Interesting Green: Singapore gives coronavirus frontliners a round of applause

Source Website: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-gives-coronavirus-frontliners-a-round-of-applause
By Olivia Ho,The Straits Times, 30 March 2020

PHOTO: Siblings Lucas Low, four; and Hayley Low, eight; clapping in appreciation of Covid-19 frontline workers, at Cantonment Road on March 30, 2020.
Photo by The Straits Times
Picture posted by Olivia Ho,The Straits Times on 30 March 2020 at 8:59 pm SGT
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiA8_6-iNTUI_GvzeaqAMIHY6pH0SJgqEN7SabaWGQL-ZH_ur2lkUk74rz1BpJ72wkJrjsCr-SWinHTNBmSsl5CvZ9knLeZDzB41AT2zRV3X8j8QkgPr39X1Ed0xLJbvVY9kRaCVyr0w/s1600/photo6055142995705047462.jpg
https://www.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_pictrure_780x520_/public/articles/2020/03/30/photo6055142995705047462.jpg?itok=YJf5eEXN&timestamp=1585576853
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-gives-coronavirus-frontliners-a-round-of-applause

SINGAPORE - At 8pm on Monday night (March 30), applause rang out across the rooftops of Singapore.

The ovation was part of Clap For #SGUnited, a campaign to get the public to show their appreciation for those on the frontlines of the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Whether from their windows, doors or balconies, people clapped, cheered, sang Ole and even banged saucepans.

PHOTO: Residents of Pinnacle@Duxton applauding in appreciation of Covid-19 frontline workers on March 30, 2020.
ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH
Picture posted by Olivia Ho,The Straits Times on 30 March 2020 at 8:59 pm SGT
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ5MS5WApexFCLSm2t9XWBZD1qPbnrzLdelF-HwmcUUxZjJKgK_OvBn7zA0662i8VYIb0Uz-k58msQdV0b3eauVZeMSJqYn5CEOw0dZNW5MwrB5LTfn5adbDwS5DzDYt5_xrIXXJH_3pM/s1600/photo6055142995705047465.jpg
https://www.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_pictrure_780x520_/public/articles/2020/03/30/photo6055142995705047465.jpg?itok=CVGSOqEi&timestamp=1585573759
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-gives-coronavirus-frontliners-a-round-of-applause

The call was started over the weekend by British expatriate Martin Verga, who works in finance and has lived in Singapore for 10 years.

He was inspired by #ClapforNHS, which saw millions of Britons applauding National Health Service staff last Thursday, and wanted to do the same for workers here.

"For the doctors, nurses, carers, emergency services, delivery workers, warehouse workers, cleaners, supermarket staff and everyone else keeping Singapore safe and stocked at this time," he wrote on Facebook. "We will be forever grateful."

PHOTO: "For the doctors, nurses, carers, emergency services, delivery workers, warehouse workers, cleaners, supermarket staff and everyone else keeping Singapore safe and stocked at this time," Martin Verga wrote on Facebook. "We will be forever grateful."
Picture posted by Celine Tan, Today on 17 February, 2020 - Senior pediatric emergency specialist and mum of six Jade Kua, 41, tells 8days.sg about life on the frontlines and how healthcare workers like herself are coping with the stresses of the fight against the coronavirus.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqk6NWf-b_XxWBLltsIUKhlnBFBnlMq6JztDfjZXuOaNtGKnzejj9OmYteCGYr6fI-LXoZE9JsvyY_tFCFkwgN7c98OY1UmiY0iuzOB1VVVFQ66wyLiNJRzH7ahD2Ltrn30z2OqhzRZoM/s1600/jade-kua-1.jpg
https://www.8days.sg/image/12444330/3x4/1440/1920/a9f0823ff3656007d6b9132d64cc188c/DM/jade-kua-1.jpg
https://www.todayonline.com/8days/liveandlearn/vanityandhealth/hospital-doctor-battling-covid-19-frontlines-shares-how-fake

Mr Verga, 30, does not know exactly how many people responded to his call, though as of 8pm last night, 4,600 people had indicated they would join his event on Facebook and the comments section was filled with videos of people clapping.

"Novena was amazing," he said of the response in his own neighbourhood. "So many claps, saucepans banging."

At 8pm, the cheers and claps rang out in spots across the island, from Pasir Ris to Bishan.

PHOTO: Residents of a condominium in Cairnhill applauding in appreciation of Covid-19 frontline workers on March 30, 2020.
"Novena was amazing," Martin Verga said of the response in his own neighbourhood. "So many claps, saucepans banging." At 8pm, the cheers and claps rang out in spots across the island, from Pasir Ris to Bishan.
ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
Picture posted by Olivia Ho,The Straits Times on 30 March 2020 at 8:59 pm SGT
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWJxVYkntEV6n_IJNi6wx1un0s9J4FJyN6LGLbdppqxvyodaHG8ORQ4Nl86mFKK53soe-m0bHMlPJ0YUrYCNtMWC6FW_czVE7aNpn2GEAUxLS2YLhn04bGDc53DFRem_K5k5BNGkK8gPg/s1600/photo6057394795518732641.jpg
https://www.straitstimes.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_pictrure_780x520_/public/articles/2020/03/30/photo6057394795518732641.jpg?itok=IrnFgkN2&timestamp=1585574323
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-gives-coronavirus-frontliners-a-round-of-applause

Real estate consultant Chan Yee Yin, 50, saw the event as a chance to educate her children about the strength of community spirit and asked three generations of her family - from her parents to her five-year-old nephew and her elder daughter in Melbourne - to join in the clapping. "It's a small thing we can do to show our appreciation."

