Government has imposed Code Red measures without calling the situation Code Red

[jw5]

from msn.com:

Singapore to make over-the-counter DIY COVID-19 tests available to residents​

SINGAPORE — Singapore residents will soon be able to purchase "do-it-yourself" COVID-19 tests over the counter at pharmacies, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Monday (31 May).

"They are simple to use, and not so uncomfortable. And you can administer these on your own," he said in a publicly broadcast speech, during which he addressed Singapore's plans for managing its COVID-19 situation.

Lee noted that the tests are aimed at those who might be worried that they have COVID-19 or those working frontline jobs who wish to test themselves frequently.

Pointing to the different types of COVID-19 tests now available in Singapore – including antigen rapid tests (ART), saliva tests, breathalysers, wastewater surveillance and sniffer dogs – he said that such alternatives to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests would "help us detect and isolate persons quickly when they are most infectious".

ART can produce results within 30 minutes and are currently used to indicate whether a person is likely to be infected with COVID-19, after which the diagnosis can be confirmed with a PCR test.

Wider testing

With the availability of faster and cheaper tests, Singapore is also looking to widen its approach to COVID-19 testing, said Lee.

Going forward, the government will conduct routine testing at more workplaces, such as offices, restaurants and shopping malls. Those working jobs that involve close contact with many people – such as taxi drivers, masseurs, stage performers, and fitness instructors – can be also tested regularly, said Lee.

"Henceforth, we will not only test to identify infections when a new case pops up. We will also routinely and regularly test people who appear well, in normal work or social or community settings, to make them and these places safe," he added.

Lee noted that such extensive testing would help with the resumption of larger scale events or gatherings, citing the example of using fast and easy tests before events such as religious services, weddings or concerts.

"Therefore, you should expect routine, large-scale, fast and simple testing to be part of our new normal," said Lee.

Looks like it will soon be as easy to buy a covid test kit as it is to buy panadol.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

PM Lee: Expect large-scale COVID-19 testing​

Singapore is scaling up its mass testing efforts to curb the spread of the pandemic.

"We must test faster, and more liberally and extensively," Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a national address on May 31.

With the resurgence of COVID-19 cases leading to the reimposition of stricter border and crowd control methods in the Lion City, the minister said that different testing methods will be used as a part of the new normal.


"We will not only test to identify infections when a new case pops up. We will also routinely and regularly test people who appear well in normal work, or social or community settings to make these places safe," Lee said.

Despite polymerase chain reaction (PRC) being the more reliable testing method, it is slower than other methods such as antigen rapid tests (ART) and breathalysers.

With that, ARTs will be used as a quick check, and those who test positive through it should immediately go on isolation. Those who take ART tests will also be given PCR tests for a more confirmed diagnosis in one or two days.

Breathalyser tests have been set up at the Causeway and the airport, and will be deployed in other places. DIY tests will soon be available over the counter at pharmacies.

"Extensive testing will give us confidence to resume larger scale events or gatherings; we can deploy fast and easy tests before a religious service, a football game, a concert or a wedding reception. And participants can be assured that the event is COVID-19 safe," Lee said.

Rostered routine testing is currently being implemented in high-risk settings such as migrant worker dorms, construction worksites, shipyards, air and sea ports, hospitals, and nursing homes.

"With faster, cheaper tests, we can do routine testing at more workplaces, like offices, restaurants and shopping malls. We can also routinely test individuals whose occupations involve close contact with many people and could result in superspreading events," Lee said.

On vaccination, Lee said vaccination of students can start in June, followed by young adults 39 years and younger.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

PM Lee: Expect large-scale COVID-19 testing​

View attachment 112701

Singapore is scaling up its mass testing efforts to curb the spread of the pandemic.

"We must test faster, and more liberally and extensively," Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a national address on May 31.

With the resurgence of COVID-19 cases leading to the reimposition of stricter border and crowd control methods in the Lion City, the minister said that different testing methods will be used as a part of the new normal.


"We will not only test to identify infections when a new case pops up. We will also routinely and regularly test people who appear well in normal work, or social or community settings to make these places safe," Lee said.

Despite polymerase chain reaction (PRC) being the more reliable testing method, it is slower than other methods such as antigen rapid tests (ART) and breathalysers.

With that, ARTs will be used as a quick check, and those who test positive through it should immediately go on isolation. Those who take ART tests will also be given PCR tests for a more confirmed diagnosis in one or two days.

