Every person needs to take latest measures very seriously: National Development Minister Lawrence Wong
Routines such as going out to meet friends 'cannot be tolerated any more'
By Clement Yong, The Straits Times, 6 Apr 2020
Singapore residents have to stay home and go out only for essential activities such as buying food, said National Development Minister Lawrence Wong, as the country saw a record 120 new coronavirus cases yesterday, 5 April.
He stressed the need for every person to take the latest safe distancing measures very seriously and to make individual sacrifices, adding that routines such as going out to meet friends "cannot be tolerated any more".
The Government had announced last Friday that most workplaces will be shut down and dining in will not be allowed at food establishments for a month from tomorrow, 7 April, as part of a set of "circuit breaker" measures to stem the spike in COVID-19 cases in the community.
Said Mr Wong: "For individuals, the rules are very clear. You stay home, do not go out. Go out only for essential activities which will include work that is considered essential or buying food and groceries, or if you were to do an individual exercise or with your immediate family members. These are allowed. Other than that, you have to stay home."
Businesses that do not offer essential services or are not in key economic sectors have to implement telecommuting fully or stop work altogether, he added.
"There are no two ways about this. It is straightforward," said Mr Wong, who co-chairs the multi-ministry task force on COVID-19.
He noted that there is still some confusion surrounding which businesses are allowed to stay open, and said these questions will be addressed. An estimated 75 per cent of workers will either work from home or stop working for the duration of the measures until May 4.
Of the 120 new cases announced yesterday, 116 were local ones. The number of new imported cases - four yesterday - has steadily declined.
"If we all do our part, if we all work together, we have a chance of controlling the spread of the virus, and together we will be able to protect ourselves, our family members and save lives," said Mr Wong.
When asked about the morale of healthcare workers, he said the surest way to sap their morale was for people to disregard the measures. "(Front-line workers) will be completely demoralised that they are working so hard and yet there are groups out there still gathering - completely undermining all that we are doing to overcome the virus."
Associate Professor Kenneth Mak, director of medical services at the Ministry of Health (MOH), said Singapore will continue with contact tracing as the number of cases go up exponentially. The police and the Singapore Armed Forces have been roped in to reinforce the MOH contact tracing team.
Prof Mak said it is important to continue doing so, as the authorities still believe that isolating close contacts will help prevent further spread of the coronavirus.
On what Singapore's stricter measures signal to other countries about the severity of COVID-19, Mr Wong said the message is that there is no scope for complacency.
Responding to a question on how the spike in local coronavirus cases would affect the timing and plans for the next general election, Mr Wong said: "That's not a question that any one of us here can answer because our sole focus in the task force is to tackle COVID-19, and to control the spread of the virus."
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong urged Singapore residents to not wait till the latest measures kick in tomorrow to stay home and avoid meeting people. "Maximum distancing should start now," he said.
After the measures were announced last Friday, residents were out stocking up on groceries, toys, electronics and other items in preparation for the weeks ahead.
Long queues were seen outside Toys 'R' Us, Popular and Challenger outlets. Some took the chance yesterday to go out for a last hurrah at eateries and restaurants.
Associate Professor Alex Cook, vice-dean of research at Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health at the National University of Singapore, said: "As tempting as it may be to go out and have one last shop, I would encourage everyone to minimise their movements before the circuit breaker takes effect, or we'll end up with a big wave of infections at the weekend."
Routines such as going out to meet friends 'cannot be tolerated any more'
By Clement Yong, The Straits Times, 6 Apr 2020
Singapore residents have to stay home and go out only for essential activities such as buying food, said National Development Minister Lawrence Wong, as the country saw a record 120 new coronavirus cases yesterday, 5 April.
He stressed the need for every person to take the latest safe distancing measures very seriously and to make individual sacrifices, adding that routines such as going out to meet friends "cannot be tolerated any more".
