The text is concise but clear – the case tally for the day, followed by a breakdown according to the source of infection, and a rare instance when a nil return is greatly welcomed. This clear and factual text is an embodiment of Singapore’s strategy in fighting the menace of COVID-19, an effort which has been led by the Ministry of Health (MOH).
One of the first countries outside of China to have been hit, Singapore has been imperilled by this contagion since end-January 2020. There was much anxiety early on, but MOH’s efforts to ensure clear lines of communication to healthcare professionals and to the broader public ensured that accurate information was made readily available, and fake news and hyperbole were kept at bay. The escalation of the Disease Outbreak Response System Condition to Orange in February, after community spread was detected, was in step with measures to channel more resources into the fight to contain the virus’ spread and to allow for greater protection of vulnerable groups.
Simultaneously, testing capabilities were ramped up. Certain Public Health Preparedness Clinics and GPs allowed for testing of those with acute respiratory symptoms under the Swab and Send Home scheme. This readily accessible and aggressive testing strategy allowed for cases to be picked up and isolated, and thus mitigated viral spread. MOH’s intensive contact tracing policy also won it many global plaudits. As February turned to March, Singapore seemed to have turned the corner in its pandemic fight.
However, COVID-19 is an insidious thing, and before long, the virus began spreading within densely populated foreign worker dormitories. With hundreds of cases being charted each day, it was a truly trying time for the country. What followed next was an impressive coordinated effort to stem the spread of the virus – by having even more aggressive testing, sequestering those who had been exposed or who tested positive, treating the ill in secure facilities, and introducing whole-country efforts to check any viral spread. There was also a requisitioning of public facilities and healthcare staff to manage the thousands who were ill. With these intensive efforts, culminating in the two-month long circuit breaker, Singapore was able to bring the virus under control.
Perhaps the greatest testament to MOH’s efforts in fighting COVID-19 is where Singapore is now. The battle is far from over, but as it stands, our case numbers are low, and community spread is minimal. We are now on the cusp of a national vaccination programme, with vaccinations slated to be provided to all Singaporeans free of charge. While many societies have spoken of virus containment and herd immunity, Singapore has instead aimed for total viral elimination, and the fact that this remains very much a possibility speaks volumes of the impressive efforts made by Singaporeans, and its leader – the Ministry of Health, during this healthcare crisis.
