaccinated. In simple maths, the larger the vaccinated populate is, it is paramount to protect these big numbers of people from unnecessary exposures and the ultimate larger numbers of infected C19.
In good intent and positive spirit of protecting the population at large, the DVT perhaps is worth trying as Singapore continues to open up and closing in towards an endemic.
Afterwords:
A country REPUTATION of being clean and covid safe will be the keys in the success of its implementation of cross border travel initiatives that will consequentially be a muscular driver of economic activities, trade progressions & integrations and differentiates from other nations. Being unique, be different and avoiding a habit of "monkey see, monkey do" approach: importantly to seek every small advantage, that's simply an "unfair advantage" over others!
A brave new world, afterall, 99% of all visitors and locals are potentially asymptomatics? Let's open our minds, lightened our hearts and embrace a reset - a new norm of FUN, FREE & EASY experience for ourselves and our visitors! As the old saying goes " the rest is history...! "
News:
S'pore cannot lock down indefinitely but also cannot 'let things rip' in Covid-19 fight: PM Lee
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/pm-lee-singapore-cannot-lock-down-indefinitely-but-also-cannot-let-things-rip
VTLs important milestone for S'pore, but no major recovery in inbound tourism expected yet
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/vtls-important-milestone-for-spore-but-no-major-recovery-in-inbound-tourism
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/no-vax-no-hire-employers-can-also-terminate-unvaccinated-workers-as-last-resort
- - END - -
[7:00 pm, 25/10/2021] +REACH: Dear contributors,
We will be closing the chat for today.
Thank you very much for being a part of our Whatsapp chat and participating actively.
Good night!
Meganπ
=====
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