The Government had announced last Friday that most workplaces will be shut down and dining in will not be allowed at food establishments for a month from tomorrow, 7 April, as part of a set of "circuit breaker" measures to stem the spike in COVID-19 cases in the community.
Said Mr Wong: "For individuals, the rules are very clear. You stay home, do not go out. Go out only for essential activities which will include work that is considered essential or buying food and groceries, or if you were to do an individual exercise or with your immediate family members. These are allowed. Other than that, you have to stay home."
Businesses that do not offer essential services or are not in key economic sectors have to implement telecommuting fully or stop work altogether, he added.
"There are no two ways about this. It is straightforward," said Mr Wong, who co-chairs the multi-ministry task force on COVID-19.
He noted that there is still some confusion surrounding which businesses are allowed to stay open, and said these questions will be addressed. An estimated 75 per cent of workers will either work from home or stop working for the duration of the measures until May 4.
Of the 120 new cases announced yesterday, 116 were local ones. The number of new imported cases - four yesterday - has steadily declined.
"If we all do our part, if we all work together, we have a chance of controlling the spread of the virus, and together we will be able to protect ourselves, our family members and save lives," said Mr Wong.
When asked about the morale of healthcare workers, he said the surest way to sap their morale was for people to disregard the measures. "(Front-line workers) will be completely demoralised that they are working so hard and yet there are groups out there still gathering - completely undermining all that we are doing to overcome the virus."
Associate Professor Kenneth Mak, director of medical services at the Ministry of Health (MOH), said Singapore will continue with contact tracing as the number of cases go up exponentially. The police and the Singapore Armed Forces have been roped in to reinforce the MOH contact tracing team.
Prof Mak said it is important to continue doing so, as the authorities still believe that isolating close contacts will help prevent further spread of the coronavirus.
Responding to a question on how the spike in local coronavirus cases would affect the timing and plans for the next general election, Mr Wong said: "That's not a question that any one of us here can answer because our sole focus in the task force is to tackle COVID-19, and to control the spread of the virus."
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong urged Singapore residents to not wait till the latest measures kick in tomorrow to stay home and avoid meeting people. "Maximum distancing should start now," he said.
After the measures were announced last Friday, residents were out stocking up on groceries, toys, electronics and other items in preparation for the weeks ahead.
Long queues were seen outside Toys 'R' Us, Popular and Challenger outlets. Some took the chance yesterday to go out for a last hurrah at eateries and restaurants.
Associate Professor Alex Cook, vice-dean of research at Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health at the National University of Singapore, said: "As tempting as it may be to go out and have one last shop, I would encourage everyone to minimise their movements before the circuit breaker takes effect, or we'll end up with a big wave of infections at the weekend."
Collection exercise for reusable masks kicks off in latest step in coronavirus battle
By Fabian Koh, The Straits Times, 6 Apr 2020
For the second time in recent months, Singapore residents headed to community clubs and residents' committee centres across the island yesterday to collect their masks as the country steps up its efforts to combat the coronavirus outbreak.
This time, they were collecting reusable masks, following Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's announcement last Friday that the Government will no longer discourage people who are well from wearing masks, because of evidence that some people can be infected but not show any symptoms.
The distribution of the free reusable masks will take place until Sunday, with collection points set up at designated community clubs and centres, and residents' committee centres.
Yesterday, safe distancing measures were in place for people in the queues, and temperature taking was done before residents could enter the premises. People's Association staff and volunteers were also seen wearing masks and gloves during the distribution.
For residents, the reusable masks were unfamiliar to some who were more used to the blue surgical masks. The masks come in a few colours, including grey and black, and in two sizes - regular and small.
Madam Leong Wee Fang, 61, a clerk in an electrical firm, said: "I've never used this type of mask before, but it's better than nothing. Psychologically, it helps me feel safe."
She was collecting her mask with her husband at Nee Soon South Community Club, after having breakfast and buying groceries at the nearby market.
