REACH 389 - What are your views on the relaxation of mask requirement? How do we encourage Singaporeans to exercise personal and social responsibility as we continue to live with COVID-19 and potential new variants?
(SK)
24 Aug 2022 (10am - 7pm)
REACH
[9:47 am, 24/08/2022] +REACH: Dear Contributors,
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Megan ๐
[10:00 am, 24/08/2022] +REACH: ๐ข Topic ๐ข
Masks will soon be required only on public transport and in healthcare settings such as Hospitals, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 21 Aug (Sun).
In his National Day Rally speech, PM Lee said the Covid-19 situation in Singapore has stabilised, and that relaxing mask requirements would help prevent fatigue from setting in.
๐ฌ What are your views on the relaxation of mask requirement? How do we encourage Singaporeans to exercise personal and social responsibility as we continue to live with COVID-19 and potential new variants?
While indoor mask-wearing currently remains in force, more details will be announced soon by the multi-ministry task force. With the reduced requirements, masks will be optional in most indoor settings apart from public transport, where people are in prolonged close contact in a crowded space; and in healthcare settings such as clinics, hospitals, and residential and nursing homes, where there are vulnerable persons, PM Lee said.
For schools in particular, masks should not be needed in class as seeing faces and expressions is essential to a child's development, said PM Lee. Acknowledging that parents may be worried, he assured that the Government has assessed that relaxing mask requirements in schools would be safe.
The announcement comes amidst lower COVID-19 numbers, with 3,406 new local Covid-19 cases reported on 23 Aug (Tues) as compared to 4,909 a week before. This is "yet another encouraging sign of our society's growing resilience with each passing wave", said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung in a Facebook post, noting that Singapore usually records a post-weekend spike in Covid-19 cases, but that was not the case this time.
๐ https://str.sg/wDq7
๐ https://str.sg/wDfG
๐ https://str.sg/wDAJ
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[10:06 am, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Good morning everyone
"Slow and Steady wins the race..."
- - unknown
[10:10 am, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: How do we encourage Singaporeans to exercise personal and social responsibility as we continue to live with COVID-19 and potential new variants -> is not only covid it must be general social and social hygiene look around ourself, do we see people young and old being considerate ? This had been generations of teaching but residents here are totally being self fish, dun say local fault, migrants wokers too both camps monkey see monkey do
[10:11 am, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: there should be a stronger emphasis of social hygiene which is win win for the social a healthier society = happier people = more avenue for resources for the really sick
[10:11 am, 24/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Need to slowly unmask… if not there will be sudden surge in all disease as we are been in mask for so long
[10:11 am, 24/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Hospital and clinic is gonna be way too busy ๐
[10:15 am, 24/08/2022] +Caleb: +1
[10:15 am, 24/08/2022] +Caleb: GPs may overwhelmed
[10:16 am, 24/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Think the norm to mask up when sick will be here to stay..
[10:16 am, 24/08/2022] +Ken Loh: Or you will get deathstare ๐คฃ๐คฃ
[10:17 am, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: will never -> majority can't wait to get it off their face. Look at the companies espically those West base -> u put on mask in there is like u are curse ...
[10:18 am, 24/08/2022] +Ken Loh: ๐ haiz…
[10:18 am, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: now already many are without mask despite a bit of cough or running nose
[10:19 am, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: thus mentioned early there should be greater emphasis on general social hygiene culture for the bigger picture not micro view to cater for covid and etc ....
[10:20 am, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: problem we have to admit is also many residents here are very much west followers and the new elements here for work just dun believe in our local culture and prefer to believe their own home country culture
[10:21 am, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: so is not just a govt say and wish -> the society will do ...
[10:25 am, 24/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: What about swimming pool complex? Is there a bath will case Covid-19?
[10:42 am, 24/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: So safe
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-pools-safe-during-covid/
[10:43 am, 24/08/2022] +RH: Wat abt school buses / coaches, planes (esp long haul flights) / ships (cruises) ?
[10:44 am, 24/08/2022] +Frankie Wee: Should wear masking during time indoor
[10:48 am, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: the public should not be afraid t stand up to those to break the regulation espically on public transport -> one inconsiderate action can lead to further damage might not be to the extend of a country shut down but it affects one's health and is a chian linked reaction
[10:50 am, 24/08/2022] +Rama: Beware of Physical altercation.
