Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong addressed the nation on Apr. 10 in a video, the fourth day of Singapore's circuit breaker period, scheduled to last until May 4.

PM Lee said the next few weeks will be tough, but he would make similar addresses to update the public and let them know how they could do their part to contain the spread of Covid-19.

This is his fourth address to the nation on the Covid-19 situation.

Foreign worker welfare

PM Lee acknowledged that there have been several outbreaks of the virus within foreign worker dormitories, which resulted in a number of clusters.

He mentioned that Health Minister Gan Kim Yong and National Development Minister Lawrence Wong have set up an interagency task force to handle the situation.

The task force commander is the Chief Guards Officer of the Army, with Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean advising the ministers.

The bodies involved in this task force include:

• Ministry of Health (MOH)
• Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
• The Home Team
• The Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)

Other public sector agencies are also "chipping in" to help.

What task force has done

The task force has deployed teams in all the dorms, working with the operators so they can quickly respond to the need of the workers.

The teams are setting up medical facilities, managing logistics and housekeeping and bringing in food and supplies.

The workers also have access to WiFi so they can keep in contact with their families and also to keep themselves entertained.

The workers will be provided with the medical care and treatment they need, and the government will ensure that their salaries will continue to be paid, and they can remit money back home.

Singapore will take care of their welfare

PM Lee said the government is paying "close attention" to their welfare.

"They came to Singapore to work hard for a living, and provide for their families back home. They have played an important part building our HDB flats, Changi Airport, MRT lines."

He added:

"If any of their family members watch my video, let me say this to them: We appreciate the work and contributions of your sons, fathers, husbands in Singapore.

We feel responsible for their well-being. We will do our best to take care of their health, livelihood and welfare here, and to let them go home, safe and sound, to you. On behalf of all Singaporeans, I wish you well."

PM Lee: Seniors of Singapore, please stay home

PM Lee had another special message, this time directed at older Singaporeans, a group which he said he belonged to.

Said PM Lee: "I want to make a special appeal to older Singaporeans. I am one of you, so I know how you feel."

He said that he understood they may get frustrated when cooped up at home, and it was natural to feel like meeting friends, relatives, having a coffee or a beer, or singing karaoke together.

However, the government is telling them to stay at home for their own safety, as older people are more vulnerable to the virus. Added PM Lee:

"If we catch COVID-19, it is a serious matter. Our chances of dying are much higher, and if we get infected and spread the virus to our friends around our age, or bring the virus back home to our families, then, we put them in grave danger."

He said that while there was some flexibility for people to help elderly relatives who live alone and need help, as far as possible, they should not visit.

Take circuit breaker seriously

PM Lee warned that outside the dorms, the number of cases in the community is still on the rise.

He explained that the number of cases will still increase, as people might have gotten infected before the circuit breaker kicked in.

However, this is exactly why the circuit breaker was needed.

PM Lee mentioned that he spoke to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinta Ardern by phone, who told him that the country only saw a drop in cases on Day 11 of their stringent lock down. Added PM Lee:

"This is why I need each of you to take the circuit breaker very seriously. Stay at home; stop socialising in person with others, even with extended family members who do not live with you."

He urged the public to comply with the spirit of the law, not just the letter.

PM Lee concluded:

"The situation will get worse before it gets better, but we have to get through this, before the sun comes out and shines on us again. For us to get there as soon as possible, please stay at home. Thank you for your cooperation."

You can see the full video below: