25/04/2021
Dear patients and friend, just some personal thoughts about the pandemic situation currently in Singapore.
As you can clearly see, there are increasingly more cases of community spread in Singapore over the past couple of weeks. This is due to the variant strains of COVID19 reaching Singapore which are more highly transmissible and virulent. I would like to implore everyone not to be complacent and to be extra vigilant because it is likely over the next 2-6 weeks that we will see more clusters forming in the community.
1. Mask wearing is vital - the surgical mask is better than the cloth mask. Ensure that it is well fitted covering your nose and mouth at all times
2. Good hand hygiene - wash frequently with soap and use hand sanitizer when washing is not possible. Try not to touch public surfaces (use an antibacterial wipe). Even the knuckle bumping as a way of greeting should be avoided.
3. Social distancing is key. Try to limit social interaction as much as possible at least for the next few weeks until the situation is better. Try not to meet friends over meals for a while. If you have to eat in public, eat quickly then put your mask back on
4. If offered, please get vaccinated as quickly as possible. Vaccination will still protect you from the original strain of COVID19, and if you are infected with a variant form of COVID19, it does seem like your symptoms of the disease may be milder. So vaccination is still very important. Vaccination is as safe as it can be. Catching the COVID19 is far worse.
5. If you are unwell with even one of the symptoms (fever more than 37.5 degrees celcius OR cough OR runny nose OR sore throat OR loss of smell OR aching bones), isolate yourself and see a doctor as soon as possible. You may have to get a swab, but the swab is not painful and the results are often received within 24 hours. It is a small price to pay for peace of mind and to keep yourself and your family safe 😊
I hope this helps. Take care and keep safe. Protect yourselves and your family.
