It was inevitable, the first 2 deaths from COVID-19 has happened. Singapore has been well-prepared for all of what was happening but the virus is really scary in that it spreads fasts and symptoms are not easily detectable as it is quite similar to flu symptoms. Even more so for those with underlying health issues.
The government has now put in place stricter controls where all short term visitors are barred from entering and even transiting in Singapore effective on 23 March 2020, 1159pm. This is due to more imported cases as cases around the world increase in numbers.
For work pass holders, only those who work in essential services like healthcare and transport will be allowed to return. This really means that companies will need to adjust accordingly to the news and be aware of what is being implemented.
The government is very strict on those who do not follow the measures as seen in a recent article where 89 workers are sent back for breaching entry approvals and stay home notices (SHN).
I think what the government has done really serves as a warning to those especially for those who were supposed to be serving their 14 days SHN but went back to work instead. They might think that they are healthy at the moment but because the symptoms does not show up hence they might still be spreading to those who are in close contact to them.
Although we don't know whether the employers told them to report to work or they chose to showed up at work, the government had to do something as a warning.
I do feel that they might be afraid of not being able to work and their jobs might be jeopardized. But even so, being socially responsible is also something important at this moment.
With the additional measure of barring short term visit passes from entering Singapore, this might help in the overall containment of the virus however with students and Singaporeans coming back from Europe and US the next couple of weeks could mean a higher number of imported cases.
All in all, I am glad our government has done a pretty good job so far in their fight against Covid-19. Stay safe and take care, it will all pass and we will be stronger as one after it ends!
*Update: There have been much more updates today where entertainment venues, bars and enrichment centres will be closed. Imported cases takes up a huge number of the daily numbers so there will also be precautions where UK and US returning Singaporeans will be directly transported to hotels starting from 25 March 2020.
References: Coronavirus: All short-term visitors barred from entering or transiting in Singapore from Monday, 11.59pm
Covid-19: MOM revokes work passes of 89 workers for breaching entry approval and stay-home notice
Returning Singapore residents from UK, US to serve stay-home notices at hotels
Coronavirus: All entertainment venues in Singapore to close, gatherings outside work and school limited to 10 people
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