She said that people were already in line when they arrived at 10am, and although there was a short queue, they collected their masks in under 15 minutes.
Ms Indarthi, 43, who goes by only one name, collected four masks for her family at Nee Soon South Community Club. While Ms Indarthi, who is a housewife, is aware that the collection period lasts a week, yesterday was the only day she could take her husband's identification card to collect his mask, as he would be at work for the rest of the week.
Mr Wai Kiu, 30, who works in an insurance company, said he felt safe while collecting his mask at Potong Pasir Community Club, due to the measures such as temperature taking, and the volunteers and staff wearing gloves when interacting with residents.
Nee Soon GRC MP Lee Bee Wah, who was at Nee Soon South Community Club, told The Straits Times: "This morning is the first session, so naturally, people are trying to come early. So instead of 10am, we started at 9.30am."
She said the process was quite smooth and residents were able to collect their masks in about 10 minutes.
Potong Pasir MP Sitoh Yih Pin told ST that the queueing process did not take more than five minutes at Potong Pasir Community Club.
"It is systematic and orderly. Residents also avoid overcrowding by asking one member of their family to collect on their behalf," he said.
Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing visited mask collection stations in Tanjong Pagar GRC and Radin Mas yesterday morning.
In a Facebook post, Mr Chan, who is an MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC, said the process was very smooth and residents could collect their masks quickly. "Heartened to see everyone going about the collection calmly. There was no rush. Our volunteers and colleagues were also in good spirits," he wrote.
The Ministry of Defence is running the national call centre to address public queries on the mask collection, it said in a Facebook post yesterday.
"Personnel manning these phone lines include volunteers from Mindef and the SAF (Singapore Armed Forces) as well as clan associations. There are also national servicemen who finished their full-time service in March, grounded staff from Singapore Airlines and other retrenched workers, who will be employed by Mindef on short-term contracts," it said.
The call centre will operate from 9am to 9pm daily until Sunday, in line with the mask distribution exercise, and members of the public can call 1800-333-9999 if they have questions.
By Fabian Koh, The Straits Times, 6 Apr 2020
For the second time in recent months, Singapore residents headed to community clubs and residents' committee centres across the island yesterday to collect their masks as the country steps up its efforts to combat the coronavirus outbreak.
This time, they were collecting reusable masks, following Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's announcement last Friday that the Government will no longer discourage people who are well from wearing masks, because of evidence that some people can be infected but not show any symptoms.
The distribution of the free reusable masks will take place until Sunday, with collection points set up at designated community clubs and centres, and residents' committee centres.
Yesterday, safe distancing measures were in place for people in the queues, and temperature taking was done before residents could enter the premises. People's Association staff and volunteers were also seen wearing masks and gloves during the distribution.
For residents, the reusable masks were unfamiliar to some who were more used to the blue surgical masks. The masks come in a few colours, including grey and black, and in two sizes - regular and small.
Madam Leong Wee Fang, 61, a clerk in an electrical firm, said: "I've never used this type of mask before, but it's better than nothing. Psychologically, it helps me feel safe."
She was collecting her mask with her husband at Nee Soon South Community Club, after having breakfast and buying groceries at the nearby market.
She said that people were already in line when they arrived at 10am, and although there was a short queue, they collected their masks in under 15 minutes.
Ms Indarthi, 43, who goes by only one name, collected four masks for her family at Nee Soon South Community Club. While Ms Indarthi, who is a housewife, is aware that the collection period lasts a week, yesterday was the only day she could take her husband's identification card to collect his mask, as he would be at work for the rest of the week.
Mr Wai Kiu, 30, who works in an insurance company, said he felt safe while collecting his mask at Potong Pasir Community Club, due to the measures such as temperature taking, and the volunteers and staff wearing gloves when interacting with residents.
Nee Soon GRC MP Lee Bee Wah, who was at Nee Soon South Community Club, told The Straits Times: "This morning is the first session, so naturally, people are trying to come early. So instead of 10am, we started at 9.30am."
