Covid-19: Community Transmission in S’pore Is Low & Not Hidden, According to MOH

When the coronavirus first landed on Singapore’s shores, the number of daily infections was hardly worrying.

But, little did we know, the virus was spreading stealthily and rapidly in dormitories, all while we were congratulating ourselves for keeping it at bay.

Now, with low numbers being reported again, many are worried that there may be another group in the community that we’ve overlooked, and that infections will spike once more.

But, fortunately, it doesn’t seem like that’s the case.

Covid-19: Community Transmission in S’pore Is Low & Not Hidden, According to MOH

There are “very low prevalence rates” in the community, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) after over 10,000 taxi and private-hire drivers tested negative for Covid-19.

These drivers were tested at temporary swab sites such as taxi depots and regional screening centres between 8 Sep and 22 Sep.

Over 750 stallholders and food delivery personnel in Marine Parade were also tested on 19 and 20 Sep, with all of their tests turning up negative.

These voluntary tests are part of the government’s plans to offer Covid-19 testing to community groups such as taxi drivers, food delivery workers, and stallholders at hawker centres, markets, and coffee shops.

This one-time test would be free, as the cost will be borne by the government.

Back in August, MOH explained the move: “These tests will be offered to these groups to provide a better picture of population prevalence and facilitate the early containment of any cryptic cases in the community”.

Plans to Expand Testing

According to CNA, this is part of the government’s plans to expand the Covid-19 testing regime.

In addition to surveillance testing for those above the age of 12 who are diagnosed with an acute respiratory infection, groups such as pre-school teachers, residents and employees of elderly homes were also tested.

And while most of the current tests are PCR (polymerase chain reaction) tests, Education Minister Lawrence Wong said the country is exploring new methods of testing.

“If these tests could be made available, we could consider, even during Phase three, some additional liberalisation and further resumption of activities”.

Easing of Measures

But don’t make plans for a KTV session just yet; we still have a long way to go till our shift to Phase 3.

The government has, however, decided to ease even more Covid-19 restrictions.

For one, employers can now call their employees back to the workplace, though working from home is still the default.

The employer must make sure, however, that the employer works from home for at least half of their workweek.

Capacity limits for worship services, wedding receptions, and cinemas will also increase, according to MOH.

And from Nov 2020, the authorities will allow wedding receptions organised by a registered wedding organiser to take place at HDB void decks, as part of a pilot scheme.

It sounds like life’s returning to normal, but this is when the coronavirus is most dangerous.

So keep your guard up, maintain good hygiene, and organise home KTV sessions with your friends over Zoom.

It may not be as fun, but it’s certainly safer.

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