REACH 330 - What are your views on the relaxation of COVID-19 measures? How can we continue to stay safe and protect our healthcare capacity while taking further steps toward living with COVID-19?

(SK)

24 Mar 2022 (10am - 7pm)

REACH

[11:57 am, 24/03/2022] +REACH: Dear Contributors,

Welcome back! 😊

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Megan 😊

[0:02 pm, 24/03/2022] +REACH: 📢 Topic 📢 

In a national address on 24 Mar, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong outlined changes to safe management measures (SMMs) in what he called a decisive step forward towards living with Covid-19.

💬 What are your views on the relaxation of COVID-19 measures? How can we continue to stay safe and protect our healthcare capacity while taking further steps toward living with COVID-19?

The key measures are slated to come into effect on 29 Mar (next Tues), and are outlined below:

📌 Permissible group size to be doubled from five to ten people

PM Lee explained that Singapore is now in a position to ease restrictions, having "reached a major milestone" in its Covid-19 journey. He pointed to high vaccination levels - about 95 per cent of the eligible population in Singapore have completed the full vaccination regimen, and 71 per cent of the total population have received a booster shot.

📌 Mask-wearing outdoors to be optional

Wearing masks outdoors, although encouraged, will be optional. But indoor, masks will still be mandatory. This is because the risk of outdoor transmission is significantly lower, PM Lee said.

Safe distancing requirements will still be maintained, which means groups must maintain the one metre distance, including in masks-off situations.

📌 Three-quarters of staff can return to the office

Up to 75 per cent of employees who can work from home will be allowed to return to their workplaces.

📌 Increased capacity limit for events

The capacity limit for larger events and settings - those with more than 1,000 people - will be raised to 75 per cent, up from the current 50 per cent.

📌 Cross-border travel restrictions to be eased substantially

All travellers vaccinated against Covid-19 and children aged 12 and below will be able to enter Singapore with just a pre-departure Covid-19 test from 11.59pm on March 31. There will also be no more quotas on the number of daily arrivals and no entry approvals needed for all vaccinated travellers.

The new border policies will make the travel experience almost like that before the pandemic. The new travel scheme, named the Vaccinated Travel Framework, will replace the existing Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) scheme.

👉🏻 https://str.sg/wn8F

👉🏻 https://str.sg/wn8K

👉🏻 https://str.sg/wn8j

👉🏻 https://str.sg/wnXJ

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[0:03 pm, 24/03/2022] +Caleb: Thank you for allowing congregation singing!

[0:05 pm, 24/03/2022] +BL: many good things, still some daft ones, but major improvements - good!

[0:07 pm, 24/03/2022] +Anthony: Alot of mix feeling , we are still testing the water period  not so right to celebrate I guess

[0:09 pm, 24/03/2022] +Uncle Law: Individual shd still exercise social responsibilities and ensuring personal hygiene.

[0:09 pm, 24/03/2022] +Uncle Law: If sick, stay home.

[0:09 pm, 24/03/2022] +Smiley face: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/22/rising-covid-cases-europe-curbs-lifted-too-soon-world-health-organisation

Too fast and too soon?

[0:10 pm, 24/03/2022] +jimmy chew: Thank you for explaining all the changes, helps to understand and appreciate their deep thoughts in meeting the vision, safeguarding lives and livelihood.

[0:10 pm, 24/03/2022] +Linda: Good to see the changes but it is also a mix feeling for us.

[0:11 pm, 24/03/2022] +Ah Heng: the changes are to address all possible aspect of the society

[0:12 pm, 24/03/2022] +Ah Heng: end of the day is still up to society to maintain or to burst it .....

[0:12 pm, 24/03/2022] +Ah Heng: like PM says please dun throw all cautions to the wind ... those who have ears and eyes and brains will know what he means

[0:14 pm, 24/03/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Dine out 2 per table is too restrictive.

Wonder will it increase from 2 to 4?

[0:15 pm, 24/03/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

It will also help the f&b.

[0:19 pm, 24/03/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Other than this, newly relaxing measures are appropriate.