She said the process was quite smooth and residents were able to collect their masks in about 10 minutes.
Potong Pasir MP Sitoh Yih Pin told ST that the queueing process did not take more than five minutes at Potong Pasir Community Club.
"It is systematic and orderly. Residents also avoid overcrowding by asking one member of their family to collect on their behalf," he said.
Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing visited mask collection stations in Tanjong Pagar GRC and Radin Mas yesterday morning.
In a Facebook post, Mr Chan, who is an MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC, said the process was very smooth and residents could collect their masks quickly. "Heartened to see everyone going about the collection calmly. There was no rush. Our volunteers and colleagues were also in good spirits," he wrote.
The Ministry of Defence is running the national call centre to address public queries on the mask collection, it said in a Facebook post yesterday.
"Personnel manning these phone lines include volunteers from Mindef and the SAF (Singapore Armed Forces) as well as clan associations. There are also national servicemen who finished their full-time service in March, grounded staff from Singapore Airlines and other retrenched workers, who will be employed by Mindef on short-term contracts," it said.
The call centre will operate from 9am to 9pm daily until Sunday, in line with the mask distribution exercise, and members of the public can call 1800-333-9999 if they have questions.
Record 120 new coronavirus cases in Singapore on 5 April 2020, 2 foreign worker dormitories gazetted as isolation areas
By Lester Wong and Tee Zhuo, The Straits Times, 6 Apr 2020
Two dormitories with large numbers of coronavirus cases have been gazetted as isolation areas, as part of measures announced yesterday to stem the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
This means around 20,000 workers at S11 Dormitory @ Punggol and Westlite in Toh Guan will be quarantined in their rooms for the next 14 days. In addition, measures will be taken to reduce interaction of workers in other dormitories. These include preventing workers from intermingling between different blocks and floors, and staggering meal and recreation times.
The Government will also house foreign workers providing essential services separately.
The moves come after the Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed a record 120 new COVID-19 cases yesterday, 5 April, of which four were imported and 116 local. This brings Singapore's total to 1,309 cases.
Fifty of the 116 new local cases are linked to previous cases or clusters, while 66 cases are unlinked, and contact-tracing efforts are ongoing, said MOH.
This points to instances of local infections spreading in the community, including among Singaporeans and permanent residents (PRs).
Of the new cases, 22 are linked to S11 Dormitory @ Punggol at 2 Seletar North Link. Also known as PPT Lodge 1B, it now has at least 63 confirmed cases.
Another 10 have been linked to Westlite Toh Guan dormitory at 18 Toh Guan Road East, which now has at least 28 confirmed cases.
Manpower Minister Josephine Teo said the workers will continue to be paid during this period, and that they will still be able to make remittances to their families back in their home countries. They will also have all meals provided.
Dormitories are a growing area of concern in the outbreak, and made up three of the four new clusters announced last Saturday.
Mrs Teo noted that workers interact very regularly, and hence there is the risk of transmission. Any workers living in dorms who are unwell will be relocated and housed separately at sick bays as a precaution, even if they do not test positive for the coronavirus, she added.
National Development Minister Lawrence Wong, who co-chairs the multi-ministry task force battling the coronavirus, said foreign workers are not inherently at higher risk of transmitting the virus compared with locals. "It's not an issue of targeting a particular group... The issue we are facing here is that dormitories... have now emerged as a cluster of infection," he said.
While the numbers might be up among foreign workers, the authorities remain concerned about cases among the elderly, who are especially vulnerable.
Mr Wong said there are now two separate strategies for tackling the spread of local cases - one for the wider community and another for dormitories.
From tomorrow, foreign workers living in all dormitories will have to stay within their premises, he said.
He also urged Singapore residents to take the strict measures that kick in tomorrow very seriously, and leave their homes only for essential activities like buying food, to check the spread of the virus in the community.