Breathalyser tests have been set up at the Causeway and the airport, and will be deployed in other places. DIY tests will soon be available over the counter at pharmacies.

"Extensive testing will give us confidence to resume larger scale events or gatherings; we can deploy fast and easy tests before a religious service, a football game, a concert or a wedding reception. And participants can be assured that the event is COVID-19 safe," Lee said.

Rostered routine testing is currently being implemented in high-risk settings such as migrant worker dorms, construction worksites, shipyards, air and sea ports, hospitals, and nursing homes.

"With faster, cheaper tests, we can do routine testing at more workplaces, like offices, restaurants and shopping malls. We can also routinely test individuals whose occupations involve close contact with many people and could result in superspreading events," Lee said.

On vaccination, Lee said vaccination of students can start in June, followed by young adults 39 years and younger.

Sounds like LHL wants SG to be a testing hub.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

Gerald Giam: We are fortunate that authorities detected viral fragments in sewage so early action can be taken​

Singapore—Mandatory Covid-19 testing is being carried out in Blocks 501 and 507 Hougang Avenue 8 after viral fragments of Covid-19 were found in wastewater.

According to MP Gerald Giam (Workers Party-Aljunied GRC), the detection of the viral fragments has been “fortunate.”

“We are actually fortunate that the authorities have detected viral fragments in the sewage so that early action can be taken to swab every resident and identify the source of infection. Without that, the infected residents may unknowingly infect others, leading to more unlinked cases,” he wrote in a Facebook post on Tuesday (June 1).​

Similar swab testing is also being done at a block in Yishun, and for the same reason.

And while CNA reported that six Covid-19 cases had been reported in two separate households in the block at Yishun, there are no confirmed cases yet at the two blocks in Hougang, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Monday (May 31).

The swab testing will take place at void decks of the two Hougang blocks from Tuesday to Thursday (June 1 to June 3) from 9 am to 4 pm.

This is the second time that mandatory testing is being carried out at Hougang, since infections were recently detected at Blk 506, which led to a swabbing exercise on May 21 and 22. A total of 11 people were infected with Covid-19 at Blk 506, most of whom had already been placed in quarantine.

Mr Gerald Giam announced that residents need to undergo the swab tests in a Facebook post on Monday.

He also said that the Aljunied-Hougang Town Council activated cleaners to conduct an additional round of cleaning of the blocks, which was followed by a wipe down with disinfectant.

The MP told residents that the swabbing exercise “is a precautionary measure in response to a detection of a possible infection in your block, and to ensure your health and well-being”.


Mr Giam added that the exact time slot for residents to appear at the void deck to have their swab test would be announced via SMS from MOH, and asked them to stay at home as much as possible for their own safety.

In addition to the extra cleaning and disinfection, Mr Giam wrote that “SDST anti-microbial coating has been applied to all the lift buttons on these blocks to reduce the chance of infection from touching lift buttons.”

But he asked residents to continue to wash their hands with soap and water, nevertheless, after touching lift surfaces.

Mr Giam wrote on Tuesday that he stayed up until midnight the previous evening with a volunteer distributing a letter in different languages to residents’ doorsteps because he “knew from the experience just over a week ago of the swab of all residents of Blk 506 next door, that many residents would be anxious and have questions about the process”.

Mr Giam added that he had been able to provide answers to residents’ questions thanks to the Health Promotion Board.

He added that the Workers’ Party had brought up the possibility of sewage testing in Parliament as early as last year.

“My colleague, Leon Perera, had first asked in Parliament in May last year about the use of sewage testing to detect traces of infection, and the Minister at that time said that the government was running trials on it. I’m glad that those trials have materialised into something so useful in practice.”

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

Singapore allows Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine special access — Straits Times​

SINGAPORE, June 2 (Reuters) - China's Sinovac Biotech COVID-19 vaccine will be allowed under Singapore’s special access route, the Straits Times reported on Wednesday, citing the health ministry, following approval by the World Health Organization.

The city-state on Monday had said it will allow private healthcare providers to access COVID-19 vaccines not approved by Singapore but that are on the WHO's emergency use listing. Sinovac joined the WHO list on Tuesday.