[10:53 am, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: that's where public cohesiveness shoudl be strong (for the right reason) dun just stand or sit there and take out your mbile for tik tok / you tube / face book
[10:55 am, 24/08/2022] +Rama: ๐๐ ๐คฃ
[10:56 am, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: 1 toothpick can break easy, try a bunch of tooth pick! it will poke u instead with blood
[11:08 am, 24/08/2022] +REACH: From Aug 29, masks not needed in Singapore except on public transport and in hospitals, clinics
๐ https://str.sg/wDW2
SHN requirements removed for non-fully vaccinated travellers entering Singapore from Aug 29
๐ https://str.sg/wDW6
Covid-19 booster shots to be offered to children aged five to 11
๐ https://str.sg/wDWL
Masks optional, but vaccinated differentiated measures to remain for F&B, large events, nightlife
๐ https://str.sg/wDWE
Covid-19 taskforce to remain in place, says Lawrence Wong
๐ https://str.sg/wDWa
[11:36 am, 24/08/2022] +SL: Just thought, what is the best method we ensure the vulnerable group in our family (i.e., seniors) spend time with family members in shopping malls (prolonged closed contact), cinemas, and f&b venue? Is this means we don't bring them together?
[11:44 am, 24/08/2022] +SL: Can someone please share how a family protects the vulnerability group (seniors and young kids that are yet to vaccinate) from getting covid via silent transmission from a person that is in the presymptomatic phase or asymptomatic phase in a prolonged close environment? ๐ thanks
[11:51 am, 24/08/2022] +KSFoong: Mask up! Observe personal hygiene practice. ๐ค
[11:52 am, 24/08/2022] +KL: Actually if you realise most ppl that don’t mask up are non local or do not have senior family members in sg .
[11:55 am, 24/08/2022] +SL: Thanks, KS; with this new arrangement, it might be a reasonable choice for a family with vulnerable group of members to opt not to dine in @ f&b venue.
[11:58 am, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: "For schools in particular, masks should not be needed in class as seeing faces and expressions is essential to a child's development, said PM Lee. " - 100% correct, very relieved about this. Will mask wearing be optional for kids if parents are worried?
[11:59 am, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: "From Aug 29, masks not needed in Singapore except on public transport and in hospitals, clinics" would also like PT to be optional, during off peak times, but accept this is a requirement to satisfy worried passengers.
[0:01 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: ""For now we are retaining this approach [not needing to check vax status]... there's no change to this because vaccinations are still the best way to protect ourselves against severe disease from Covid-19," said Mr Wong."
[0:01 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: Parents will be upset to see their kids infected by covid. It will affect the children's progress if they continue sick.
[0:02 pm, 24/08/2022] +Guillermo Cabeza: It also affects childrens development not to see faces of teachers or of fellow students.
[0:10 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Probably best that vulnerable people avoid crowds, wear masks and keep hands clean when touching surfaces. Same as always. No change.
[0:12 pm, 24/08/2022] +Guillermo Cabeza: Pre Covid many people used to come to work with a sniffle or worse. Now that has hopefully changed and employees and employers understand it’s best to WFH (if possible) or take MC.
[0:13 pm, 24/08/2022] +Guillermo Cabeza: I think that is more important than debating whether or not masks are effective.
[0:14 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Many countries now are not mandating masks at all, and their cases are still going down. Seems like vaccinations and recovery means that masks are not so essential now. Gov is making the right choice.
[0:26 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: Hong Kong and Japan covid new cases trending are remaining upwards.
[0:28 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: where masks are still being worn everywhere
[0:34 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: Japan's ministry of health, labor, and welfare stated in general it was not required to wear masks. Travel News reported Japan stopped wearing the mark months ago.
[0:34 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ: https://www.news-medical.net/amp/news/20220802/Study-shows-probability-of-getting-COVID-for-mask-wearers-vs-non-mask-wearers.aspx
Study shows probability of getting COVID for mask wearers vs. non-mask wearers.
Those who wear mask got less chance of getting covid comparing those who don't.
[0:36 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
Else healthcare, doctors and nurses no need to wear masks - if mask is not effective in preventing covid and other respiratory illness.
This is a scientific facts.
Mask is effective in preventing covid and other respiratory illness.
[0:37 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: Japan seem to have a 2 m distance rule.
[0:38 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
The current position of whether to wear masks is a political decision - not a scientific decision.