In a Facebook post yesterday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the number of COVID-19 cases should gradually slow down with the measures in place, but stressed that the "circuit breaker" will be effective only if every person cooperates and complies with the measures.
"Please stay home. If you must go out, please practise safe distancing. And remember to maintain good personal hygiene. The health of us all depends on the actions of each of us," PM Lee said.
Singapore Expo will be second COVID-19 community isolation facility
By Tee Zhuo, The Straits Times, 6 Apr 2020
The Singapore Expo will be the second community isolation facility to house COVID-19 patients who are on the mend or have milder symptoms, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong confirmed yesterday. This is so that hospitals can be freed up to care for patients who need more significant medical attention.
Mr Gan said patients who are more or less recovered, but may still be infectious, will be moved to such facilities. They will be discharged and allowed to return home when confirmed to be clear of the virus. "This is to ensure that we continue to have capacity in our acute hospitals," he said.
The first such site is D'Resort NTUC in Pasir Ris, which can accommodate up to 500 people.
Mr Gan did not say how many patients the Expo in Changi, which is normally used for trade fairs and conventions, could potentially hold.
He said it is also possible that in future, patients with mild symptoms could be admitted to such facilities first, instead of to hospitals. They will be monitored and, if necessary, moved to hospitals later. He said such patients usually do not need much medical support and can recover in community care facilities without needing to go to hospitals at all.
Singapore Expo and Max Atria said on its website yesterday that it will be closed to the public from tomorrow as it is being converted into a community care facility. This means it will be a restricted area.
By Lester Wong and Tee Zhuo, The Straits Times, 6 Apr 2020
Two dormitories with large numbers of coronavirus cases have been gazetted as isolation areas, as part of measures announced yesterday to stem the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
This means around 20,000 workers at S11 Dormitory @ Punggol and Westlite in Toh Guan will be quarantined in their rooms for the next 14 days. In addition, measures will be taken to reduce interaction of workers in other dormitories. These include preventing workers from intermingling between different blocks and floors, and staggering meal and recreation times.
The Government will also house foreign workers providing essential services separately.
The moves come after the Ministry of Health (MOH) confirmed a record 120 new COVID-19 cases yesterday, 5 April, of which four were imported and 116 local. This brings Singapore's total to 1,309 cases.
Fifty of the 116 new local cases are linked to previous cases or clusters, while 66 cases are unlinked, and contact-tracing efforts are ongoing, said MOH.
This points to instances of local infections spreading in the community, including among Singaporeans and permanent residents (PRs).
Of the new cases, 22 are linked to S11 Dormitory @ Punggol at 2 Seletar North Link. Also known as PPT Lodge 1B, it now has at least 63 confirmed cases.
Another 10 have been linked to Westlite Toh Guan dormitory at 18 Toh Guan Road East, which now has at least 28 confirmed cases.
Manpower Minister Josephine Teo said the workers will continue to be paid during this period, and that they will still be able to make remittances to their families back in their home countries. They will also have all meals provided.
Dormitories are a growing area of concern in the outbreak, and made up three of the four new clusters announced last Saturday.
Mrs Teo noted that workers interact very regularly, and hence there is the risk of transmission. Any workers living in dorms who are unwell will be relocated and housed separately at sick bays as a precaution, even if they do not test positive for the coronavirus, she added.
National Development Minister Lawrence Wong, who co-chairs the multi-ministry task force battling the coronavirus, said foreign workers are not inherently at higher risk of transmitting the virus compared with locals. "It's not an issue of targeting a particular group... The issue we are facing here is that dormitories... have now emerged as a cluster of infection," he said.
While the numbers might be up among foreign workers, the authorities remain concerned about cases among the elderly, who are especially vulnerable.
Mr Wong said there are now two separate strategies for tackling the spread of local cases - one for the wider community and another for dormitories.
From tomorrow, foreign workers living in all dormitories will have to stay within their premises, he said.