But individuals still need to exercise caution and observe hygiene to prevent infection and even re-infection.

Our own health is still our own responsibility.

[0:29 pm, 24/03/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

I refer to the coffee shop and hawker centre - where there are no check on the vaccination status.

[0:31 pm, 24/03/2022] +jimmy chew: oh, they didn't mention for the hawker center, same as compared to dining establishment?

[0:32 pm, 24/03/2022] +Sherie: Great move by your goverment!

[0:32 pm, 24/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Government just follow trend… due to industry pressure also bah

[0:33 pm, 24/03/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

Dining establishments got vaccination status check - that's why 5 person per table then now increase to 10.

Hawker centre and coffeeshops only 2 - because no vaccination check.

But now no mention on hawker centre and coffeeshops.

[0:33 pm, 24/03/2022] +jimmy chew: except for the night life haha

[0:33 pm, 24/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Lol still have meh? Most die out Liao

[0:34 pm, 24/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Will take awhile for them to come back

[0:34 pm, 24/03/2022] ☸️  Danny 心: 

2 per table - not convenient for a family to eat out. 

Got to separate table.

[0:37 pm, 24/03/2022] +jimmy chew: vices never die, they live and fight another day

[0:42 pm, 24/03/2022] +Smiley face: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/22/travel/masks-covid-airplanes-airports.html

[0:42 pm, 24/03/2022] +Smiley face: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/airlines-ask-biden-to-drop-mask-mandate-testing-requirement/

[0:49 pm, 24/03/2022] +Smiley face: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/covid-rostered-routine-testing-rrt-scrapped-2582971

[0:53 pm, 24/03/2022] +Smiley face: Asia markets mixed; Singapore's travel-related stocks jump after Covid easing

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/03/24/asia-markets-oil-prices-chinese-tech-stocks-currencies.html?__source=androidappshare

[0:59 pm, 24/03/2022] +BL: "- Selected teachers and students to be given the flexibility to remove their masks for language and literacy lessons" Great that kids can take off their masks for English and MTL, but they have to put them back on for Maths and Science.... how does that make sense? Let them be mask free, please.

[0:59 pm, 24/03/2022] +KSFoong: To avoid any argument with some hardline guys, please have a clear definition of what considered indoor. On the MRT train, in a bus, in a shopping centre etc, where is the boundary?

[1:00 pm, 24/03/2022] +REACH: People 80 and above, those with chronic disease eligible for second booster dose: Ong Ye Kung

More: https://str.sg/wnXw

As Omicron wave eases, hospitals to focus more on 'business-as-usual' patients: Ong Ye Kung

More: https://str.sg/wnXQ

Covid-19 rules for migrant workers further eased, those vaccinated can visit recreation centres without exit pass

More: https://str.sg/wnXP

Alcohol sale, consumption at F&B outlets after 10.30pm to be allowed from March 29

More: https://str.sg/wnXW

Young children aged 12 months to 2 years will be able to recover at home if they test positive for Covid-19

More: https://str.sg/wnXe

Students with developmental needs need not wear masks for language lessons: Chan Chun Sing

More: https://str.sg/wnX7

S'pore to Bintan/Batam ferries: On-arrival Covid-19 tests, passenger quotas dropped from April 1

More: https://str.sg/wnXX

[1:01 pm, 24/03/2022] +BL: if there is no ceiling or roof, you're normally considered outside.... but yes, what about canopy or awning.... lol

[1:02 pm, 24/03/2022] +BL: only developmental kids? am hoping that all kids could have proper lessons again, socialise with their peers, and get their mental health back..... !

[1:11 pm, 24/03/2022] +Guillermo Cabeza: Why haven’t these limits been done away with altogether? It is unjust and not justified that migrant workers have restrictions in particular considering they are 1) largely vaccinated, 2) many have had covid, 3) most are very young and healthy

[1:17 pm, 24/03/2022] +BL: +

[1:18 pm, 24/03/2022] +Caleb: https://str.sg/wnXP

[1:26 pm, 24/03/2022] +Guillermo Cabeza: the article says that the quotas will remain in place which doesn’t make sense

[1:31 pm, 24/03/2022] +Caleb: oh, for them to go community

[1:31 pm, 24/03/2022] +Caleb: i think is to safeguard the workers, now is the community got higher infection rates then within dorms?

