REACH 315 - How do you feel about the current COVID-19 situation? If you contract COVID-19, would you consider taking Paxlovid if it is made available to you? Why or why not? (SK)
07 Feb 2022 (10am - 7pm)
REACH
[10:01 am, 07/02/2022] +REACH: Dear contributors,
Welcome back! ๐
⏰ We will be opening the chat from 10am 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.
6. Refrain from posting non-English comments and content (e.g videos, articles)
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 ๐
[10:05 am, 07/02/2022] +REACH: ๐ข Topic ๐ข
Singapore reported 7,639 new local Covid-19 cases on Sunday (Feb 6). The number of people hospitalised with Covid-19 rose to 1,074 cases, up six from the 1,068 cases on Saturday, said the Ministry of Health in its daily update. This is the second day in a row hospitalisation numbers have crossed the 1,000 mark.
Paxlovid, new oral antiviral drug for treating Covid-19, has been approved for use in Singapore, with the first batches expected to arrive this month, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Thursday (Feb 3). "This is the first oral tablet approved in Singapore for the treatment of mild to moderate Covid-19 in adult patients who are at high risk of progression to severe disease, to reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death," said HSA. HSA said those at higher risk of severe Covid-19 illness will get priority for the drug.
๐ฌ How do you feel about the current COVID-19 situation? If you contract COVID-19, would you consider taking Paxlovid if it is made available to you? Why or why not?
Hospital emergency departments are currently seeing a high number of patients resulting in long queues and waiting times, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said.
MOH advised the public to seek medical treatment at a hospital’s emergency department only for serious or life-threatening emergencies, such as chest pain, breathlessness and uncontrollable bleeding.
“This allows those with severe illness in need of emergency care to be attended to quickly. It also helps to preserve our hospital capacity for those who truly need acute hospital care,” added the ministry.
Should individuals require COVID-19 testing or review for symptoms of acute respiratory infection, they can visit Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPC) for further assessment. More than 700 of such clinics are open after office hours on selected days, said MOH. There are also six paediatric swab centres which support paediatric swabs for children aged six years and below, of which four are open after office hours on selected days.
๐๐ผ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/7639-new-local-covid-19-cases-in-spore-1074-patients-hospitalised
๐๐ผ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/pfizers-new-oral-antiviral-drug-paxlovid-approved-for-use-in-singapore
๐๐ผ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/only-those-with-serious-or-life-threatening-emergencies-should-visit-a-hospitals-emergency-department-moh
๐๐ผ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/covid-19-recovery-memo-from-gp-not-needed-to-return-to-work-or-school-govt
๐๐ผ https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/more-than-192000-children-have-received-covid-19-vaccine-two-vaccination-centres-to-be-closed
-----
[10:12 am, 07/02/2022] +jimmy chew: A wonderful move. Maybe all those who needs some evidence that they are covid positive and is mildly infected could upload their test result and get a confirmation. Just like when MRT break down they can go website to get a confirmation for the School for being late. For the authorities to consider ๐
[10:12 am, 07/02/2022] +jimmy chew: Can use our simgpass to get access.
[10:13 am, 07/02/2022] +jimmy chew: Because some HR require evidence for documentation
[10:56 am, 07/02/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
1. 3 jabs vaccination including booster is still the key to protect ourselves as shown by many studies.
2. But in a bad scenario whereby one contracted covid and needs medication, if doctor prescribe Paxlovid that will help one to recover from covid without the risk of adverse side effects - then one should consider taking the prescribed oral treatment.
3. But 3 jabs vaccination including booster is still the key - foundation protection for the population.
[10:57 am, 07/02/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
Omicron-specific booster may not be needed, US monkey study finds.
3 jabs with booster good enough. Comparable to Omicron specific booster.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/omicron-specific-booster-may-not-be-needed-us-monkey-study-finds-2480696
[10:57 am, 07/02/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
Super Human Immunity = 2 jabs mRNA + 3rd booster mRNA.
[10:59 am, 07/02/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
Covid-19 cases among staff, CNY holiday lead to cargo being stuck at Changi Airport.
Omicron affecting business operations.
Thus business continuity plan important.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/cargo-stuck-at-changi-airport-as-covid-19-causes-shortage-of-manpower
[10:59 am, 07/02/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
Employees should prepare to work longer hours to cover colleagues as Omicron cases spike: Tripartite advisory.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/employees-should-prepare-to-work-longer-hours-to-cover-colleagues-as-omicron
[11:01 am, 07/02/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
As correctly pointed out, workforce impact as many workers are infected at one go - will disrupt business operations.
