Half a year after the first COVID-19 case was confirmed in Singapore, what are some of the lessons learnt so far and how can these shape the way we tackle the pandemic moving forward?
The Straits Times held a webinar to examine this with an expert panel comprising Dean, Professor Teo Yik Ying, Professor Dale Fisher and Professor Ooi Eng Eong.
Held on 23 July, the hour-long webinar was moderated by senior health correspondent Salma Khalik and saw over 1,000 participants.
A broad scope of topics relating to COVID-19 was discussed, including the current situation in Singapore, questions surrounding vaccines and herd immunity, and recreational travel.
“At the end of the day, the control of COVID isn’t going to rely on vaccines, it isn’t going to rely on drugs, it isn’t going to rely on measures like social distancing alone,” said Prof Ooi, who is deputy director of Duke-NUS Medical School’s emerging infectious diseases programme.
“It’s probably a combination of everything that we can throw at this virus.”
The panel was optimistic that Singapore can avoid a second wave of infections, as long as people do not take unnecessary risks, like gathering in large groups for parties or meals.
Pointing to countries that have experienced a resurgence, Prof Teo noted that some flare-ups had been linked to instances of protocols being disregarded.
“In Singapore, I would like to be a little bit more optimistic. Presently, our rules are still very well kept to,” said Prof Teo. “If you are on stay-home notice, you are required to spend 14 days (at home) after you return from travel overseas, and people generally follow these rules. Social distancing, mask wearing, I could see when I am out in public places, most people follow these rules very properly.”
Prof Fisher, senior infectious diseases consultant at National University Hospital, added that it is not just about the numbers. He noted that in Melbourne the number of cases declined because of lockdowns, but soon after they were lifted, many nursing homes, meat-packing plants and other places reported new cases.
He said what is more important is a strong public health response and good community behaviour, and Singapore can tick these boxes.
“It is very important to keep people on track. When you start changing the community behaviour by loosening restrictions, that is when you take the risk,” he added.
Watch the full webinar here:
Media coverage:
- Effective vaccine and treatment, and individual action key to stem Covid-19 transmission, say experts, The Straits Times, 23 July 2020
- Coronavirus: Experts pinpoint how Singapore can avoid a second wave of infection, The Straits Times, 23 July 2020
- Singapore can avoid second wave if people play their part: Experts, The Straits Times, 24 July 2020
- Vaccine not a cure-all for Covid-19, experts caution, The Straits Times, 24 July 2020
- Vaccine alone is not enough to overcome Covid-19, say experts, The New Paper, 24 July 2020
- Coronavirus: Important to consider who will get vaccination priority, The Straits Times, 24 July 2020
- Coronavirus: Leisure travel unlikely this year or in early 2021 as countries play safe, The Straits Times, 24 July 2020
- Recreational travel this year or early next year unlikely: Expert, The New Paper, 24 July 2020
- On Covid-19 data, experts may sometimes differ, The Straits Times Commentary, 24 July 2020
- 本地冠病疫苗最快明年7月问市 专家：不代表疫情就会结束, Lianhe Zaobao, 24 July 2020