[1:32 pm, 24/03/2022] +Guillermo Cabeza: possibly though then why don’t I have to apply for a pass to go out since my household has not (yet) had covid? :)

[1:52 pm, 24/03/2022] +Caleb: Can have group size of unlimited? or is it typo? lol

[2:04 pm, 24/03/2022] +BL: with mask on, no limit

[2:10 pm, 24/03/2022] +REACH: Oral Covid-19 drug Paxlovid now available at three polyclinics, 20 PHPCs

The oral Covid-19 drug Paxlovid is currently available at three polyclinics and 20 Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs), as part of Singapore's efforts to treat the disease in community settings and to prevent hospitalisations.

More: https://str.sg/wnXH

[2:10 pm, 24/03/2022] +Jun: I hope food handlers can continue to wear masks foever 😅

[2:10 pm, 24/03/2022] +Caleb: +1

[2:10 pm, 24/03/2022] +Caleb: or mouth guard

[2:11 pm, 24/03/2022] +Jun: More hygienic loh

[2:14 pm, 24/03/2022] +Vivian: +1

[3:47 pm, 24/03/2022] +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!

Megan

[3:49 pm, 24/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Lol… if given a choice 🤣🤣

You need to know very hot leh

[3:53 pm, 24/03/2022] +YT: Yes, don't want additional ingredients in my food especially when they speak... or rather spit.

[3:57 pm, 24/03/2022] +Anthony: No more booster required, if not against the Omicron Variant 

Cos really pointless

[3:57 pm, 24/03/2022] +Ken Loh: If own business… and plus no air con… try working in these condition… lucky no sweat down in 🤣

[3:58 pm, 24/03/2022] +Anthony: Base on 10K daliy cases

[3:58 pm, 24/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Based on reported… many don’t

[3:58 pm, 24/03/2022] +Ken Loh: No longer required

[4:00 pm, 24/03/2022] +YT: Sweat is extra ingredients too. Luckily they don't charge extra for these.

[4:01 pm, 24/03/2022] +BL: I get that, but equally we survived for many years without a problem. I would prefer it too, but maybe not a reasonable or fair expectation ?

[4:01 pm, 24/03/2022] +Anthony: Workplace 75% capacity 

-1

[4:02 pm, 24/03/2022] +Anthony: Wrong move

[4:02 pm, 24/03/2022] +BL: Not sure. Maybe booster can be optional for those who want it

[4:03 pm, 24/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Given a choice most company would prefer.. but more flexible arrangement will really depend on company now

[4:03 pm, 24/03/2022] +Anthony: So many device at home now

Do we still have to go back office for report to work or what

Wrong Move

[4:04 pm, 24/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Google, apple mircosoft all ask employees to come back

[4:04 pm, 24/03/2022] +Anthony: Dr Tan how nam not encourage too

[4:05 pm, 24/03/2022] +Ken Loh: Culture cannot build at home 😅 new employee especially hard… and sense of belonging

[4:05 pm, 24/03/2022] +Anthony: Doctor advice comparing Government policy is zero I guess

[4:12 pm, 24/03/2022] +REACH: Entrance checks on Covid-19 vaccination status to remain at malls, but not outlets within

Retail, lifestyle, and food and beverage (F&B) outlets located within shopping malls will no longer need to conduct their own checks on the vaccination status of shoppers and diners, if this is already being done at the entrance of the malls.

More: https://str.sg/wnBN

[4:17 pm, 24/03/2022] +BL: Finally,  this is also v good

[4:17 pm, 24/03/2022] +Ah Heng: this wish of many singaporeans had been granted

[4:18 pm, 24/03/2022] +Ah Heng: extracted ->From Apr 1, 2022, for travel across the land border between Singapore and Malaysia, both countries will allow fully vaccinated travellers to enter without the need to undergo quarantine or testing, including pre-departure and on-arrival tests. This will apply to all categories of travellers and modes of transport via the land border.

[4:22 pm, 24/03/2022] +Rama: https://mothership.sg/2022/03/mask-wearing-indoors-outdoors-mar-29/?utm_source=tele+&utm_medium=referral+

[4:22 pm, 24/03/2022] +Sherie: 🥳🥳🥳

[4:27 pm, 24/03/2022] +REACH: Singapore, Malaysia to reopen land borders on April 1

From April 1, those who are fully vaccinated will be able to travel between Singapore and Malaysia by land, including driving, without testing or quarantine.

More: https://str.sg/wnBQ

[4:53 pm, 24/03/2022] +Caleb: yay

[5:28 pm, 24/03/2022] +Ah Heng: hahahahhaha

[6:11 pm, 24/03/2022] +Rama: Fewer SDAs if S’poreans can uphold ‘personal responsibility’: Lawrence Wong

https://sg.news/?p=747661

[6:31 pm, 24/03/2022] +Dan: No common sense~ like my NS encik used to say, where is your cow sense? Just wear ur mask normally when u go out of ur hse.

[6:45 pm, 24/03/2022] +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

[6:50 pm, 24/03/2022] +Sunshine Pooh: Try toiling over heat n wearing mask? Not easy.. be gracious n understand their plight

[6:54 pm, 24/03/2022] +Jun: For 3 years they wear mask so suddenly asking them to wear masks for hygiene purposes is "understanding their plight"

[6:55 pm, 24/03/2022] +BL: No mask outside is a very good step forward. Yes, it's still a bit pedantic in some places, personally I'm happy to keep wearing a mask on MRT and in a lift with other people.

[6:55 pm, 24/03/2022] +BL: I do think we need to give the kids a break.

[6:56 pm, 24/03/2022] +BL: I noticed the ministers at the press conference wer inside and  not wearing masks. Why do kids have to wear masks all day when they can mix with their friends maskless during recess?

[6:56 pm, 24/03/2022] +Jun: GG with your virtue signaling. All food handlers should wear mask/mouth guards with or without covid

[6:56 pm, 24/03/2022] +Rama: 😮😲🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️😠😖😯😦😵‍💫😧😡😠😖

[6:57 pm, 24/03/2022] +BL: I think mask wearing inside with random members of the public makes sense right now yes. but not with the same people we spend time with not wearing masks....

[6:58 pm, 24/03/2022] +BL: So masks in retails, public transport and lifts yes.... elsewhere should be optional, even office and school.

[6:58 pm, 24/03/2022] +BL: but yes we were celebrating when we heard we can now walk the dog without our masks on haha

[6:59 pm, 24/03/2022] +BL: the look of delight on my kids face was priceless and I'll never forget it

[6:59 pm, 24/03/2022] +BL: all the kids call PM Lee Uncle Singapore haha

[6:59 pm, 24/03/2022] +Smiley face: 24 March, 2022 

To: All Distinguished Ministers and Our Honorable Members 

"Lives secure, next is to continue securing Livelihoods..."

- - anonymous

How About An Incentive Award (奖励金)?

Public Frontliners- 

A monthly cash incentive award to the following  - 

Doctors, Nurses and Ambulance Drivers $100

Train Drivers $100

Bus Drivers $100

Taxi Drivers $100

Airport ops staffs  $100

Cleaners $100

Refuse Handlers/Drivers $100

All above personnel must clock a minimum 20 days/month (excluding overtime, inclusive of Sunday and Public Holidays) to receive this monthly award. 

Any other deserving groups of people? 

News:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/mar/22/rising-covid-cases-europe-curbs-lifted-too-soon-world-health-organisation

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/22/travel/masks-covid-airplanes-airports.html

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/airlines-ask-biden-to-drop-mask-mandate-testing-requirement/         

               - - END - -

[7:00 pm, 24/03/2022] +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 😊

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