Ong Ye Kung, the health minister, had said this meant institutions can apply to draw on the 200,000 doses of the Sinovac vaccine which have been delivered but await Singapore's regulatory nod.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

Gerald Giam: We are fortunate that authorities detected viral fragments in sewage so early action can be taken​

He added that the Workers’ Party had brought up the possibility of sewage testing in Parliament as early as last year.

Looks like this is something that PAP has acted on based on WP's suggestion.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

Coronavirus: Singapore residents look to Sinovac shot as alternative to mRNA vaccines​

Zhao, a Chinese national who has lived in Singapore for four years, has been looking forward to receiving the Sinovac coronavirus vaccine since a shipment of 200,000 doses arrived in the city state in February.

The 27-year-old IT worker, who only wished to be known by his surname, said he preferred its use of "traditional technology", referring to how the Chinese-made jab uses a weakened or inactivated disease germ in the body - the same technology used in vaccines for polio and rabies.

In contrast, the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna shots approved by Singapore's drug regulator use mRNA technology, which delivers a genetic code from the virus to cells in the body, providing them with instructions to make copies of spike proteins. A person's immune system is then stimulated and develops antibodies that would respond if the body is infected with the actual virus.

The World Health Organization's move on Tuesday to approve the Sinovac vaccine for emergency use has been welcomed by Zhao and others who want to get the Chinese shot for medical reasons, such as anaphylaxis.

On Monday, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said private health care providers would be allowed to import vaccines not approved by Singapore regulators but fell under the WHO's emergency-use listing. These include the Johnson & Johnson as well as the Oxford-AstraZeneca jabs, among others.

"As and when the WHO approves the Sinovac vaccine under its emergency-use list, the licensed health care institution can apply to (the Ministry of Health) to draw on our existing stock of 200,000 doses to administer to those who wish to have it," Ong said.

Singapore's authorities have said the Sinovac shot has a shelf life of two years. But in recent months, members of the Chinese community have expressed concerns online about the vaccines being left untouched, especially as Singapore sees a sharp uptick in domestic cases and officials say there are limited vaccine supplies.

In May alone, the city state reported 533 locally-transmitted infections, up from 55 in April, prompting authorities to tighten restrictions, including banning dine-ins at restaurants and moving school lessons online.

A user on Chinese microblogging site Weibo said: "Sinovac is so well-received by industry players. Why is Singapore so slow in approving it?"

Another message that was widely-circulated on messaging platform WeChat read: "The situation seems more serious than last year. The government should hurry and use the Sinovac vaccines - that is an obvious way to help people but it would rather tighten measures.

"We beg you, please let us have the vaccines. We can pay for it," the message read.

The city state's main Chinese-language daily newspaper, the Lianhe Zaobao, on Wednesday reported that some of the more than 700 firms registered under the China Enterprises Association in Singapore had been waiting for Sinovac's approval and had even called on the Chinese embassy to speed up the process.

Singapore and Vietnam are the only two Southeast Asian countries not using Sinovac in their official inoculation drives. Neighbouring countries such as Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines have been relying heavily on Chinese-made jabs.

With Sinovac now added to the WHO's list of five existing vaccines it considers safe and effective - which also includes the shot by Beijing-based Sinopharm - it paves the way for Sinovac shots to be included in the Covax Facility, a global vaccine-sharing programme that has suffered from a supply shortage due to major supplier India's curbs on vaccine exports.

It also means that in Singapore, people who are medically ineligible to take the two mRNA vaccines - including some 30,000 individuals with a history of anaphylaxis - now have an option.

Darryl Cheong, a 24-year-old undergraduate student, falls into this category. He said he would consider taking the Sinovac jab, but was still on the fence as he had read instances of side effects such as elevated blood pressure and blood clotting. "Maybe after more people have gotten their jabs, I will," he said.

Similarly, public relations professional Yvonne Li lauded the Singapore government's decision to allow alternative vaccines. "At least, I don't have to wait too long to get vaccinated," said the 38-year-old.

While some studies indicated that the China-produced vaccine had a lower efficacy rate than the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna jabs, Li said she was not too concerned with the results.

"It will still help in terms of (boosting) overall herd immunity, for the country to move forward. For me to be able to go overseas, I'll take it," she said.

In Chile, Sinovac was last month reported to have a 67 per cent efficacy rate, compared with Pfizer-BioNTech's 95 per cent and Moderna's 94 per cent.