He also urged Singapore residents to take the strict measures that kick in tomorrow very seriously, and leave their homes only for essential activities like buying food, to check the spread of the virus in the community.
In a Facebook post yesterday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the number of COVID-19 cases should gradually slow down with the measures in place, but stressed that the "circuit breaker" will be effective only if every person cooperates and complies with the measures.
"Please stay home. If you must go out, please practise safe distancing. And remember to maintain good personal hygiene. The health of us all depends on the actions of each of us," PM Lee said.
COVID-19 tests stepped up to around 2,900 every day
By Lester Wong, The Straits Times, 6 Apr 2020
Singapore has ramped up COVID-19 testing, with about 2,800 to 2,900 tests done each day in the last three to four weeks.
The average number of tests per million people in Singapore is now more than 7,000, compared with 6,800 on March 25.
At a press conference yesterday, the Health Ministry's director of medical services, Associate Professor Kenneth Mak, said Singapore has the capacity to continue its testing approach, which is to test in a very targeted fashion so that "we don't waste the tests that we do".
He was responding to a question on why Singapore has not used testing more widely.
There were a record 120 more COVID-19 cases yesterday, bringing Singapore's total to 1,309.
"At this point in time, our practice is to maximise diagnostic yield we have coming out from the tests... in terms of the number of positive tests we have for the number of tests we perform," Prof Mak said.
While some countries have started doing community-based testing, Singapore does not see the need for that now, he said, adding that the focus is to test those with symptoms.
"But this is a matter we review on a regular basis... and is something we might review and consider doing in the future," Prof Mak added.
Current tests for the virus make use of a molecular biology process known as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which helps to determine if the sample contains any detectable genetic material of the coronavirus.
He said Singapore is looking to expand its testing capacity in a number of ways, including diversifying the types of tests hospitals and laboratories can do, and expanding where tests can be done.
"We have not found a suitable test to completely replace how we're using PCR tests for diagnosis. (But) we are going to look at various different tests as they become commercially available," Prof Mak said.
By Lester Wong, The Straits Times, 6 Apr 2020
Singapore has ramped up COVID-19 testing, with about 2,800 to 2,900 tests done each day in the last three to four weeks.
The average number of tests per million people in Singapore is now more than 7,000, compared with 6,800 on March 25.
At a press conference yesterday, the Health Ministry's director of medical services, Associate Professor Kenneth Mak, said Singapore has the capacity to continue its testing approach, which is to test in a very targeted fashion so that "we don't waste the tests that we do".
He was responding to a question on why Singapore has not used testing more widely.
There were a record 120 more COVID-19 cases yesterday, bringing Singapore's total to 1,309.
"At this point in time, our practice is to maximise diagnostic yield we have coming out from the tests... in terms of the number of positive tests we have for the number of tests we perform," Prof Mak said.
While some countries have started doing community-based testing, Singapore does not see the need for that now, he said, adding that the focus is to test those with symptoms.
"But this is a matter we review on a regular basis... and is something we might review and consider doing in the future," Prof Mak added.
Current tests for the virus make use of a molecular biology process known as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which helps to determine if the sample contains any detectable genetic material of the coronavirus.
He said Singapore is looking to expand its testing capacity in a number of ways, including diversifying the types of tests hospitals and laboratories can do, and expanding where tests can be done.
"We have not found a suitable test to completely replace how we're using PCR tests for diagnosis. (But) we are going to look at various different tests as they become commercially available," Prof Mak said.
Singapore Expo will be second COVID-19 community isolation facility
By Tee Zhuo, The Straits Times, 6 Apr 2020
The Singapore Expo will be the second community isolation facility to house COVID-19 patients who are on the mend or have milder symptoms, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong confirmed yesterday. This is so that hospitals can be freed up to care for patients who need more significant medical attention.
