SINGAPORE – Singapore is entering a trying period in its fight against Covid-19, with daily cases expected to continue rising for some weeks, the healthcare system remaining under pressure, and the Delta virus variant slowed but not stopped.
But with each passing day, Singapore is getting stronger, more resilient, and more ready to live with the virus in its midst – and this “new normal” is anywhere from three to six months away, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Saturday (Oct 9).
He was giving a speech to the nation on the Covid-19 situation.
Daily new caseloads in Singapore have stayed above the 3,000 mark for four days straight, and around 1,000 since mid-September.
Although almost all cases are asymptomatic or mild, deaths have been reported for 19 days in a row, taking the toll to 142 as at Friday.
PM Lee noted that the current surge would level off at some point, with infections starting to dip hopefully within a month or so.
And as pressure on the healthcare system eases, restrictions can be relaxed – but cautiously, to avoid starting a new wave again.
Singapore is almost halfway through a month-long stabilisation phase from Sept 27 to Oct 25, with reinstated restrictions on gathering sizes and working from home becoming the default again.
“We must protect our healthcare system and workers at all costs, in order to get through the pandemic safely,” said PM Lee.
“Let me say this to all our healthcare workers: I know the enormous stress you are under, and the heavy load that you bear. You have been fighting so hard, for so long.
“Now we are going through perhaps the most difficult phase of our journey. But it will not last indefinitely. After this surge peaks, things should get better,” he added.
“We are doing all we can to protect you and the healthcare system as we go through this wave. If we don’t protect you, you can’t protect us.”
“On behalf of all Singaporeans, I thank you all. We are with you, and will give you our fullest support.”