Hence business continuity plan become imperative - to ensure business continues to operate properly and our economy keep going - as Omicron wave will cause many workers to quarantine at home in one go.
[11:04 am, 07/02/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
Note the Pfizer oral pill is not cheap - about US$500 per course - 5 days 2 pill a day.
Is the government offering free for those pills prescribed?
[11:04 am, 07/02/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
Just like vaccination?
[11:11 am, 07/02/2022] +Rama: Work life balance put aside for the time being
[11:52 am, 07/02/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ: https://news.google.com/articles/CAIiEDrtmZckwfkb1PPKhrfFWiIqFwgEKg4IACoGCAoww7k_MMevCDDIrqcH?uo=CAUiANIBAA&hl=en-SG&gl=SG&ceid=SG%3Aen
Omicron: 10 things scientists have decoded about human immunity.
Immunologists have said that it is not surprising that immunity against Covid is getting waned in a few months as that is supposed to happen.
But protection from 3 jabs (including booster) - will last for very long.
[11:55 am, 07/02/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ: https://news.google.com/articles/CBMiWGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnRlY2hub2xvZ3lyZXZpZXcuY29tLzIwMjIvMDIvMDQvMTA0NDcxNC9wZml6ZXItY292aWQtcGlsbC1wYXhsb3ZpZC1wYW5kZW1pYy_SAVxodHRwczovL3d3dy50ZWNobm9sb2d5cmV2aWV3LmNvbS8yMDIyLzAyLzA0LzEwNDQ3MTQvcGZpemVyLWNvdmlkLXBpbGwtcGF4bG92aWQtcGFuZGVtaWMvYW1wLw?hl=en-SG&gl=SG&ceid=SG%3Aen
How Pfizer made an effective anti-covid pill.
A covid pill could cut serious illnesses and help prevent the next pandemic. But it's expensive and in short supply.
[0:20 pm, 07/02/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
Many new Covid-19 patients in S'pore say they have mild flu-like symptoms.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/those-who-got-covid-19-say-they-had-mild-flu-like-symptoms
[0:31 pm, 07/02/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
Will S’pore residents really throw unbagged rubbish down chute over plastic bag charge?
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/onmymind-kicking-up-a-stink-with-threats-of-bag-rage
[0:42 pm, 07/02/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
Always go for "win-win" solutions in policy formulation.
If go for "win-lose" solutions - the outcomes will be a "lose-lose" outcomes.
Understanding human psychology and human nature is important for policy formulation.
[0:57 pm, 07/02/2022] +Rama: Don't excuse the possibility!
[0:58 pm, 07/02/2022] +Rama: Increase the conservancy charges!
[0:59 pm, 07/02/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
That's why win-lose policy formulation will result in an undesirable outcomes.
[0:59 pm, 07/02/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
Result "lose-lose outcomes".
[0:59 pm, 07/02/2022] +Rama: The pocket hurts when there's a hole in it!
[1:01 pm, 07/02/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
Eventual result - some political penalty.
Scoring an unconceded own goal
[1:07 pm, 07/02/2022] +BL: Do people really defecate in the lifts?
[1:07 pm, 07/02/2022] +BL: Toddlers think this way
[1:07 pm, 07/02/2022] +Rama: Rarely but don't exclude the possibility
[1:08 pm, 07/02/2022] +Rama: Grown up with them indifferent!
[1:09 pm, 07/02/2022] +BL: Maybe we shouldn't give them a voice in our national newspaper
[1:09 pm, 07/02/2022] +Rama: Don't discount the possibility of social media
[1:09 pm, 07/02/2022] +BL: To counter it, we should survey a primary school and print what the 7 year olds say. It would make more sense.
[1:10 pm, 07/02/2022] +BL: I avoid it
[1:10 pm, 07/02/2022] +Rama: Wouldn't be surprised
[1:12 pm, 07/02/2022] +Desmond: Actually all along some people do throw unbagged rubbish to the chute
[1:13 pm, 07/02/2022] +Desmond: So is not really a big deal but more of a push factor for people to more so often
[1:13 pm, 07/02/2022] +Desmond: Let’s face it, we are still not a citizenry minded as compared to Australia…
[1:14 pm, 07/02/2022] +Desmond: In coles and Woolies, those plastic bag are soooo thin and are of recycled material unlike our plastic bag which “new”
[1:16 pm, 07/02/2022] +Desmond: https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/discover/reusable-bags
[1:17 pm, 07/02/2022] +Rama: Exactly
[1:17 pm, 07/02/2022] +Desmond: If NTUC gonna charge me 20cts for the usual plastic bag, that’s not environment friendly, that’s greed
