It seems that Singapore has come up with an impromptu answer to the recent Covid-19 clusters.
When in doubt, simply test more.
And no, I’m not jesting.
Testing for Covid-19 will no longer be limited to just potential new cases.
Instead, they will also be jabbing up the noses of those who appear well, in a bid to cap virus transmission.
As PM Lee stated, testing may soon become the “new normal”.
More Routine COVID-19 Tests to be Conducted
Earlier today (31 May 2021), PM Lee (and the task force, of course) announced that testing will steadily take on a preventive nature.
Instead of waiting for new cases to emerge, they will now be testing in a more liberal and extensive manner to cap virus transmission at a minimum.
“We will not only test to identify infections when a new case pops up,” PM Lee said.
“We will also routinely and regularly test people who appear well, in normal work or social or community settings, to make these places safe.”
With extensive testing, larger-scale events such as football games, concerts and wedding receptions will also be able to carry on with greater confidence.
“Therefore, you should expect routine, large-scale, fast and simple testing to be part of our new normal,” he said.
PM Lee also added that rostered routine testing is already a thing here, with higher-risk settings such as migrant worker dormitories, construction worksites and hospitals employing regular testing measures.
“With faster, cheaper tests, we can do routine testing at more work places, like offices, restaurants and shopping mall,” said Mr Lee.
“We can also routinely test individuals whose occupations involve close contact with many people, and could result in superspreading events.”
Though speculative for now, the likes of taxi drivers, bus captains, masseurs, sports and fitness instructors as well as educators could possibly undergo regular testing.
DIY Test Kits Will Be Available in Pharmacies
Thankfully, it appears that though testing may become the “new normal”, uncomfortable feelings may not have to follow suit.
This is because of the simplistic do-it-yourself Covid-19 test kits, which will soon be pushed out at local pharmacies.
Touted as simple to utilise and comparatively less uncomfortable, these kits can even be bought over the counter to minimise spread.
PM Lee said: “These alternatives to PCR tests help us detect and isolate people quickly when they are most infectious. This will be a big help in slowing down the spread of Covid-19.”
The kits will join the ranks of other local testing options, such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and the antigen rapid tests (ART).
To know more about what these two tests are, watch this video to the end:
More testing options also remain on the horizon for possible implementation, such as saliva tests and wastewater surveillance tests.
“We have been using some of these, and evaluating others, for some time. Each of these new tests is suited to different use cases,” PM Lee said.
And by the way, if you need an example of this new normal, hear this: today, all residents from another HDB block are required to do testing (again). This month alone, this has happened to three blocks.
Featured Image: aslysun / Shutterstock.com