Amidst a surge in COVID-19 cases, the Ministry of Health (MOH) in Singapore has issued a strong advisory, encouraging the public to wear face masks in crowded places for everyone. The announcement was made during the December 15 briefing. The move comes as the estimated number of COVID-19 cases from December 3 to 9 witnessed a substantial 75 percent increase, soaring to 56,043 cases from the previous week’s 32,035.
The Ministry of Health emphasizes the need for personal and social responsibility, urging individuals with acute respiratory infection symptoms to stay home and avoid contact with others.
For those embarking on year-end travel, travelers are advised to implement necessary precautions, including wearing masks at airports, securing travel insurance, and steering clear of crowded areas with inadequate ventilation.
For further details, please refer to the MOH’s Health Advisory for Travelers.
Reinforcing the importance of responsible behavior, the ministry discourages unnecessary visits to the hospital’s emergency department, reserving such facilities for serious or life-threatening emergencies. This strategy aims to preserve hospital capacity for critical cases, ensuring timely treatment for those with severe illnesses.
As Singapore faces this challenging phase of the pandemic, the MOH emphasizes the need for collective responsibility and adherence to safety measures, particularly the wearing of masks in crowded places. The Ministry’s proactive measures aim to curb the spread of the virus and protect public health during these critical times.
Preventive Measures Against COVID-19
To curb the transmission of COVID-19, it is crucial to adhere to various preventive measures. These include:
Frequent Handwashing: Regularly wash your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water. This practice effectively eliminates the virus that may be present on your hands.
Social Distancing: Given that COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes, maintaining social distancing is essential. Keep a distance of at least 3 feet when meeting others to minimize exposure to potentially infected individuals.
Avoid Touching Face: Refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, especially after being outside or interacting with others during quarantine. Hands can easily pick up the virus from surfaces, posing a risk of transmission into your body. Always sanitize and wash your hands promptly upon returning home.
Travel Precautions: Minimize travel. In case your travel is already booked, ensure to choose places and stays where Covid Guidelines are being followed. Keep a track of the travel advisory issued by the Ministry of Health before your travels.
Respiratory Etiquette: Practice proper respiratory etiquette by covering your mouth or nose with your bent elbow or a disposable tissue when coughing or sneezing. This reduces the spread of respiratory droplets that can transmit the virus.
