A sudden spike in COVID-19 cases in countries that have recently emerged from lockdowns is now sparking concerns of a possible resurgence in coronavirus infections.
Globally, many are fixated on the number of daily reported cases as they are often regarded as indicators of second waves of infection, which may potentially lead to lockdowns.
“However, the measure of a country’s ability to manage the COVID-19 outbreak goes beyond a simplistic focus on daily case numbers – an indicator which dangerously ignores the impact of the outbreak on the economy and livelihoods when considered in isolation,” wrote Dean, Professor Teo Yik Ying in a commentary highlighting seven indicators to holistically evaluate a country’s effort in COVID-19 containment.
These indicators include contact tracing, protecting healthcare workers and the vulnerable, minimising deaths, financial help for people and businesses, and a good supply chain.
While it appears that Singapore has fared reasonably well up to this point, we must recognise that the road ahead is long. We must remain vigilant and cautious because every victory that we have gained in this pandemic has been hard-earned, and moving forward, how long we can celebrate or enjoy each victory hinges on our collective civic-mindedness, conscientiousness and care for our community.
We should all remember this as we ease into phase two.
Read the full commentary here