Reporters : Huang Beiying, Li Yuanyi, Su Wenqi
Publisher : Lianhe Zaobao
Ref : https://www.zaobao.com.sg/znews/singapore/story20200519-1054296
Translation, editing : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
Lianhe Zaobao invited infectious disease experts to classify virus transmission according to the risk level of individual activities, and found that attending relatives and friends with more than 10 people, going to nightclubs, massage parlours and gyms are "high-risk" activities; eating in dining places, going to a barber shop and a nail salon is of "moderate risk"; going to a supermarket, shopping mall, park, etc. is of "low risk".
Leong Hoe Nam, a specialist in infectious diseases at Elizabeth Novena Hospital, explained that the efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 transmission mainly depends on the number of people and whether safety distance measures are implemented. In addition to being able to spread through surface contact with objects, some social activities such as hugging and singing can also increase the risk of virus transmission.
Regarding going to supermarkets, wet markets, retail malls and stores, although experts generally believe that it is a low-risk activity, Leong Hoe Nam said that after all, such indoor places have less air circulation and viruses are more likely to survive, and the risk should be of a moderate level.
However, experts also reminded that such risk levels are based on subjective standards, not absolute standards. Huang Chengyou, a specialist in infectious diseases at Gleneagles Medical Hospital, pointed out that even in low-risk situations, if anyone does anything out of the ordinary, it can significantly increase the risk, and vice versa.
For example, he said that watching a football match in a crowded stadium is a high-risk event, but if you can limit the number of spectators and discourage players from hugging each other after scoring, you can reduce the risk.
Associate Dean (Research) Associate Professor (Study) Alex Cook of the School of Public Health at the National University of Singapore also pointed out that ideally, if the risks of each activity are energetized, it will naturally be easier to decide when to resume which activities, but currently there is no sufficient evidence in this regard. So it is still wise to gradually open up different activities.
After the "circuit breaker" period, the measures will be relaxed, but the possibility of virus infection will increase. If the epidemic worsens again, in the worst case, Singapore may have to implement an additional round of virus blocking measures.
Therefore, individual places should still restrict the flow of people to control risks. Huang Chengyou suggested that dining places should limit the length of time that diners can stay, because diners cannot wear masks all the time and gymnasiums should ensure continuous disinfection of equipment.
The above interviewed experts pointed out that the risks of virus transmission accompanying different activities are also different. The public should pay attention to taking additional anti-epidemic measures.
The virus blocking measures in Singapore are coming to an end, but people's daily lives will not be restored as before.
Lawrence Wong, Minister of National Development and Second Minister of the Ministry of Finance, who co-led the inter-departmental anti-epidemic working group, posted on the Facebook the day before (17 May) that the government is preparing for the next stage of anti-epidemic work recovery under safe conditions, "We will adopt a very careful and precise calibration approach, and will not simply return to the life before the blocking measures."
Lawrence also reminded the people through the Facebook post that they should not resume activities after 1 June 2020, "Please be prepared. Many existing restrictions and measures will continue for a period of time to ensure the safety of our relatives and friends."
He emphasized that Singapore needs the patience and discipline of all the people when adjusting and blocking measures in a phased manner. "We must do our best to prevent the virus from spreading and make sure it doesn't make a comeback."
Publisher : Lianhe Zaobao
Ref : https://www.zaobao.com.sg/znews/singapore/story20200519-1054296
Translation, editing : Gan Yung Chyan
/ KUCINTA SETIA
Lianhe Zaobao invited infectious disease experts to classify virus transmission according to the risk level of individual activities, and found that attending relatives and friends with more than 10 people, going to nightclubs, massage parlours and gyms are "high-risk" activities; eating in dining places, going to a barber shop and a nail salon is of "moderate risk"; going to a supermarket, shopping mall, park, etc. is of "low risk".
Above:
High risk transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within : Gatherings of more than 10 relatives and friends, people in cinemas, gymnasiums, bars, massage parlours, spas, large-scale sports events and large-scale congregations.
Moderate risk transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within : People in barber shops / hair salons, manicure stores, food courts, restaurants.
Low risk transmission of SARS-CoV-2 within : Gatherings of less than 5 relatives and friends, people in supermarkets*, wet markets*, grocery stores*, shops*, parks, beaches, outdoor activities, physical contact with postal articles and commercial goods.
* Some experts comment that these places may have less air circulation and SARS-CoV-2 may remain there easily. These places should be classified under "moderate risk".
Leong Hoe Nam, a specialist in infectious diseases at Elizabeth Novena Hospital, explained that the efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 transmission mainly depends on the number of people and whether safety distance measures are implemented. In addition to being able to spread through surface contact with objects, some social activities such as hugging and singing can also increase the risk of virus transmission.
Regarding going to supermarkets, wet markets, retail malls and stores, although experts generally believe that it is a low-risk activity, Leong Hoe Nam said that after all, such indoor places have less air circulation and viruses are more likely to survive, and the risk should be of a moderate level.
However, experts also reminded that such risk levels are based on subjective standards, not absolute standards. Huang Chengyou, a specialist in infectious diseases at Gleneagles Medical Hospital, pointed out that even in low-risk situations, if anyone does anything out of the ordinary, it can significantly increase the risk, and vice versa.
For example, he said that watching a football match in a crowded stadium is a high-risk event, but if you can limit the number of spectators and discourage players from hugging each other after scoring, you can reduce the risk.
Associate Dean (Research) Associate Professor (Study) Alex Cook of the School of Public Health at the National University of Singapore also pointed out that ideally, if the risks of each activity are energetized, it will naturally be easier to decide when to resume which activities, but currently there is no sufficient evidence in this regard. So it is still wise to gradually open up different activities.
After the "circuit breaker" period, the measures will be relaxed, but the possibility of virus infection will increase. If the epidemic worsens again, in the worst case, Singapore may have to implement an additional round of virus blocking measures.
Therefore, individual places should still restrict the flow of people to control risks. Huang Chengyou suggested that dining places should limit the length of time that diners can stay, because diners cannot wear masks all the time and gymnasiums should ensure continuous disinfection of equipment.
The above interviewed experts pointed out that the risks of virus transmission accompanying different activities are also different. The public should pay attention to taking additional anti-epidemic measures.
The virus blocking measures in Singapore are coming to an end, but people's daily lives will not be restored as before.
Lawrence Wong, Minister of National Development and Second Minister of the Ministry of Finance, who co-led the inter-departmental anti-epidemic working group, posted on the Facebook the day before (17 May) that the government is preparing for the next stage of anti-epidemic work recovery under safe conditions, "We will adopt a very careful and precise calibration approach, and will not simply return to the life before the blocking measures."
Lawrence also reminded the people through the Facebook post that they should not resume activities after 1 June 2020, "Please be prepared. Many existing restrictions and measures will continue for a period of time to ensure the safety of our relatives and friends."
He emphasized that Singapore needs the patience and discipline of all the people when adjusting and blocking measures in a phased manner. "We must do our best to prevent the virus from spreading and make sure it doesn't make a comeback."
No comments:
Post a Comment