Other recent small studies suggested Sinovac helped to lower the number of cases in the community. Brazil on Monday released interim data that showed a small town saw an 80 per cent drop in symptomatic cases after virtually all its residents were inoculated. In Indonesia, Health Minister Gunadi Sadikin last month said authorities saw a "drastic drop" in deaths and hospitalisations after 25,000 health workers in Jakarta received two Sinovac shots.

Meanwhile, Singapore's health ministry on Monday highlighted that individuals who take the alternate vaccines would need to accept "all responsibility" for the risks involved, and pay for their own shots.

They would also be excluded from the country's scheme that grants compensation for those who experience serious side effects or death. The ministry was also still studying if these people could be exempted from public health restrictions and testing regimes.

Jeremy Lim, associate professor at the National University of Singapore's Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, said that prices of vaccines outside the country's immunisation programme would likely be high as private practitioners "cannot be expected to not earn a profit", given factors such as the potential legal risks.

He said the receptivity of Singapore residents towards Chinese-made vaccines would depend on their comfort level with mRNA vaccines and new technologies.

"In essence, the mRNA vaccines provide the cookbook for cells in our body," Lim said. "In the traditional vaccines, deactivated viruses are injected into the human body so no cookbook or cooking and the meal is presented fully ready."

Alfred Wu, an associate professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, said there would have been a rush of Chinese nationals in Singapore choosing Chinese-made vaccines if they were made an option earlier.

Beijing had previously said it would ease entry for travellers inoculated with Chinese-made vaccines. But last month, the Chinese embassy in Washington said they would start accepting Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccination records for travellers applying for China's vaccine passport needed to enter the country. Travel to China remains limited, with only citizens and foreign nationals holding valid Chinese permits for work or personal matters allowed to enter.

Wu noted that some China nationals in Singapore who have recently been relentlessly advocating Sinovac and Sinopharm shots may not end up taking the China-made vaccines, after factoring in things like the cost of the jabs and being excluded from Singapore's compensation scheme.

"They will always say such nationalistic statements loudly, but they might not do it," he said.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

Coronavirus: Singapore residents look to Sinovac shot as alternative to mRNA vaccines​

Zhao, a Chinese national who has lived in Singapore for four years, has been looking forward to receiving the Sinovac coronavirus vaccine since a shipment of 200,000 doses arrived in the city state in February.

The 27-year-old IT worker, who only wished to be known by his surname, said he preferred its use of "traditional technology", referring to how the Chinese-made jab uses a weakened or inactivated disease germ in the body - the same technology used in vaccines for polio and rabies.

In contrast, the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna shots approved by Singapore's drug regulator use mRNA technology, which delivers a genetic code from the virus to cells in the body, providing them with instructions to make copies of spike proteins. A person's immune system is then stimulated and develops antibodies that would respond if the body is infected with the actual virus.

The World Health Organization's move on Tuesday to approve the Sinovac vaccine for emergency use has been welcomed by Zhao and others who want to get the Chinese shot for medical reasons, such as anaphylaxis.

On Monday, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said private health care providers would be allowed to import vaccines not approved by Singapore regulators but fell under the WHO's emergency-use listing. These include the Johnson & Johnson as well as the Oxford-AstraZeneca jabs, among others.

"As and when the WHO approves the Sinovac vaccine under its emergency-use list, the licensed health care institution can apply to (the Ministry of Health) to draw on our existing stock of 200,000 doses to administer to those who wish to have it," Ong said.

Singapore's authorities have said the Sinovac shot has a shelf life of two years. But in recent months, members of the Chinese community have expressed concerns online about the vaccines being left untouched, especially as Singapore sees a sharp uptick in domestic cases and officials say there are limited vaccine supplies.

In May alone, the city state reported 533 locally-transmitted infections, up from 55 in April, prompting authorities to tighten restrictions, including banning dine-ins at restaurants and moving school lessons online.

A user on Chinese microblogging site Weibo said: "Sinovac is so well-received by industry players. Why is Singapore so slow in approving it?"

Another message that was widely-circulated on messaging platform WeChat read: "The situation seems more serious than last year. The government should hurry and use the Sinovac vaccines - that is an obvious way to help people but it would rather tighten measures.

"We beg you, please let us have the vaccines. We can pay for it," the message read.

The city state's main Chinese-language daily newspaper, the Lianhe Zaobao, on Wednesday reported that some of the more than 700 firms registered under the China Enterprises Association in Singapore had been waiting for Sinovac's approval and had even called on the Chinese embassy to speed up the process.