[1:18 pm, 07/02/2022] +Rama: Save 20 cents and bring your own reusable bag
[1:19 pm, 07/02/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
===
Price increases (inflation) in 3 person household
1. Inflation on food = $267 per month, $3,200 per year, (2 days weekend eat out food)
2. Plastic bags (5 cents, 10 cents) X 5 bags X 4 weeks = $2 per month or $24 per year.
3. Power bill = 838KW per mth X ($0.258 - $0.168 = $0.09) = $75.42 per month or $905.04 per year.
4. Transport = $1 per week X 4 weeks = $4 per month or $48 per year.
5. Gst 7% to 9% = ($4,000 per month + $267 + $2 + $75.42 + $4 = ) X 2% = $86.97 per month or $1,043.62
Total price increases (inflation) per month = $267 + $2 + $75.42 + $4 + $86.97 = $435.39 per month
Total price increases (inflation) per year = $435.39 per month X 12 months = $5,224.68 per year.
===
[1:19 pm, 07/02/2022] +Desmond: No u didn’t get my idea…
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/ntuc-cheers-fairprice-xpress-charge-plastic-bag-2309231
[1:20 pm, 07/02/2022] +Desmond: They charge for the greed in the name of environment
[1:20 pm, 07/02/2022] +Rama: I am aware and ready to pay
[1:20 pm, 07/02/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
Understand why the bag rage comes at the wrong time.
We are in a midst of a heighten inflation triggered by the pandemic.
[1:21 pm, 07/02/2022] +Rama: Agree
[1:21 pm, 07/02/2022] +Desmond: Australia remove all the single use plastic bag once and for all and sell those more rugged n recycled bags…
[1:21 pm, 07/02/2022] +Desmond: We pay 20cts but still using single use plastic bag
[1:21 pm, 07/02/2022] +Rama: We are considering this!?
[1:21 pm, 07/02/2022] +Desmond: Which was supposed to be free…
[1:22 pm, 07/02/2022] +Desmond: How was that’s environmental friendly?
[1:22 pm, 07/02/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
Coffee shops announce price increases without waiting for GST hike.
https://theindependent.sg/coffee-shops-announce-price-increases-without-waiting-for-gst-hike/
[1:23 pm, 07/02/2022] +Rama: Wth!?
[1:24 pm, 07/02/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/why-singapore-inflation-rising-prices-higher-what-can-be-done-2463081 'A perfect storm': Why inflation is rising in Singapore and what can be done.
[1:24 pm, 07/02/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ: https://news.google.com/articles/CAIiEP_AyUEP5eIUM2uTFbuGKT4qMwgEKioIACIQQ24p9EuTWONuR0HxPvDVISoUCAoiEENuKfRLk1jjbkdB8T7w1SEwlrbLBg?uo=CAUiANIBAA&hl=en-SG&gl=SG&ceid=SG%3Aen
Singapore inflation rate 2022: What is it and why does it matter?
[1:25 pm, 07/02/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
Singapore all items inflation - 4%.
One of the highest in history.
[1:27 pm, 07/02/2022] +ziechon: Wah, like that must downgrade the 20k depre car to 15k ๐ค
[1:30 pm, 07/02/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
Gst voucher $500 can cover the pandemic triggered inflation?
Never mind the plastic bag charge as refuse bags?
[1:33 pm, 07/02/2022] +Caleb: @+REACH No wonder Singaporeans jam all the clinics. Once sick see doc first. Cause if u see later, Ur 3 days start from the day u see doc and not the day the symtoms came.
"The results were similar to their ARTs, though Mr Wong’s 72-hour isolation duration was renewed. "
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/covid-19-patient-tests-positive-just-before-chinese-new-year-reunion-dinner
[2:41 pm, 07/02/2022] +Smiley face: 7 February, 2022
To: Distinguished Ministers and All Honorable Members, A Happy CNY!
" In Search Of Talents: A Competitive Driver Of A Nation's Economies - Who Needs Who Most!"
"Humans have five functioning senses, let the sixth be known as common sense..."
- - anonymous
What's coming?
Be known, Singapore can stand on par as 'a covid SMART & MATURED' nation together with the handful of Europeans countries in descaling these covid medical and social mandates of the past months. In geo perspective, importantly, Singapore could be the FIRST in Asia to emerge and to engage that is, we are OPEN for business 24/7!
