Seeing the drastic measures countries are taking with the #coronavirus, I'm so grateful to be an overseas Filipino worker in Singapore at this time. The SG gov't is calm, assuring, and because they did not underestimate the virus from the beginning, is in control.
In Singapore, I am assured of free medical treatment in a public hospital if I were to contract the virus. There have been a total of 178 cases in Singapore with 0 dead. I know this because I get a message on WhatsApp from the gov't with daily updates. #coronavirus
The Singapore govt's transparency is crucial in gaining the public's trust that everything is under control. They are meticulous in tracing the virus and know exactly where patients came from and who they had contact with. That makes me feel safe. #coronavirus
There is quarantine for people showing symptoms, but not over the top cancellation of activities. For example, senior-centric activities by govt agencies are suspended for 14 days, but others are business as usual. It's because they know which populations are at risk #coronavirus
When Singaporeans were panic buying and hoarding toilet paper weeks ago, the govt straight up said it was a dumb move. And people listened. Now groceries are heavily stocked. Community engagement is crucial but it is only effective if it trusts its leaders. #coronavirus
The success of SG also makes me sad though, since I see what's happening at home in the PH and the sentiment isn't the same. People don't trust the govt to care for them, with good reason. There's a lack of transparency + tracing is weeks late. Govt got complacent. #coronavirus
Here's the thing though: SG is NOT doing anything special. The protocol for any outbreak is THE SAME. It's very simply early case detection, aggressive and thorough contact tracing, and isolation or quarantine. The difference is SG is coordinated and doing it well. #coronavirus
It is replicable. All countries CAN do it with proper govt leadership and teamwork. ONLY when the virus gets out of control is when more extreme societal measures are taken like stopping public gatherings. But it won't get there if it was taken seriously from day 1. #coronavirus
I spoke to infectious disease expert Dr. Dale Fisher, and he said: There is nothing special about the measures taken in Singapore. It’s really about how you implement them. Singapore has implemented them well, stringently, and thoroughly. #coronavirus
Here's the full article. Dr. Fisher talks about where he thinks this virus will go and what crucial factors spell the difference between successful containment and widespread transmission: #coronavirus vice.com/en_asia/articl…
Also, I hope that seeing high-profile athletes, celebrities and politicians make us realize that NO ONE IS IMMUNE to this virus. So stay safe friends, take care of each other, and please follow govt protocols. #coronavirus
In short, wag tatanga-tanga. Applicable 'to sa ating lahat... at syempre sa gobyerno. Pag may symptoms o may sakit, wag lalabas. Para sa gobyerno, please lang po, hindi 'to rocket science. May modelo na, gayahin niyo lang po. #coronavirus