PHOTO: "That’s amazingly sweet, when I gave them the flowers, they were so happy. The screeners get yelled at sometimes when they detect that people have fevers and ask them to go to certain areas. You don't really see the patients thanking them or anything like that."
Picture posted by Celine Tan, Today on 17 February, 2020
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKFqFVECzF3f534h-hyXWJrATRn78VspElE9QWKc64MCDhpMDsRBH3tfl3_yHHqNFpPyZpUW7MXTZ262WbY6V4XcNLY95hc_q6lBy2Lq2RTgRvdHBkv3OmPS3bbbI46_deUVhDMpGEx0/s1600/jade-kua-6.jpg
https://www.8days.sg/image/12444328/3x4/1440/1920/7b861e239e60ad64114f32d24ea3c1f1/Uh/jade-kua-6.jpg
https://www.todayonline.com/8days/liveandlearn/vanityandhealth/hospital-doctor-battling-covid-19-frontlines-shares-how-fake

Author Eva Wong Nava, 51, heard about the event from a friend and shared it with many in her network. "I thought it was such a wonderful way to show support for the key workers who are keeping us safe, alive and comfortable in this trying time," she said.

Her sister is a doctor in the United States and her husband's family live in Bergamo, Italy, which has been devastated by the coronavirus. She says she clapped for her loved ones too, and for those who are risking their lives to keep them safe. "This virus needs a united humanity to stand together."

PHOTO: Author Eva Wong Nava, 51, heard about the event from a friend and shared it with many in her network. Her sister is a doctor in the United States and her husband's family live in Bergamo, Italy, which has been devastated by the coronavirus. She says she clapped for her loved ones too, and for those who are risking their lives to keep them safe. "This virus needs a united humanity to stand together."
Picture posted by nabey on 12 January 2007
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirP5hNdz2jz9JDhOVfUoRDWeKG66emzm-Wwp4n03sfeBEsc1kJ47VRx50tHwrbZOZpW-2-AcRl0nICQd6QK6kdY0Ab4dG7H9gwD7Tbi0JKjM2OJBfdSSHIV2EBkoDCAPl6So7oPy3bH6s/s1600/drogei-cce4562b-b5a9-45b0-8a8e-be2ee6c30230.jpg
https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/28776b82-6d9a-4a47-b5b4-a936d0e79b66/drogei-cce4562b-b5a9-45b0-8a8e-be2ee6c30230.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOjdlMGQxODg5ODIyNjQzNzNhNWYwZDQxNWVhMGQyNmUwIiwiaXNzIjoidXJuOmFwcDo3ZTBkMTg4OTgyMjY0MzczYTVmMGQ0MTVlYTBkMjZlMCIsIm9iaiI6W1t7InBhdGgiOiJcL2ZcLzI4Nzc2YjgyLTZkOWEtNGE0Ny1iNWI0LWE5MzZkMGU3OWI2NlwvZHJvZ2VpLWNjZTQ1NjJiLWI1YTktNDViMC04YThlLWJlMmVlNmMzMDIzMC5qcGcifV1dLCJhdWQiOlsidXJuOnNlcnZpY2U6ZmlsZS5kb3dubG9hZCJdfQ.cNmUsPAmod-SGETQBja9oHJS_eZNBtnkawF9Xb_gqJA
https://www.deviantart.com/nabey/art/emotions-46490634

A 31-year-old healthcare worker who gave his name as Kai said coming home to the clapping was very encouraging. "It does brighten me up a little after a long day at work."

PHOTO: A 31-year-old healthcare worker who gave his name as Kai said coming home to the clapping was very encouraging. "It does brighten me up a little after a long day at work."
There are good people out there. It was very uplifting and wonderful, and I think now there's a little bit more awareness as well. Some people are writing notes and posting them online and it's very lovely to see. It's nice to just feel the love. We definitely feel some positive vibes.

I joined in the clapping. After clapping for 50 times, my hands became painful and was unable to carry on. Deep in my heart I realise how those in the front line would have suffered. They tolled hours after hours, days after days, and for many days. Lacked of rest, sleep, drinks, and proper meals. Every moment on their feet, scrambling to attend to one patient after another. Yet they carried on their tasks, and still got oppressed, screamed at, and at time faced nasty reactions from the general public. They knew that a better tomorrow is a long time to come, and the situation can only get worse. Yet they bear with their pains knowing that their efforts are necessary during this trying time. Their silent sacrifices comes with great agony which only those in the same industry would appreciate. Yet they accept the challenges to provide their healthcare services. I hope our small gesture of appreciation can be a source of comfort and encouragement during this difficult time.

"Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well." (3 John 1:2).

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." (John 15:12).

Picture posted by DBS Bank Ltd - We’re in this together. Free COVID-19 Hospital Cash Insurance. Sign up by 31 March 2020
gif file generated by Animated Images Effects Generator at http://www.webestools.com/animated-images-effect-generator-effects-gif-images-picture-blog-gif-fx-images-animated-effect.html
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJYlTmNDxp2VIWj4S9zfZjW2hPDray-MNqNbj7_SyOQ8OWh0DNtAHl8EBbFm3uPt8g20y7D75fHcLZ77F7q-QFY0YapIAziEO9zfOG09eM9BOVbV9VK-7CTaFv1xFA0RxnNZ0ufu78g8/s1600/pweb-1404x630_1.png
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp7Im2avRIIQ8Jw-EhPb578QaOrnWesyt3oTxuMcOdCtN1n-s9BOrHxXXrCbtOQBh9OzMIULSYmIw_woZQ1uRKUYYLf6JIKbk8EtS4VulFgYhR7yF8fBo-Kj2U22sl5Deg16eh3VWFe44/s1600/pweb-1404x630_1.gif
https://www.dbs.com.sg/iwov-resources/media/images/insurance/protection/COVID-19-Hospital-Cash/pweb-1404x630.jpg
https://www.dbs.com.sg/personal/insurance/protection/protection-plans/covid-19-hospital-cash?cid=sg:en:cbg:cen:dis:ob:pst:nt:hcash:covid-19_insurance:ron:na&dclid=COa97bWuxOgCFYOoaAodys4Jgg

By Olivia Ho,The Straits Times, 30 March 2020
This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.

Other stories

Staff at Alexandra Hospital explain urgent need to adapt amid Covid-19, posted on Monday, 30 March 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/03/staff-at-alexandra-hospital-explain.html

Coronavirus: China marks major milestone with zero domestic infections, posted on Saturday, 21 March 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/03/coronavirus-china-marks-major-milestone.html

Japan trip disrupted? View Gardens’ cherry blossom, posted on Thursday, 12 March 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/03/japan-trip-disrupted-view-gardens.html

Women wear surgical masks to party at Zouk, shows that life goes on, posted on Saturday, 07 March 2020

https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/03/women-wear-surgical-masks-to-party-at.html

The difference between the cold and the flu, posted on Friday, 28 February 2020

https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/the-difference-between-cold-and-flu.html

900 Carousell users join movement to give away free masks and supplies, posted on Friday, 28 February 2020

https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/900-carousell-users-join-movement-to.html

'Nobody knows I work in healthcare': SGH visitor registration staff shares what it's like to work at the frontline, posted on Wednesday, 26 February 2020

https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/nobody-knows-i-work-in-healthcare-sgh.html

S-hook lady gets real on how Singaporeans are reacting to coronavirus outbreak, posted on Tuesday, 25 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/s-hook-lady-gets-real-on-how.html

Lerine Yeo flaunted 'big burden', posted on Sunday, 07 October 2018
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/lerine-yeo-flaunted-big-burden.html

I'll never eat luncheon meat again thanks to S-hook lady posted on Monday, 01 October 2018
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/ill-never-eat-luncheon-meat-again.html

Singapore's most famous auntie declares war on coronavirus with song, posted on Friday, 21 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/singapores-most-famous-auntie-declares.html

Opinion: I have seen nurses abused and it must stop, posted on Saturday, February 15, 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/opinion-i-have-seen-nurses-abused-and.html

Diary of a coronavirus survivor: Wuhan nurse claims she recovered from virus at home, posted on Friday, 14 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/diary-of-coronavirus-survivor-wuhan.html

Support healthcare workers, don't shun them: Gan Kim Yong, posted on Thursday, 13 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/support-healthcare-workers-dont-shun.html

This made my day: 2 girls deliver comfort food to cheer hospital staff on, posted on Wednesday, 12 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/this-made-my-day-2-girls-deliver.html

Climate, immunity, incompetence? Indonesia's zero recorded coronavirus cases raise questions, posted on Monday, 10 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/climate-immunity-incompetence.html

This made my day: Woman gives out ginger tea with surgical masks – and other kind acts during virus outbreak, posted on Tuesday, 04 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/this-made-my-day-woman-gives-out-ginger.html

'Singapore’s response to virus is testament to resilient society', posted on Monday, 03 February 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/02/singapores-response-to-virus-is.html

Public should use surgical masks, not N95 masks, to guard against Wuhan virus spread: Experts , posted on Wednesday, 29 January 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/01/public-should-use-surgical-masks-not.html

Reference

[1] Olivia Ho, The Straits Times, Singapore gives coronavirus frontliners a round of applause, posted on 30 March 2020, https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapore-gives-coronavirus-frontliners-a-round-of-applause

New International Version (NIV), Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

3 John 1:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=3+John+1%3A2&version=NIV

John 15:12 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+15%3A12&version=NIV