What happened?
Globally, half of humanity are covid vaccinated (single dose to quad doses) and the other half not so...
Covid storms seems over, comes the dissolved vaccination mandate by the UK, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Israel, (Iceland) and (Spain) more to join this reset train of post covid. Are these politically driven decisions or based purely on sciences or were these socioeconomics choices?
These changes in play will be just one of the many DRIVERS of competition for talents and all spectrum of the economies will readjust that lead to new ways of living and making a living.
At the extreme, fact, the UK, Denmark Sweden and Israel vaccine mandates including vaccine passport are passe. These dynamic changes will have one or more unintended benefits for these European countries. What one nation chooses to hold on will have another nation benefits to SNATCH such UNNOTICEABLE big revenues generator, this case the economics of Education!
How about other 'hidden' advantages like healthcare segment and many more besides this business of education?
In the segment of education, there will be more foreign students arriving to study at grades school, hothouses for Pre-U and straight to top universities! Whether these students are states funded or parents funded, there will be a lost in talents headcount to not returning to their home country and stay on overseas to live, to HATCH and to work? Is this one of the possible talent migration trends in making?
What to expect?
If you expand this 'hidden' advantage that UK will gain relatively vertical and horizontal integration of goods and services that will amount to a sizeable multiplier stream of earnings and many positive revenue flowing - that's existentially a silent advantage over nations like Australia, New Zealand and the USA? What other 'silent' advantages beyond the rainbow that nations can see and seize upon?
What to do?
For smaller nations (headcount wise), it is paramount to start eyeballing these dynamics in playing before it loose out in the pursue, the attraction and the retaining of economics resources (land, labor, capital), not just to the current foreign talents but the FUTURE GRADUATES (Specialised talents, Supporting staffs, Skilled workers) of the talented human pool including OWN talents that all developed 1st world nations need for their economics engines to run smoothly, so important to eyeball, a must have hindsight and foresight for policymakers!
Reopening one's country is like a baby's first step! Next comes the firm footings and eventually the stamina to run?
This post covid time is to rearrange things according to one's strengths and weaknesses and restrategise the missed opportunities of the last 2 years and recreate new ones into golden opportunities that are tangibles and intangibles? At the end of the day is about headcount! It is a truth to remember what one's reap will have sequences of what one's impending to sow! Some famous people once said, "perhaps it is another 'once-in-a-lifetime' chance for individuals, companies and countries...?"
News:
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/australia-fully-reopen-borders-vaccinated-travellers-feb-21-2483331
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/australianz/new-zealand-to-reopen-borders-in-phases-from-end-feb
https://youtu.be/x1w-EDsSv8A
https://youtu.be/1s1UX2ZNsh4
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/vaccination-differentiated-measures-kick-in-at-hotels-institutes-of-higher-learning-and-indoor-sports-facilities
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60215200
https://au.news.yahoo.com/finland-end-covid-19-restrictions-180245796.html
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/jan/31/ministers-plan-to-scrap-vaccine-mandate-for-nhs-staff-in-england
- - PART 1/2 - -
[3:33 pm, 07/02/2022] +REACH: Dear Contributors
We’d love to hear more from you on today’s topic.
We have had good feedback and hope that we can keep the discussion robust and active!
Megan๐
[4:28 pm, 07/02/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
Some low-income countries are already using generic versions of Paxlovid.
In Bangladesh, generic Paxlovid is being prescribed by large corporate hospitals that have bought it for their patients, as these are much cheaper and can be widely used for the general population.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/askst-more-on-pfizers-antiviral-drug-for-treating-covid-19
[5:03 pm, 07/02/2022] +BL: Gov should make it mandatory that all single use plastic bags are made from bio degradable materials, like Red Mart bags are. Problem goes away. Up to shops if they charge, gov doesn't get wrath of the public.
[5:35 pm, 07/02/2022] +Rama: Hope this is under consideration
[5:42 pm, 07/02/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
Omicron not as mild as it seems.
[5:45 pm, 07/02/2022] +Ah Heng: but but US and UK says so is mild how can this be false hahahahaha
[5:46 pm, 07/02/2022] +Ah Heng: people forget even if not mild when we have thousand and 10 of thousand taking turn to be sick for 4-7 days certain part of the society will get hit.. Japan had already show case this where their education system already shut down given many educators and school staffs have to stay home
[5:46 pm, 07/02/2022] +Rama: I believe MTF LW was correct when he said in 2020 that this covid-19 will last at least four years although his co-chair GKY disagreed.
