Monday, February 3, 2020

'Singapore’s response to virus is testament to resilient society'

Source Website: https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/singapores-response-virus-testament-resilient-society
By Yip Wai Yee & Fabian Koh, The New Paper, 03 February 2020 at 06:00 am


Social and Family Development Minister Desmond Lee (middle) handing out masks at a Residents' Committee centre in Telok Blangah Drive yesterday.
PHOTO: Social and Family Development Minister Desmond Lee (middle) handing out masks at a Residents' Committee centre in Telok Blangah Drive yesterday.
TNP PHOTO: TIMOTHY DAVID
Picture posted by Yip Wai Yee & Fabian Koh, The New Paper on 03 February 2020 at 06:00 am

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https://www.tnp.sg/sites/default/files/styles/rl780/public/articles/2020/02/03/NP_20200203_TRWUHAN03CXXK_5422442.jpg?itok=mFWJsNFf
https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/singapores-response-virus-testament-resilient-society



6% of households received masks after first day of distribution, orderly collection lauded by ministers.

The disciplined and orderly way the public has responded to the islandwide mask distribution shows a society that is cohesive and resilient, said Communications and Information Minister S. Iswaran yesterday.

On the sidelines of a Chinese New Year celebration for residents at West Coast Vista Residents' Committee (RC) centre, Mr Iswaran said: "I've had many examples of people I've met who basically said they won't be collecting the masks because they have enough of their own, and that it's better to leave them for others who need it more.

 
"I think this speaks volumes about the kind of society that we are. This is something we should cherish and continue to reinforce in Singapore."

The Government said last Thursday that all 1.3 million households will get a pack of four masks each amid reports of shops running out of stock. Distribution began on Saturday and will end on Feb 9.



Residents collecting their masks from the mask collection counters at the Residents’ Committee centre at Block 47 Telok Blangah Drive on Feb 2, 2020.
PHOTO: Residents collecting their masks from the mask collection counters at the Residents’ Committee centre at Block 47 Telok Blangah Drive on Feb 2, 2020.
Other segments of society have also "risen to the challenge", Mr Iswaran added, including how Singapore Armed Forces personnel have helped to pack masks and how grassroots volunteers have assisted in terms of the outreach of the community.
ST PHOTO: TIMOTHY DAVID
Picture posted by Yip Wai Yee, The Straits Times on 02 February 2020 at 3:19 pm SGT

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https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/wuhan-virus-singapores-response-is-testament-to-a-cohesive-resilient-society



Around 6 per cent of all households had collected their masks by the end of distribution on Saturday, said Minister of Social and Family Development Desmond Lee at a separate event yesterday.

After visiting a mask collection centre at the RC centre at Block 47 Telok Blangah Drive, Mr Lee said: "People have been very calm.

 
"There's been a steady stream of Singaporeans and households collecting the masks. There aren't any reports of anxiety or distress."

He added that the authorities are pacing the distribution to ensure it is orderly.

There were almost no queues at collection centres visited by The Straits Times yesterday. There were more volunteers and staff manning the desks than residents queueing to collect masks.



There's been a steady stream of Singaporeans and households collecting the masks.
PHOTO: "There's been a steady stream of Singaporeans and households collecting the masks. There aren't any reports of anxiety or distress."
Picture posted by headtopics.com
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https://headtopics.com/sg/singapore-s-response-to-wuhan-virus-is-testament-to-a-cohesive-resilient-society-iswaran-11044469

WELL-ORGANISED
A 68-year-old housewife who wished to be known only as Madam Chan was pleasantly surprised she could collect her set of masks at West Coast Heights RC within minutes.

She said in Mandarin: "I thought there would be a crowd, because everyone kept saying the stores have run out of stock. I'm very happy with how well-organised this has been."

Any masks left over will be put to good use, said Mr Iswaran.

The Ministry of Health will decide on the next step in such a case, he said.



I thought there would be a crowd, because everyone kept saying the stores have run out of stock. I'm very happy with how well-organised this has been.
PHOTO: Madam Chan said in Mandarin: "I thought there would be a crowd, because everyone kept saying the stores have run out of stock. I'm very happy with how well-organised this has been."
Picture posted by Belinda, flipped into Exploring Singapore, channelnewsasia.com - Hougang Community Club opened its doors at 2pm on Saturday (Feb 1) for the first day of mask collection
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https://flipboard.com/topic/singapore/minimal-queues-thin-crowds-first-day-of-free-mask-collection-largely-proceeds-/a-H4QrbvfbQa-_MInWTmsK_g%3Aa%3A19488212-2607660560%2Fchannelnewsasia.com


"Clearly, our highest priority is to ensure our healthcare services are well supplied with these masks because they are at the front line in many ways, and therefore we need to ensure they are well resourced to do the job they're doing."

Staff from the Ministry of Social and Family Development have been visiting facilities such as pre-schools and homes for people with disabilities to support front-line officers.

Mr Iswaran said: "Our public sector, officials and various agencies have all had to respond to a very fast-evolving situation, and then come together with a very clear plan of action, and then execute.

 
"That, again, attests to the mettle of our society and our public service, notwithstanding the fluid nature of the situation."



Wuhan coronavirus
PHOTO: Wuhan coronavirus
Mr Iswaran said:
"Our public sector, officials and various agencies have all had to respond to a very fast-evolving situation, and then come together with a very clear plan of action, and then execute.
"That, again, attests to the mettle of our society and our public service, notwithstanding the fluid nature of the situation."
Picture posted by David Quammen, The New York Times
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https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/BBZsC6N.img
https://www.msn.com/en-nz/news/world/we-made-the-coronavirus-epidemic/ar-BBZpia7

 

When someone needs help. Help them just as God continually helps us.
PHOTO: When someone needs help. Help them just as God continually helps us. Do all things for God’s glory. We must humble ourselves before others and love one another.
It is sinful to be mean, proud, and selfish. We are to have a Christlike attitude. In all you do take others into consideration. When you want to hold a grudge with someone, forgive just like God forgave us. When someone is going through grief. Comfort them like God comforts us. [2]


"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4).
Picture by Edwin Georgi, Saturday Evening Post Illustration - “The Devil’s Stronghold” Original Magazine 1960
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https://www.1stdibs.com/art/paintings/portrait-paintings/edwin-georgi-saturday-evening-post-illustration-devils-stronghold-original-magazine/id-a_3806832/


By Yip Wai Yee & Fabian Koh, The New Paper, 03 February 2020 at 06:00 am
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Reference
[1] Yip Wai Yee & Fabian Koh, The New Paper, 'Singapore’s response to virus is testament to resilient society', posted on 03 February 2020 at 06:00 am, https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/singapores-response-virus-testament-resilient-society

[2] Fritz Chery, Being Considerate, posted on 01 January 2020, https://biblereasons.com/being-considerate/



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