Mr Gan said patients who are more or less recovered, but may still be infectious, will be moved to such facilities. They will be discharged and allowed to return home when confirmed to be clear of the virus. "This is to ensure that we continue to have capacity in our acute hospitals," he said.
The first such site is D'Resort NTUC in Pasir Ris, which can accommodate up to 500 people.
Mr Gan did not say how many patients the Expo in Changi, which is normally used for trade fairs and conventions, could potentially hold.
He said it is also possible that in future, patients with mild symptoms could be admitted to such facilities first, instead of to hospitals. They will be monitored and, if necessary, moved to hospitals later. He said such patients usually do not need much medical support and can recover in community care facilities without needing to go to hospitals at all.
Singapore Expo and Max Atria said on its website yesterday that it will be closed to the public from tomorrow as it is being converted into a community care facility. This means it will be a restricted area.
Government to set up COVID-19 hotline offering emotional support, CCs and RCs to close from 7 April
By Lim Yan Liang, The Straits Times, 5 Apr 2020
A new helpline is being set up to help anyone facing stress or anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the People's Association (PA) said it will temporarily close all community centres and clubs (CCs) and residents' committee (RCs) centres for four weeks from Tuesday (April 7) to adhere to the Government's elevated safe distancing measures.
The National Care hotline will offer emotional support to any individual that needs it during this "difficult and unprecedented" time when lives have been disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak, Minister for Social and Family Development (MSF) Desmond Lee said.
"Many are losing jobs or face steep income cuts (and) tensions may rise in some families," wrote Mr Lee in a Facebook post on Sunday.
The psychological well-being and resilience of Singaporeans at this time of crisis is something the Government is watching over carefully, especially among the more vulnerable in the community, he said.
It will do more to offer assistance to those who are anxious about the situation and need someone to talk to.
The hotline complements the financial support schemes offered by MSF, such as income relief of $500 for those who have lost their jobs or suffered significant income loss because of the virus, said Mr Lee.
Those facing stress - such as over finances, or marital and family tensions - can call the hotline, where trained officers can link them up with social service agencies and specialised services.
It also complements existing phone and online counselling services run by social service agencies such as Samaritans of Singapore, Silver Ribbon Singapore and Fei Yue. More details on the National Care Hotline will be shared soon, said Mr Lee.
With the new hotline, the Government is also seeking professionals such as psychologists and counsellors to provide their support. Those who would like to register their interest can do so at go.gov.sg/nch.
"At a time of crisis, we must stand together," said Mr Lee. "Let's look out for each other's well-being, and offer a helping hand and listening ear to our fellow Singaporeans."
Separately, the PA said that food and beverage outlets at CCs will continue to offer take-away orders.
While CCs and RCs will be closed till at least May 4, they will continue to offer select services. These are applications for the Temporary Relief Fund, applications for Financial Assistance Schemes and reset of SingPass at CCs; and collection of reusable masks at both CCs and RCs.
By Lim Yan Liang, The Straits Times, 5 Apr 2020
A new helpline is being set up to help anyone facing stress or anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, the People's Association (PA) said it will temporarily close all community centres and clubs (CCs) and residents' committee (RCs) centres for four weeks from Tuesday (April 7) to adhere to the Government's elevated safe distancing measures.
The National Care hotline will offer emotional support to any individual that needs it during this "difficult and unprecedented" time when lives have been disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak, Minister for Social and Family Development (MSF) Desmond Lee said.
"Many are losing jobs or face steep income cuts (and) tensions may rise in some families," wrote Mr Lee in a Facebook post on Sunday.
The psychological well-being and resilience of Singaporeans at this time of crisis is something the Government is watching over carefully, especially among the more vulnerable in the community, he said.
It will do more to offer assistance to those who are anxious about the situation and need someone to talk to.
The hotline complements the financial support schemes offered by MSF, such as income relief of $500 for those who have lost their jobs or suffered significant income loss because of the virus, said Mr Lee.
