The easing of certain circuit breaker measures cannot be taken as a signal for the public to start going out, as the battle against Covid-19 is far from over, warned Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong.
During his ministerial statement in Parliament on May 4, Wong said that in order for Singapore to open up safely, the nation must ramp up testing and harness technology for faster contact tracing.
But he also gave an overview of the government's changes in previous policy as it adapted to new circumstances.
Government had to adjust their measures accordingly as new information became available
In coming up with measures to combat Covid-19, the government had to adapt and adjust frequently, as more information about the virus became available.
Wong said that this is the same worldwide, as Covid-19 is a new virus, and scientists around the globe are discovering more about the virus.
Hence, the government updated their guidance on masks, and made it a requirement for everyone to wear masks when they were outdoors.
Wong added that the wearing of masks is not the only or even the most important protective measure in dealing with Covid-19, and that it must be complemented with other precautions, such as safe distancing and good personal hygiene. Added Wong:
"It is not just Singapore on the learning (curve), the whole world is on the learning curve."
Allowing people to exercise outdoors without wearing masks is a balanced move
Wong addressed a question on whether the government should make it compulsory to wear masks when one is exercising outdoors.
He said that the issue goes beyond just the wearing of masks, and explained that requiring people to wear a mask when engaging in strenuous exercise is not advisable, as it can pose health risks.
The fundamental issue is in fact whether people can be allowed outside to exercise in the first place. The government considered this and acknowledged that exercising outside is beneficial for health.
While there is a risk of transmission if an individual remains close to another person for some time, it should not pose a problem if one is exercising alone in the open while practicing safe distancing.
Wong also noted that there is no local evidence of Covid-19 transmission occurring among people exercising in the open, and that prohibiting outdoor exercise altogether, and keeping people cooped up at home for long periods of time can be harmful.
Certain sectors will have to wait to reopen
Wong also warned Singaporeans that life after the circuit breaker will not be a return to status quo, and that when workplaces begin to reopen, the nation must start with the industries that are critical to the economy and to local employment.
Telecommuting will have to be a default option extended to all staff, and for those who cannot telecommute, strict safe management practices will have to be implemented.
Certain sectors, such as entertainment outlets or activities that attract large crowds, will have to wait, according to Wong.
This is the same for dining in at food and beverage (F&B) outlets, as the government has to assess the risks and consider carefully before allowing such activities to resume.
Wong warned that religious gatherings and services may also take some time to resume, asking for everyone's understanding of the changes that were necessary in order to keep Singaporeans safe.
Nation-wide testing strategy being developed
A nation-wide testing strategy will involve more extensive community surveillance, so that any unlinked cases can be detected more easily.
The government will also prioritise the testing of higher-risk and more vulnerable groups, such as people in nursing homes and healthcare workers that have high touch-points with the community.
This will progressively be expanded to the rest of the essential workforce and the broader community, in line with the expansion of the nation's testing capacity.
Using technology to enhance contact tracing
The government has also implemented two key tools to combat the spread of Covid-19: SafeEntry and TraceTogether.
SafeEntry is a digital check-in/check-out system, which logs the visits by individuals in all business premises and venues. This is currently being used by many supermarkets.
TraceTogether uses Bluetooth on mobile devices to quickly identify who an individual have been near to, allowing the government to track close contacts when the need arises.
Activities may gradually resume in June
While expanded testing and faster contact tracing are the government's two key strategies, Wong warned that these measures are not a substitute for personal responsibility.
Previously, he also echoed a similar message, urging Singaporeans to stay home during this period, as he warned that Covid-19 tests may not be 100 per cent accurate.
Wong reminded Singaporeans to play their part, and practice good personal hygiene habits, wear a mask when outdoors, and to seek medical attention when unwell.
Wong said that with these enablers and safeguards in place, the government will be planning for a safe and gradual resumption of activities in June.
Top image from gov.sg.