[0:46 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: I saw the jp mhlw sharing that in a restaurant, encourage to practice the voice down while talking, ensure hard sanitized, monitoring own health, ensure personal hygiene, cleaning, ensure ventilating. I think this may be a considerable practice that can adopt if applicable.
[0:48 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
1. Also even if a person is fully vaccinated with 2 boosters - the person will still get infected.
President Biden got 2 boosters and still get infected though his symptoms is mild.
So important to establish scientific facts and not state wrong information.
2. People who get infected will still get reinfection.
This is scientific facts.
3. So today topic about relaxing mask is a political discussion about how far mask should be relax - and should not be distorted that we are immune from infection.
[0:54 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
1. Also bearing in mind that, our daily infection figure is 3000 - to 4000 plus a day.
Not few hundred.
2. There are still a few death per day - not zero death.
3. It is in this context we should be discussing how comfortable and how far individuals will want to go in relaxing their mask for themselves and their families members who have vulnerable people at home.
[0:55 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
4. The current position has become an individual responsibility and family decision - as the State political decision is to leave it to individuals and their families.
[0:59 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: It is required to wear masks in Japan.... they are not able to enforce it, however: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2022/06/27/national/no-masks/
[0:59 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: it is not I meant.
[1:00 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Yes that's true. I'm not anti-mask, but I feel now it is ok to make it an individuals choice. 60+% of SG has been infected and our hospitals are not overrun.
[1:16 pm, 24/08/2022] +Guillermo Cabeza: People who wear masks also get infected.
[1:19 pm, 24/08/2022] +Guillermo Cabeza: As has been said above - the more people who get covid, who recover, and of the virus gets weaker, then whether or not to wear a mask is less important. There are other impacts on society which no doubt we will be hearing about from sociologists for years to come of wearing masks and the subsequent change in how people interact with each other especially children.
[1:22 pm, 24/08/2022] +Guillermo Cabeza: There are also people who don’t want to be vaccinated on a regular basis and we should respect that. Personally I would like to see an annual combined flu+covid vaccine which changes based on the prevailing variants. Some of my friends see no point in either vaccination - they’ve had both the flu and covid and don’t mind catching them again. I think the govt should be a little more explicit about what it plans to do around vaccinations. Today’s announcement by MOH around recommendations for the young and elderly to have an additional booster are a little weak in detail: will we all have to get another vaccination in a few month’s time when a new variant emerges and there is a specific vaccine for it? My parents for example would rather wait for that than to have a booster now.
[1:26 pm, 24/08/2022] +KSFoong: Students in pre-university classes did not see each other, no bonding!
[1:29 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
So are you suggesting that doctors and nurses in hospital setting no need to wear masks - since mask is not effective?
[1:32 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
And how do you explain scientific study shows the probability of those wearing mask has less chance of getting covid infection?
Is your statement supported by medical ground?
[1:34 pm, 24/08/2022] +Guillermo Cabeza: Danny, I didn’t say that masks were ineffective and clearly they are needed in hospitals. After all surgeons and nurses were wearing them before covid. Someone wearing a mask has less chance of catching the common cold than someone who doesn’t - this i part is why in Japan people have been wearing masks for years.
[1:36 pm, 24/08/2022] +Guillermo Cabeza: Many of us though do not want to wear masks for various reasons. Those who do want to wear masks can do so. Should be an individual choice for low risk environments given the relatively low risk now of covid, with the government doing what it is doing and mandating only in high risk situations.
[1:38 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
Ok.
Stating the right facts is important for constructive discussion - so that right outcome can be arrived.
Not wearing an effective mask or not wearing a mask properly that result in infection - is different from saying wearing a mask is ineffective - which in fact we rely strongly on mask to slow infection in the early days.
[1:39 pm, 24/08/2022] +Guillermo Cabeza: Sure and many of us who wore masks still got covid! (and colds). Anyhow i suggest we let others share their views.
[1:39 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
Hence this is a political decision and not to be confused to be a scientific medical decision.
[1:41 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Yes,I'm more worried about our social and mental health now
Especially for the kids. 2+years of masks and social distancing during the most formative years.
[2:09 pm, 24/08/2022] +RH: With regard to taking the 2nd booster ...
I m very hesitant to do so.
At present, I see tt as a gov move to help clear existing stocks of the vaccine (?) since >80% of those who need to, hv alredi taken the 1st booster.
Current balance stocks were created w the prev variants in mind.
Is ther any scientific data to show tt curr vaccine stocks r as effective against the new variants tt keep coming out?
Until tt is avail, I m ok as status quo right now.
๐
[2:13 pm, 24/08/2022] +RH: Yes.
I wud rather wait for a hybrid vaccine (anti-flu + anti-Covid) , if tt is available soon.
Right now, I hv taken shots in both, separately, up to my 1st booster.
[2:15 pm, 24/08/2022] +RH: ๐๐ป๐๐ป
Applaud the decision on mask removal during lessons.
My students cannot pronounce words properly these days or they get words mixed up & joke abt their sounds ...
Which messes up their vocabulary & understanding of the English language.
๐คฆ๐ผ♀️๐คฆ๐ผ♀️
[2:18 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: I'm OK with taking booster, but equally happy to wait for an improved version lol. Wo t compalon if I'm 'forced' to, in order to keep vax status. Already recovered from covid but of course don't want it again!
[2:36 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
1. As the covid has drag on for 3 years, mask fatigue (whereby mask has been effective to block or slow covid infection) - will bound to set in one day.
And the current Government announcement of further relaxation of mask wearing - surely indicate mask fatigue has sets in - hence announcing further relaxation of mask from the State perspective.
2. I respect the State position, as this will come sooner or later.
3. However, I hope that State will reframe the relaxation of mask - from "State Mandate and Responsibilite"s into "Individual and Families decisions and responsibilities" - because every familiies are different from one another.
4. Some families have no vulnerable people in their houses - whereas some may have elderlys, person with sickness or young children that have not yet vaccinated.
Hence a broad sweep mandate for all to remove masks versus families who still need protection by wearing mask --- will become a contentious issue - if some families feel that there is still a need to protect the vulnerable from being infected.
The current infection number of 3000 to 4000 plus and a few death per day - does not give a comfort feeling that covid threat is over.
In fact, WHO has still not declare covid pandemic is over.
5. Hence I will like to propose the Government reframe the covid fight - from State Mandate to Individual and Family Decision and Responsibilites - in this latest mask mandate shift.
6. The Government should encourage individuals and families who feel the needs to wear masks - whether in outdoor or indoor to continue to do so --- as each individuals and families circumstances are different.
7. This means that even for students - whether pre-schooler, primary, secondary, JCs, Polytechnics, ITEs, Universities --- should be given the option whether to wear masks in schools or not --- based on the students or their parents or families decisions ----- because they may have unique circumstances such as vulnerable people eg. elderlies, sick person, or unvaccinated people at home.
Once a student is infected, he may infect the rest of the families.
Hence I will suggest MOE not take a sweeping mandate - to disallow students from wearing masks - when some students or their parents or families decide they should wear one.
8. I understand students need to see facial expression or hear unmuffled voice to learn properly.
I also understand there are the mental and psychological aspect of constantly putting mask on in public.
But many students or individuals have stronger mental and psychological resilient and many students or individuals have stronger learning abilities.
Hence a choice should be left to the students or parents or families to decide whether to wear a mask in schools or not.
I have no problem if other students decide not to put on mask in the schools --- as long as students who feel the needs to put on mask - are not prevented from doing so.
[2:49 pm, 24/08/2022] +RH: ---> Individual responsibility & considerstion of others in a public setting.
This is basic social courtesy which quite a lot of ppl seem to forget.
---> Family decision / responsibility
(very subjective - each family is different).
Some basic guidelines r nec - at least to guide the 'clueless' & 'inconsiderate' ones.
For example : mask up when in crowded places, enclosed spaces, or in a confined space for long periods.
[2:57 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
1. As from the medical front, I still feel that there is no major medical breakthrough - in terms of :-
a. Blocking covid infection
b. Theurapatics treatment of covid
c. Covid pandemics is not officially over - as WHO did not stand down the pandemic status of covid.
d. Our current covid infection, 3,000 to 4,000 infection per day and a few death per day ---- is still not a comfortable number.
2. Current covid vaccination - whether 1 booster or 2 booster - will not block covid infection.
People vaccinated even up to 2 boosters will still get infected. President Biden with 2 boosters - a notable figure still get infected though with minor symptoms.
3. In fact Biden theurapatic treatment of covid - Paxlovid medicine - give him a reinfection of covid symptoms after he finished his full course --- and throw confusion whether the covid treatment helps or cause more confusion to Biden covid recovery.
4. No annoucement of effective blocking of covid infection such as nasal spray to block infection at the source or vaccination that can prevent covid infection -- near the horizon.
5. Given such less than optimistic medical progess to covid prevention and treatment - "Mask is still the only means of blocking covid infection".
6. Hence I will like to propose the Government reframe and shift "State Mandate of Mask" to "Individuals and Families Decision and Responsiblities" - of mask wearing.
Let the individual students decide - whether they can learn effectively with the mask on - whether they can differentiate pronounciation of "the, fur, blur".
I realise when putting the mask on, people are more focus - as they talk less - and can frame their thoughts more comprehensively by taking consideration into many factors --- as they think more and talk less.
So not necessary wearing mask will make learning a disadvantage - except for the fact that it may hinder voice and communication. But it depends on individuals.
7. Until I am very sure from medical angle has make tremendous progress - in blocking covid infection that make covid less infectious and dangerous - and WHO step up to declare and stand down covid pandemic ----- I feel that the State should reframe the covid fight - as Individual decision and responsibilites while the State no longer mandate mask wearing in the announced settings.
[3:00 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
And just to state the fact about learning difficulties when wearing masks - I have come across students scoring straight As in many subjects in university and JCs - while wearing mask.
[3:02 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
8. Not to mention that those who get infected can still be reinfected.
[3:03 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Social Development, which is there is no exam for, is highly likely to be impaired.
[3:03 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Hi vulnerable people also include chronic respiratory sufferers like those suffering from chronic bronchitis and perennial allergic rhinitis and not just patients in hospitals, polyclinics, nursing homes etc. When respiratory sufferers have to go out for essentials and other necessities, and also if they cannot afford to buy online due to financial trouble, I wonder how they will be protected against those who do not wear masks.
[3:04 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: It's really the younger kids, say 10, who will have been wearing a mask since 7 1/2 and will have had their social development significantly interrupted.
[3:04 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: These include school children
[3:04 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
Leave it to the individuals.
Some individuals can do better than others.
[3:04 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: These severe respiratory sufferers include school children
[3:04 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Yes, the new rules mean we can leave it to the individuals.
[3:05 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Yes, I am sure they will continue to wear masks.
[3:06 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Yes, respiratory sufferers will wear, but children without masks could still pose a threat as respiratory droplets can still be transferred through the masks in a crowded setting
[3:07 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: That's possible sure, any kid with such a serious illness not just for covid will need special provisions. Not reasonable to make every kid wear a mask just in case.
[3:08 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Even with the use of masks, there has been covid transmission
[3:09 pm, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: the choice is open, if one feel not safe put on mask (there should be no discrimination or bad vibes for people who put on mask)
[3:09 pm, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: i do know some companies have very bad culture like boss no mask why shoudl the workers put on mask
[3:10 pm, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: is like saying boss go die, workers are expected to go die
[3:10 pm, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: so each resident of singapore make your own decision BUT NOT SELFISH INCONSIDERATE ones aka if you are sick please mask up, try not to eat out,
[3:11 pm, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: will hope to see more support from the govt on educating the residents of singapore MORE on social health consideration
[3:12 pm, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: it can now be covid / monkey pox , whats next to come ? no one knows but with good social health manners and culture this will sure help take off pressure from many aspect in the society
[3:13 pm, 24/08/2022] +Ah Heng: frankly ask one self, besides those case where masking up gets covid, do not one feel the number of times getting sick these 2 years is lower with masking up (many had admitted this point) thus it shouws masking NOT 100% SICKNESS Proof, but it does help more than 50%.
[3:37 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Covid is still present and there is no complete cure through tablets etc and there is also the issue of long covid which can cause serious multi inflammatory syndrome which can lead to organ failure even in healthy individuals, so allowing adults, teenagers and children to unmask indoors especially when there have been 2 child deaths and several adult deaths, I think, is not a safe idea
[4:04 pm, 24/08/2022] +REACH: ๐ข Topic ๐ข
Masks will soon be required only on public transport and in healthcare settings such as Hospitals, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 21 Aug (Sun).
In his National Day Rally speech, PM Lee said the Covid-19 situation in Singapore has stabilised, and that relaxing mask requirements would help prevent fatigue from setting in.
๐ฌ What are your views on the relaxation of mask requirement? How do we encourage Singaporeans to exercise personal and social responsibility as we continue to live with COVID-19 and potential new variants?
While indoor mask-wearing currently remains in force, more details will be announced soon by the multi-ministry task force. With the reduced requirements, masks will be optional in most indoor settings apart from pu…
[4:07 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: Students still score ๐ฏ in school exams or full A in the exam for these 2 years. The learning deficiency of students might not be contributed by the mask itself, I think.