Those facing stress - such as over finances, or marital and family tensions - can call the hotline, where trained officers can link them up with social service agencies and specialised services.
It also complements existing phone and online counselling services run by social service agencies such as Samaritans of Singapore, Silver Ribbon Singapore and Fei Yue. More details on the National Care Hotline will be shared soon, said Mr Lee.
With the new hotline, the Government is also seeking professionals such as psychologists and counsellors to provide their support. Those who would like to register their interest can do so at go.gov.sg/nch.
"At a time of crisis, we must stand together," said Mr Lee. "Let's look out for each other's well-being, and offer a helping hand and listening ear to our fellow Singaporeans."
Separately, the PA said that food and beverage outlets at CCs will continue to offer take-away orders.
While CCs and RCs will be closed till at least May 4, they will continue to offer select services. These are applications for the Temporary Relief Fund, applications for Financial Assistance Schemes and reset of SingPass at CCs; and collection of reusable masks at both CCs and RCs.
2 arrested under Official Secrets Act for leak of MOE, MSF statement on schools closure, move to home-based learning
Public servant, hubby nabbed over leak of statement
By Tan Tam Mei, The Straits Times, 6 Apr 2020
A couple have been arrested for allegedly leaking a draft media statement to the public on the COVID-19 school closures before it was officially released.
The 37-year-old woman, who is a public servant, and her 38-year-old husband were arrested for the offence of wrongful communication of information under the Official Secrets Act, the police said in a statement yesterday.
Police said they received a report at around 5.45pm last Friday that a draft joint media statement on the school closures as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak had been leaked.
The statement was by the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Ministry of Education to announce details of the implementation of full home-based learning by schools and institutes of higher learning, as well as the closure of pre-schools and student care centres.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the woman, who is an authorised recipient of the draft media statement, had allegedly taken a screenshot of the release on her computer and shared the image with her husband via WhatsApp at about 9am that day.
Her husband, who is not an authorised recipient of the media statement, allegedly shared the image with his friends subsequently.
The image had been circulated on WhatsApp and other social media platforms hours before the media statement was officially released at 4.30pm to the press.
Police investigations are ongoing.
The police said the Government takes a serious view of any wrongful communication of confidential information, and will deal firmly with anyone who does so.
The offence of wrongful communication of information carries with it a fine of up to $2,000 and imprisonment for up to two years.
The police further warned that unauthorised recipients should also not circulate the confidential information received, as they may be similarly liable under the Official Secrets Act.
Public servant, hubby nabbed over leak of statement
By Tan Tam Mei, The Straits Times, 6 Apr 2020
A couple have been arrested for allegedly leaking a draft media statement to the public on the COVID-19 school closures before it was officially released.
The 37-year-old woman, who is a public servant, and her 38-year-old husband were arrested for the offence of wrongful communication of information under the Official Secrets Act, the police said in a statement yesterday.
Police said they received a report at around 5.45pm last Friday that a draft joint media statement on the school closures as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak had been leaked.
The statement was by the Ministry of Social and Family Development and the Ministry of Education to announce details of the implementation of full home-based learning by schools and institutes of higher learning, as well as the closure of pre-schools and student care centres.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the woman, who is an authorised recipient of the draft media statement, had allegedly taken a screenshot of the release on her computer and shared the image with her husband via WhatsApp at about 9am that day.
Her husband, who is not an authorised recipient of the media statement, allegedly shared the image with his friends subsequently.
The image had been circulated on WhatsApp and other social media platforms hours before the media statement was officially released at 4.30pm to the press.
Police investigations are ongoing.
The police said the Government takes a serious view of any wrongful communication of confidential information, and will deal firmly with anyone who does so.
The offence of wrongful communication of information carries with it a fine of up to $2,000 and imprisonment for up to two years.
The police further warned that unauthorised recipients should also not circulate the confidential information received, as they may be similarly liable under the Official Secrets Act.
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