There are no easy options when it comes to fighting the spread of Covid-19, said National Development Minister Lawrence Wong said today.

Speaking in Parliament, Wong appeared overcome by emotion at one point in his speech and had to pause.

No easy options

In a ministerial statement delivered in Parliament on Mar. 25, Wong listed the tough measures recently announced by the government, such as cancelling mass events, suspending the activities of entertainment venues, and placing safe distancing restrictions in retail malls and F&B outlets.

Wong said that the government recognised the "inconvenience and disruption" the measures have caused to businesses and people's lives, but said this is the reality faced by countries tackling the virus.

The more that countries try to stop or slow down the virus, the more damage will be done to their economies.

However, the government's priority is to safeguard public health, said Wong.

"So we have to do what is necessary from the public health point of view first, to save lives, slow down the virus and then thereafter do our best to manage the economic consequences."

He added that the Multi-Ministry Taskforce's measures have been shared with the Ministry of Finance and will be taken into account for drawing up the second economic package, which will be announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat on Mar. 26.

Words cannot express their appreciation

Wong's display of emotion came after he commended the "national effort" undertaken by healthcare workers on the frontline, public officials, "unsung heroes" like cleaners, F&B workers, transport workers and others providing essential services, as well as ordinary volunteers who have stepped up to help the needy.

Wong said: "Mr Speaker, words are not sufficient to express our appreciation for all of those who are..."

He then paused his speech, apparently overcome by emotion as the rest of the MPs in Parliament gave Wong a round of applause.

After taking some time to compose himself, Wong finished his sentence:

"Words are not sufficient to express our appreciation for so many Singaporeans going all out to fight the virus. And I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who's doing their part."

Critical phase in the fight

Wong urged Singaporeans to cooperate and to take the latest measures "very seriously."

He asked the public to minimise their non-essential activities and contact with others during this period.

He added that the priority is to ensure that Singapore does not experience a major outbreak of local clusters.

While the latest measures may help to slow down the spread of the virus and stabilise the number of new cases, it is possible that the number of infected cases could still rise.

If so, Wong said more "drastic measures" might be taken, such as suspending schools and closing some workplaces.

The government will continue to monitor the measures, and either ramp them up or ease them off, a little bit, according to the changes in the local situation.

United national effort

Wong also reassured Singaporeans that there is a stockpile of essential supplies, such as food and medicine, and urged the public not to hoard goods, which would deprive others who need it more urgently.

Wong said that Covid-19 is the biggest threat Singapore has faced for decades, and urged the public to rally together to rise to the challenge.

Top image from CNA's Facebook video.