Update 15 Apr 2020: Masks must now be worn in public
Anyone who leaves home must now wear a mask, as Singapore ramps up measures to contain the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak.
In the latest update to social distancing requirements, the multi-ministry task force handling the virus outbreak announced at a press conference yesterday that wearing of masks will be made mandatory with immediate effect.
The only exceptions are for children under the age of two and those out doing strenuous exercises like jogging.
read more
What’s behind Singapore’s U-turn on wearing masks?
A woman wears a face mask in Singapore on Thursday, as the spread of Covid-19 continues. Photo: Reuters
Singapore reversed its position on masks on Friday, saying it would no longer discourage residents from wearing them in public and would distribute reusable face masks from Sunday.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made the statement alongside his announcement that schools and most workplaces would be closed from early next week, as part of increased measures to stem the coronavirus outbreak as infections surged in the past month to more than 1,100 as of Friday.
Lee acknowledged that health authorities had previously urged residents not to wear surgical masks unless they were unwell – with their exhortations appearing on the front pages of local newspapers – and attributed to the change to new research and the spike in cases. “We now think that there are some cases out there in the community going undetected, though probably still not that many,” he said in a national address, his third since the Covid-19 outbreak. “We also now have evidence that an infected person can show no symptoms and yet still pass on the virus to others … Therefore we will no longer discourage people from wearing masks.”
related:
S'pore heads towards coronavirus tipping point,what would Lee Kuan Yew have done?
Coronavirus Singapore: 100 to 1,000 infections in one month. What happened?
Coronavirus and Election Fever in Singapore
read more
Singapore U-Turns on Wearing Masks as Local Virus Cases Climb
For months, Singapore’s leaders urged citizens to wear masks only when ill, especially after locals panicked and rushed to stores to grab bundles of the essentials as the coronavirus spread. Now, they’ve shifted tack.
In a live address to the nation Friday afternoon, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said his government will stop discouraging the general public from wearing face masks in public. That came as the city-state moved to close schools and most workplaces to contain the virus. Reusable masks will be distributed from April 5, Lee said.
“Wearing a mask may help to protect others, in case you have the virus but don’t know it,” Lee said, noting the World Health Organization and the U.S.’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are also reviewing advisories. The global thinking on wearing masks has begun to shift over the past week. Many countries initially urged citizens not to wear them unless they were symptomatic or looking after those who were ill. Some authorities even claimed that untrained civilians wearing masks could cause a rise in cases.
read more
Government will no longer discourage people from wearing face masks, reusable masks to be distributed
A woman wearing a face mask in Singapore. (Photo: Gaya Chandramohan)
This comes amid a changing COVID-19 situation, where there is now evidence that an asymptomatic person can still pass on the virus to others.
Mr Lee noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are also reviewing their guidance on the use of face masks.
read more
When should I wear a mask?
The Government’s recommendation on the use of masks has been based on scientific advice and guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO), and that is for individuals to wear surgical masks only when sick, in order to protect others. This was also when Singapore did not have community spread of the virus.
Our situation is now changing. There is increased local transmission in Singapore, and a possibility of some undetected cases in the community. There is also some evidence that infected people showing no symptoms may infect others. This is why the WHO is reviewing its guidelines on mask usage.
Therefore, we will no longer discourage people from wearing masks . Wearing a mask may help to protect others, in case you have the virus but don’t know it. This is so that you keep your droplets to yourself - when you sneeze or speak or cough. It can also protect yourself a little better, especially if you are elderly, or vulnerable because of pre-existing health conditions.
read more
Asia may have been right about coronavirus and face masks, and the rest of the world is coming around
The novel coronavirus outbreak
In the coming weeks, if they have not already, your government is likely to begin advising you to wear a face mask to protect against coronavirus. For those living in Asia, such announcements will be a vindication of a tactic that has been adopted across much of the region since the beginning of the crisis and appears to have been borne out by lower rates of infection and faster containment of outbreaks.
In other parts of the world, this message may be confusing, coming after weeks of public health authorities, politicians and media figures confidently claiming masks do not help and urging people instead to focus on washing their hands and maintaining social distancing.
The tone of such claims ranged from condescending to frustrated, with the US Surgeon General Jerome Adams tweeting in late February -- in all caps -- "STOP BUYING MASKS!" "They are NOT effective in preventing general public from catching #Coronavirus, but if healthcare providers can't get them to care for sick patients, it puts them and our communities at risk," he added, in a post that has since been retweeted over 43,000 times.
read more
C.D.C. Weighs Advising Everyone to Wear a Mask
Widespread use of nonmedical masks could reduce community transmission. But recommending their broad use could also cause a run on the kind of masks that health care workers desperately need.