[4:08 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Hi Bhavani, Good afternoon. A concern.
"Risky versus taking risks concepts"
Perhaps, any risk can be classified and stratified by age groups and heath status, this case is C-19.
Two, what is the death rate ( %) across all age groups, that's taking the average. To further stratify into age groups, what's the death and medical challenges?
Three, what's our current medical knowledge, therapeutics and capacity?
Death, this word, always a fearful word in all human minds, that's natural and understandable too.
[4:08 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: Omg
[4:12 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: Today I saw a piece of online news reporting a unique case of connection 3 viruses (covid + monkeypox and HIV) for an Italian
[4:19 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: It depends on how we want to manage the risk; humans will accept the chance for a matter or treat the risk of an issue with risk transfer or risk avoidance. It's depended on how we value the matter/issue.
[4:23 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Implosions, this unique 3 in 1 ?
Separately, an example, a gene known as foxP2, if damaged could cause language impairment to children or human.
[4:24 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20220823/Case-report-describes-clinical-manifestation-of-monkeypox-SARS-CoV-2-and-HIV-coinfection.aspx
[4:25 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: https://www.journalofinfection.com/article/S0163-4453(22)00479-0/fulltext
[4:27 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Thanks for the medical information.
[4:27 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: Another area of what media mentions is the long covid impact on children. I m still researching on it
[4:29 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: Especially on the memory of the kids in memorized formulas, concepts and subsequently apply it, many other areas as well that worth researching, etc
[4:30 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: Welcome ๐
[5:08 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Maybe lack of social interaction improved exam results, but worsened social skills....
[5:13 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
Pse show statistics to back up this statement.
[5:17 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
1. I didn't see any lack of social interaction even for now when we put on masks.
2. Youngsters still get together with their colleagues, university friends, school friends, girl friend and boy friend with their mask on.
3. We still interact with our neighbors despite wearing mask
4. There are no less social interaction or impairment - after we wear masks.
5. It is all in the mind.
[5:19 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
6. We still visit our parents and siblings even with mask on.
7. It is all in the heart and the mind - not the piece of mask on our face.
8. It serves to protect our health and our lives.
[5:20 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
9. If you take public transport or visit the malls - there are plenty of people interacting - no less social interaction even with mask on.
[5:28 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
In fact I will cut short my conversation with anyone who don't put on the mask and want to talk to me.
Or I will turn my face away if someone walk past me without wearing mask.
How do we know whether that chap are infected or not?
Yes it will sure hinder social interaction.
[5:33 pm, 24/08/2022] +jimmy chew: Excellent move. I am happy because we need relaxed until the next big super pandemic. We're having mask fatigue. Allow us to go on with life. A excellent move by the committee balancing risks
[5:42 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Taking off the masks indoors is a very dangerous move as people could get infected with covid needlessly
[5:43 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: How do we know who has good immunity and who does not?
[5:44 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: especially when even healthy individuals can become very sick
[5:46 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Just because half the population has already been infected does not mean we should relax the indoor mask rule as they could get reinfected with severe covid
[5:47 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Isn't life more important than social skills?
[5:48 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: I Believe most of us are responsible individual.
We just need to continue to practice good hygiene, correct smm and etc.
Those who choose to do otherwise, we can't mandate them, but we can stay away from them.
[5:48 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: Just like gov can continue to remind, but there will be still some who choose to test the system
[5:49 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: We can't be always going after them, after all, is also waste of resources.
[5:49 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: We should channel our efforts and energies to help the less fortunate instead
[5:50 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Singapore has a high population density. There are many people everywhere.
[5:50 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: The less fortunate and most vulnerable
[5:50 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: Although currently we need not wear while outdoor, but most of us still put on
[5:50 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: This shows that we are being responsible to ourselves and love ones.
[5:50 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Hi hi,
Basic health markers, BP, HB, age and any known illness plus unknowns. Age plays a big part.
It all voiced to gene and aging of genes, simplicity sense. (telomeres etc)
[5:51 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: My sense, most will still continue to wear at appropriate situation
[5:51 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Hi Uncle Law, hope this message finds you well?
Love your advice!
[5:52 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: Doing great
[5:52 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: Now got time to reply
[5:52 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: Cos my car broke down
[5:52 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: Hahaah
[5:52 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Great to know...
[5:52 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: Now inside tow truck
[5:52 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Can be fixed!
[5:52 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: No worries
[5:52 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: All under control
[5:53 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: David Sinclair, trying to breakthrough lifespan....nothing happening so far!
[5:53 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: When we go to indoor places,, just by looking at the individuals we cannot know how healthy they are. We cannot test their genes, immunity
[5:54 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: Perhaps cinema should continue to wear?
[5:54 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: Is prolonged period
[5:54 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Good observations, visual scanning.
That's life, one nerds to take care of oneself....
[5:54 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: It's impossible to take care of ourself when people go maskless indoors
[5:55 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: No doubt, but you can choose to keep a safe distance
[5:55 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: The high population density will make it impossible
[5:56 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Paranoid, a psych in formation...
[5:56 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Is true. One breaking point.
[5:56 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: Yes
[5:57 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: But we need to continue to move fwd
[5:57 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: I will personally continue to wear mask while indoor
[5:57 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Even more meaningful... that's life.
Thank you, Uncle Law
[5:58 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Personal choice and taking calculated risks?
[5:58 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Continuing to move fwd does not mean letting go of masks when covid is still around. It will create a lot of societal problems if people get infected again and again and again
[5:58 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: I need to play safe, cos I have kids and old folks back home
[5:59 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Western nations continue to pay the price for relaxation of masks
[5:59 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: Smart thinking, ahead too!
[5:59 pm, 24/08/2022] +Uncle Law: True
[6:00 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Until a complete cure is found, we should not relax the mask rule
[6:01 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: The concept of unable to achieve herd immunity.
Perhaps, check Denmark's situation. They seems to be ahead of the curve that is infection waves.
[6:01 pm, 24/08/2022] +REACH: ๐ข Topic ๐ข
Masks will soon be required only on public transport and in healthcare settings such as Hospitals, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 21 Aug (Sun).
In his National Day Rally speech, PM Lee said the Covid-19 situation in Singapore has stabilised, and that relaxing mask requirements would help prevent fatigue from setting in.
๐ฌ What are your views on the relaxation of mask requirement? How do we encourage Singaporeans to exercise personal and social responsibility as we continue to live with COVID-19 and potential new variants?
While indoor mask-wearing currently remains in force, more details will be announced soon by the multi-ministry task force. With the reduced requirements, masks will be optional in most indoor settings apart from pu…
[6:01 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: No cure, its a respiratory bug...sorry to disappoint anyone
[6:03 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Recently, I read in some media articles that scientists are almost on the verge of discovering weaknesses in covid which could be applied to finding a cure for all covid variants.
[6:05 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Already there is mask relaxation outdoors. Why take a terrible risk and impose this rule indoors? This will really affect the vulnerable who also visit indoor areas.
[6:08 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Some of this vulnerable have no relatives to help them and they have to do essential travel for the sake of their children even if they have severe respiratory conditions.
[6:09 pm, 24/08/2022] +SL: I guess the family with vulnerability group just self-practice to avoid going indoors prolonged for interim and upgrade the mask to a higher grade (reusable medical/laboratory mask) if needed may help.
[6:10 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
1. I am ok for government to relax the current mask restrictions - as mask fatigue do sets in.
2. However, I will like to reinforce the statement that mask should remain as optional - whether indoor or outdoor.
That means, if people want to put on mask whether indoors or outdoors - people should not be prevented from doing so.
3. This should apply to schools or learning institutions.
That's if students want to wear masks to schools, they should not be prevented or discriminated from doing so.
For those who don't want to put on mask in schools should be allowed to do so.
4. This is the gist of my posts for today's topic.
[6:10 pm, 24/08/2022] +65 9739 7222: N95-n100 might not be suitable for seniors with weak lungs.
[6:14 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: If adults, teenagers and children with severe respiratory conditions are putting on their masks to protect themselves and others even if these respiratory sufferers can't breathe properly as their noses and throat are blocked with heavy phlegm and cough, I don't understand why others are not able to put on masks to protect themselves and others.
[6:14 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
5. In other words, I propose to reframe the current covid fight from "State Mandate" to "Individual or Parents or Families Decision or Responsibilities".
6. My message is to adopt the "Middle Ground" - not at the 2 extremes.
[6:17 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: As I reiterated earlier, even healthy individuals can get very sick and infect others if they do not wear masks
[6:17 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: especially indoors
[6:18 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
Thus if we wear masks we get a good chance that we will not get infected.
[6:19 pm, 24/08/2022] +65 Bhavani: Yes all should continue to wear masks in all indoor settings for their own safety and others
[6:20 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: This is how we should continue to care about each other
[6:20 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
That means wearing mask is no longer a State Mandate - it is our individual responsibility and our own protection.
[6:22 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: State Mandate is still necessary as many individuals might not wear masks indoors if there is no state mandate.
[6:22 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Clearly some people want to wear male and they would be allowed to, others do not want to wear masks and shouldn't have to. The risk is now very small.
[6:22 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Correct, the gov has determined it is no longer necessary.
[6:23 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Just because the current covid wave has subsided does not mean we should let down our guard
[6:23 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Masks have not been mandated for a long time in some countries and there is no major problem
[6:23 pm, 24/08/2022] ☸️ Danny ๅฟ:
State Mandate is now optional - which I feel is ok.
Because it is up to individual to protect themselves now - as big majority are vaccinated.
[6:23 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: That's exactly why we can let down our guard, others when do you ever?
[6:24 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Covid has a vaccination, and will be with us for a long time.
[6:24 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: If we let down our guard now, then covid cases might go up immediately
[6:24 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: We can't be expected to wear masks the rest of our lives just in case.
[6:25 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Who knows
[6:26 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Our humanity and social responsibility towards ourselves and others should be more important than relaxing the mask requirement
[6:26 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Must the vulnerable just keep locking themselves up in their homes
[6:27 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: They are humans too!
[6:33 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: I understand it can feel like we should everything and anything possible to prevent even 1 infection.
[6:34 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: However, there is a limit, right? How many are so vulnerable that they cannot he vaccinated and will get seriously ill from the slightest infection?
[6:34 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Presumably even a cold or fli would be damaging
[6:34 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: How did they cope pre covid?
[6:35 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: Even without the risk of covid they would avoid people, I assume.
[6:36 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: How about the daily cost and rubbish generated by 5 million wearing a mask everyday? That's a consideration too.
[6:37 pm, 24/08/2022] +Lock or BL: After 2.5 years, 60+% infected, relatively few serious illnesses and deaths, it's time to open up and start to transition back to normality. Government is taking cautious and correct steps.
[6:41 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Even 1 death is 1 death too many. How will we feel when our own relatives and friends are infected and get serious? We must treat other humans like our relatives and friends. 1 death is still 1 death too many
[6:41 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Relaxing the mask requirement is too drastic a measure
[6:42 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Especially indoors
[6:43 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Transitioning to normality when there is no cure is not the right step forward
[6:44 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Work from home should become the norm instead
[6:45 pm, 24/08/2022] +Bhavani: Work from home is also environmentally friendly
[6:47 pm, 24/08/2022] +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 ๐
[6:50 pm, 24/08/2022] +Rama: Unfortunately, cure is not on the horizon yet!๐๐๐คท♂️
[6:56 pm, 24/08/2022] +Caleb: +1
[6:59 pm, 24/08/2022] +Smiley face: 24 August, 2022
To: Our Distinguished Leaders and All Honorable Members
"The Shangrila or The Vacuum? (ไธไปฃๅ ดๆบ)"
What?
First of all, what is Shangrila?
Metaphorically means "an imaginary (reimagine) paradise on earth, an exceptional space and an exotic utopia..."
In laymen words, it is a safe haven? Is Singapore a safe haven or a Shangrila in making (the futures)? The answer is yes for BOTH!
What is a vacuum, our case, is it a lost place or a place away from civilisations and contacts? The answer is NO! We need to contact and connect with the world.
What is?
What is risky and taking risks?
The risky days of C-19 are largely behind us. Going forward, we can take risks to fully open our borders for all goodness and success.
Why so?
Singapore, are we ready to step up and erase this mental stigma (C-19) as what historians say, it's history?
Two powerful and exceptional attributes that is safe and stable. Just as Fibonacci would said, "addup this two" and it will be a stream of winnings for this Sweet Singapore (aka Home)! For bad times leave and good times arrive, it's that simple!
Afterwords:
Science or Sign ?
Science?
A vacuum packed meat will stale and goes bad in an enclosed fridge.
Sign?
A masked human hoping to keep all infections away in an enclosed place*.
*(Medical locale and public tpt need masking, this last two attributes?).
- - in progress - -
[7:00 pm, 24/08/2022] +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
====
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