[6:39 pm, 07/02/2022] +Smiley face: https://youtu.be/bnMMYJKZvnU
[6:45 pm, 07/02/2022] +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
[6:47 pm, 07/02/2022] +JC: I don't think this should be a surprise to our government given that we have already seen how Omicron spreads in different countries. So my feeling is, please deal with it via COVID therapies like Paxlovid, and help as many patients to get well and discharged from hospitals as soon as possible.
Please don't press the panic buttons unnecessarily as it will just cause panic reaction in the population and potentially lead to even more "worried" individuals to seek hospital care even if they have only mild symptoms.
[6:49 pm, 07/02/2022] +JC: Please also refrain from vaccines differentiated measures for children - this is not helpful given that the spread will be happening via the general population anyway. How many fewer infections can we really expect from those measures now that Omicron is already spreading widely in the community? Reported cases are just the tip of the iceberg with many more asymptomatic/mild cases not even captured in surveillance data.
[6:53 pm, 07/02/2022] +Smiley face: https://youtu.be/1s1UX2ZNsh4
[6:57 pm, 07/02/2022] +Smiley face: https://youtu.be/TsnCvmc1HYo
[6:58 pm, 07/02/2022] +Smiley face: 7 February, 2022
To: Distinguished Ministers and All Honorable Members
"When one adds more than its needed, sooner or later one has to minus alot! When one chooses to divide, one will have to multiply it back sooner than later...? That's the order of nature, TAO!"
- - anonymous
'IT IS POINTLESS TO GO EXTREME WITH THINGS'... a covid zero nation versus another whom is hoping to zero covid for ICU?
When?
How Canada will come out of this chaos of the mass protest convoy? Will these social disruptions and unhappiness a 'social pandemic' in boiling that will spill to other societies to master and do the same? Hope not please and let not be; these truckers versus the governments will not be a reminder of the 1989 tankers versus students? Perhaps not!
What?
For the metaphorical game of roulette is highly evolving and lightningly faster than one's planning for the next round, the stakes of each player (regardless of big players or small timers) fluctuates after each spin of the settled dice. What if there is a change of the Croupier? A reset for all players because this new Croupier will spin the dice at his or her hand's will! There is no point for players to adjust their seats, perhaps, the Feng Shui is set! Good days or bad to come in many rounds, importantly silently be among the handful of winners. For this occasional number ZERO means no death and none in the ICU covid ward. Is it possible for many such lucky strikes?
Why?
Perhaps Lao Tzu has a few thoughts worth thinking for the world at large, now?
Lao Tzu:
Those who know don't talk.
Those who talk don't know.
Be like the Tao.
It can't be approached or withdrawn from, benefited or harmed,
honored or brought into disgrace.
It gives itself up continually.
That is why it endures.
The more prohibitions you have,
the less virtuous people will be.
The more weapons you have,
the less secure people will be.
The more subsidies you have,
the less self-reliant people will be.
For governing a country well
there is nothing better than moderation.
The mark of a moderate man
is freedom from his own ideas.
Tolerant like the sky,
all-prevailing like sunlight,
firm like a mountain,
supple like a tree in the wind,
he has no destination in view
and makes use of anything
life happens to bring his way.
Nothing is impossible for him.
Because he has let go, he can care for the people's welfare as a mother cares for her child.
Where?
Scenarios Building -
How many years it took the Nazi Germany & the Imperial Japan to collapse and concluded WWII?
Both have proven the law of TAO to the FULLEST tests. It took 2 atomic bombs and tens of millions lives to put WWII to stop!
Fast forward time, it may take two or more countries, UK & USA to stop the covid wars?
What's the potential aftermath claims of lost lives and livelihoods, individuals and small businesses, in Europe and the US?
Who's going to payout these TRILLIONS of dollars to these everest high of impending lawsuits in Europe and US, starting now and goes on and on?
Will China absorbs certain percentage of these claims? For the UK & US with their top 5 allies will bill China for it?
How will China reacts to these foreigners' extreme demands and claims if it comes true?
China's strategy is zero covid. It seems like a CLOSED door policy. Imagine, its like Opium War all over again?
Afterwords:
https://youtu.be/1s1UX2ZNsh4
https://youtu.be/TsnCvmc1HYo
- - (Part 2/2) - -
[7:01 pm, 07/02/2022] +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 ๐
=====
No comments:
Post a Comment