Should healthy people be wearing masks when they’re outside to protect themselves and others? Both the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have repeatedly said that ordinary citizens do not need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. And as health care workers around the world face shortages of N95 masks and protective gear, public health officials have warned people not to hoard masks.
But those official guidelines may be shifting.
read more
Experts point evidence masks help to prevent infections; CDC and WHO review guidelines on the use of masks
Many officials from around the world have claimed that wearing masks is unnecessary especially those who are non-symptomatic of the COVID-19 virus.
Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) previously reiterated that there is no need for the public to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing, and stated masks only necessary for the health care workers. Similarly, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong noted on 30 January that “there is no need to wear a mask if we are well”.
Despite the officials’ claim that wearing facemasks ‘don’t work’, there is no strong evidence to support that, according to an expert in microbiology at the University of California at Berkeley, Adrien Burch. He added that there is evidence that masks can help to prevent infections, CNN reported earlier today.
related:
MOH reviews stance on masks while PM’s wife says make do with homemade ones
Singapore Government: No need to wear mask if you are well
read more
Should you wear a mask? US health officials re-examine guidance amid coronavirus crisis
It's the debate heard 'round the world: Should you or shouldn't you wear a face mask during the coronavirus pandemic?
That's something White House and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials are discussing, according to Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert.
While the World Health Organization on Monday stood by its recommendation only to wear a mask if you are sick or caring for someone who is sick, a growing number of officials and health experts argue that people should wear masks to help prevent spread of the virus.
read more
WHO considers ‘airborne precautions’ for medical staff after study shows coronavirus can survive in air
The World Health Organization is considering “airborne precautions” for medical staff after a new study showed the coronavirus can survive in the air in some settings.
The virus is transmitted through droplets, or little bits of liquid, mostly through sneezing or coughing, Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, head of WHO’s emerging diseases and zoonosis unit, told reporters during a virtual news conference on Monday. “When you do an aerosol-generating procedure like in a medical care facility, you have the possibility to what we call aerosolize these particles, which means they can stay in the air a little bit longer.”
She added: “It’s very important that health-care workers take additional precautions when they’re working on patients and doing those procedures.”
related: Coronavirus lives for hours in air particles & days on surfaces, new US study
read more
Why some countries wear face masks and others don't
Since the start of the coronavirus outbreak some places have fully embraced wearing face masks, and anyone caught without one risks becoming a social pariah.
But in many other parts of the world, from the UK and the US to Sydney and Singapore, it's still perfectly acceptable to walk around bare-faced.
Why some countries embrace masks while others shun them is not just about government directives and medical advice - it's also about culture and history. But as this pandemic worsens, will this change?
read more
Singapore activates 'Circuit Breakers' to minimise spread of Covid-19
Singapore will close schools and most workplaces except for essential services like supermarkets and banks for one month, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong says, as part of stricter measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
While the city has won international praise for its efforts to stem the spread of the virus, its infections have been rising sharply in recent weeks, to 1189 on Saturday, and six people have died. "We have decided that instead of tightening incrementally over the next few weeks, we should make a decisive move now, to pre-empt escalating infections," Lee said in a speech, and promised more support for households and businesses. Food establishments, markets and supermarkets, clinics, hospitals, utilities, transport and key banking services will remain open.
The new measures will be in place from April 7 until May 4, while schools will move to full home-based learning from April 8. The measures could be extended beyond a month if the situation did not improve, authorities said.
read more
Singapore to shut Changi’s Terminal 2 for 18 months due to COVID-19
The departure hall of Changi Airport’s Terminal 2. Photo: Muhammad Hasbi
All operations at the terminal, including retail, will be suspended for 18 months starting May, Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan reportedly announced in Parliament today. He also hinted at more closures, noting that only one terminal has so far been enough to handle the traffic at the airport.
Airlines operating at the terminal will be transferred to Changi’s remaining three terminals next month. Singapore Airlines will operate from Terminal 3. “We will save on running costs – for the airport operator, retail tenants, airlines and ground handlers,” The Straits Times quoted him as saying.
read more
Conservationists set the record straight on COVID-19’s wildlife links
- The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been characterized by the World Health Organization as a pandemic. As the virus spreads, so too does misinformation about its origins.
- Rumors that COVID-19 was manufactured in a lab or that we know with full certainty which animal host passed the disease to humans are unfounded.
- Given the clear risks to animals as well as to human health, the Wildlife Conservation Society and Global Wildlife Conservation are calling for a permanent ban on wildlife trafficking and live animal markets.
