Published: 14.04.2020, 15:14
2 min read
Singapore was one of the worst-hit countries during the initial COVID-19 outbreak. However, the nation quickly implemented a strict quarantine and surveillance system. Because the country is small and has few entry points, the virus can be contained more easily than in other nations. Currently, the situation is mostly under control. Singapore has a population of 5.6 million people, with only 1,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and 4 deaths.
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It is possible that Singapore has been so vigilant in their preventative actions because they have already experienced a similar outbreak. From 2002-2003, SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) killed 33 people within the nation. In 2006, Singapore’s Academy of Medicine reported that over 90% of SARS cases were transmitted within households and health-care settings. During the outbreak, Singapore did not have enough hospital isolation rooms, and it was clear that the tiny country didn’t have the medical infrastructure necessary to contain an epidemic. So, over the following years, isolation hospitals were constructed.
Regardless of Singapore’s vigilant containment measures, its health care infrastructure is once again straining to maintain efficiency. On Wednesday, April 1st, Singapore reported a jump in cases from 74 to 1,000 infections.
Reports show that over 70% of these cases were domestic. In addition to this, many of the infected people had not interacted with previous cases. This shows that there will be more positive diagnoses in the future because it is being spread within the community.
Michael Osterholm, who studies infectious diseases at UM (University of Missouri), said that Singapore has had one of the world’s best approaches to confronting the coronavirus. Because Singapore’s infection rate is jumping, the rest of the world can see that the virus is incredibly difficult to contain.
Kenneth Mak, who is one of Singapore’s best medical experts, acknowledged that the increased infection rate is concerning. He stated that country officials will monitor trending data in order to determine which prevention measures need to be adjusted.
With the rise in infections within Singapore, businesses are taking additional measures to protect their customers. For instance, the country’s two integrated resorts (Resorts World Sentosa and Marina Bay Sands) are restricting access to their properties. Marina Bay Sands will only allow members with Gold status or higher to enter the premises. Similarly, Resorts World Sentosa members may only come on the property if they have a Genting Rewards card. In addition to these restrictions, properties are monitoring their visitors to ensure that there is only one person per 16 sq. meters of space. The staff at both locations have also increased their cleaning and disinfection procedures.
Marina Bay Sands made a public statement apologizing to potential patrons for these new regulatory measures. The representative continued on to say that these measures are necessary to combat the COVID-19 situation.