To give a better understanding of the origin of the coronavirus and what can be done to stop the future spread of disease from animals to humans, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and Global Wildlife Conservation have partnered on a series of new infographics.
read more
Besides the haze, when should you wear a mask?
In Singapore, the culture of wearing a mask when one is sick has yet to catch on. Since the practice is not common, you might feel conspicuous wearing a mask outside. You might avoid wearing a mask for wear of drawing unwanted attention to yourself.
Due to our hot and humid climate, wearing a mask may also be uncomfortable. But you could be unintentionally spreading diseases to the people around you.
When Should You Wear a Mask:
- When There is a Haze Period
- When You Are Sick
read more
13 Haunting Pictures of Singapore
Popular destinations in Singapore are often packed with tourists and locals, but the Covid-19 outbreak has prompted many to stay indoors.
Photos of local hotspots don’t seem impressive to locals that see them every day, but this viral album might change your mind. Local photographer Lemjay Lucas used this opportunity to take haunting pics of the busiest places in our little red dot last Saturday (4 Apr) to Sunday (5 Apr). He feels that the outside world looked different as spaces seemed bigger and wider with the absence of visitors.
Here’s a look at the deserted destinations due to the global pandemic.
Wuhan: A City in China
Wuhan city, we all know that it's the 1st Chinese city famous for the Coronavirus. But do u know the city itself ? Here it is - real amazing you will surely like this
Above link is for marking Wuhan city's opening after COVID-19. The photos are darkened but when you touch it, it will brighten as a sign of light returning to Wuhan! Open the link and try it!
C0VID-19 Lockdown Laughs
HaHaHaHaHaHaHaHa
Chan Chun Sing Mocks Singaporeans in Closed-Door Meeting, Takes a Swipe at Hong Kong
Minister for Trade and Industry, Maj-Gen “Kee Chiu” Chan Chun Sing had a hearty laugh with business leaders as he condemned the behaviour of Singaporeans who he deemed overreacted to the 2019-nCoV Wuhan Virus scare.
In a leaked audio clip that has been making the rounds online, Maj-Gen Chan, who is slated to be Singapore’s next Deputy Prime Minister, is heard putting down Singaporeans, and taking swipes at Hong Kong and China. Maj-Gen Chan put down the efforts of Hong Kong and China’s leaders to stem the spread of the virus, and also laughed at Singaporeans who sought more masks from the government and stormed supermarkets to stock up on food supplies. The meeting reportedly took place last week.
Here’s some of the juiciest quotes from Maj-Gen Chan’s speech:
- On Singaporeans complaining about mask distribution
- On limited supply of face masks
- On Hong Kong’s leadership regarding personal safety and hygiene
- On Singaporeans being a disgrace
- On “suckers” who stockpiled food
- On stupid Singaporeans
I Gotta Wash My Hands!
There's Bird Flu (chicken), SARS (civet cats), Swine Fever (pigs), Mad Cow Disease (cattle), Ebola (monkeys & chimpanzee) & MERS (camels) & now COVID-19 (bats & pangolin). Hope Mr Mare is not galloping out to spread "Beh" (horse) virus. Haha.
related:
COVID-19: Singapore enters Phase 2 reopening of 'CB'
Died but not classified as a Covid-19 death
COVID-19: Singapore exits 'Circuit Breakers'
Charged with COVID-19-related offences
COVID-19: Returning to Normalcy
Dormitory Infections Push Singapore Covid-19 Cases to New Record
Singapore activates 'Circuit Breakers' to minimise spread of Covid-19
How Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan are responding to Covid-19
When A Mask Is A Must
COVID-19: Singapore enters new phase of community transmission
Singapore reports first deaths from COVID-19
COVID-19: Deers & Monkeys roaming for food
Was Coronavirus Predicted in 1981 or 2008?
Died but not classified as a Covid-19 death
COVID-19: Singapore exits 'Circuit Breakers'
Charged with COVID-19-related offences
COVID-19: Returning to Normalcy
Dormitory Infections Push Singapore Covid-19 Cases to New Record
Singapore activates 'Circuit Breakers' to minimise spread of Covid-19
How Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan are responding to Covid-19
When A Mask Is A Must
COVID-19: Singapore enters new phase of community transmission
Singapore reports first deaths from COVID-19
COVID-19: Deers & Monkeys roaming for food
Was Coronavirus Predicted in 1981 or 2008?
COVID-19 panic: Why are people stockpiling toilet paper?
COVID-19 fears prompt panic buying across the World
Singapore urges calm after panic buying hits supermarketsCOVID-19 fears prompt panic buying across the World
Singapore reports its first cases of local COVID-19 transmission
Singapore confirms cases of COVID-19 Virus