Singapore and Vietnam are the only two Southeast Asian countries not using Sinovac in their official inoculation drives. Neighbouring countries such as Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines have been relying heavily on Chinese-made jabs.

With Sinovac now added to the WHO's list of five existing vaccines it considers safe and effective - which also includes the shot by Beijing-based Sinopharm - it paves the way for Sinovac shots to be included in the Covax Facility, a global vaccine-sharing programme that has suffered from a supply shortage due to major supplier India's curbs on vaccine exports.

It also means that in Singapore, people who are medically ineligible to take the two mRNA vaccines - including some 30,000 individuals with a history of anaphylaxis - now have an option.

Darryl Cheong, a 24-year-old undergraduate student, falls into this category. He said he would consider taking the Sinovac jab, but was still on the fence as he had read instances of side effects such as elevated blood pressure and blood clotting. "Maybe after more people have gotten their jabs, I will," he said.

Similarly, public relations professional Yvonne Li lauded the Singapore government's decision to allow alternative vaccines. "At least, I don't have to wait too long to get vaccinated," said the 38-year-old.

While some studies indicated that the China-produced vaccine had a lower efficacy rate than the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna jabs, Li said she was not too concerned with the results.

"It will still help in terms of (boosting) overall herd immunity, for the country to move forward. For me to be able to go overseas, I'll take it," she said.

In Chile, Sinovac was last month reported to have a 67 per cent efficacy rate, compared with Pfizer-BioNTech's 95 per cent and Moderna's 94 per cent.

Other recent small studies suggested Sinovac helped to lower the number of cases in the community. Brazil on Monday released interim data that showed a small town saw an 80 per cent drop in symptomatic cases after virtually all its residents were inoculated. In Indonesia, Health Minister Gunadi Sadikin last month said authorities saw a "drastic drop" in deaths and hospitalisations after 25,000 health workers in Jakarta received two Sinovac shots.

Meanwhile, Singapore's health ministry on Monday highlighted that individuals who take the alternate vaccines would need to accept "all responsibility" for the risks involved, and pay for their own shots.

They would also be excluded from the country's scheme that grants compensation for those who experience serious side effects or death. The ministry was also still studying if these people could be exempted from public health restrictions and testing regimes.

Jeremy Lim, associate professor at the National University of Singapore's Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, said that prices of vaccines outside the country's immunisation programme would likely be high as private practitioners "cannot be expected to not earn a profit", given factors such as the potential legal risks.

He said the receptivity of Singapore residents towards Chinese-made vaccines would depend on their comfort level with mRNA vaccines and new technologies.

"In essence, the mRNA vaccines provide the cookbook for cells in our body," Lim said. "In the traditional vaccines, deactivated viruses are injected into the human body so no cookbook or cooking and the meal is presented fully ready."

Alfred Wu, an associate professor at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, said there would have been a rush of Chinese nationals in Singapore choosing Chinese-made vaccines if they were made an option earlier.

Beijing had previously said it would ease entry for travellers inoculated with Chinese-made vaccines. But last month, the Chinese embassy in Washington said they would start accepting Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccination records for travellers applying for China's vaccine passport needed to enter the country. Travel to China remains limited, with only citizens and foreign nationals holding valid Chinese permits for work or personal matters allowed to enter.

Wu noted that some China nationals in Singapore who have recently been relentlessly advocating Sinovac and Sinopharm shots may not end up taking the China-made vaccines, after factoring in things like the cost of the jabs and being excluded from Singapore's compensation scheme.

"They will always say such nationalistic statements loudly, but they might not do it," he said.

At least people will be able to choose what type of vaccines they prefer.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

Coronavirus: Singapore residents look to Sinovac shot as alternative to mRNA vaccines​

Wu noted that some China nationals in Singapore who have recently been relentlessly advocating Sinovac and Sinopharm shots may not end up taking the China-made vaccines, after factoring in things like the cost of the jabs and being excluded from Singapore's compensation scheme.

"They will always say such nationalistic statements loudly, but they might not do it," he said.

It is true that Ah Tiongs tend to talk loudly but do something different.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

Coronavirus: Singapore residents look to Sinovac shot as alternative to mRNA vaccines​

Zhao, a Chinese national who has lived in Singapore for four years, has been looking forward to receiving the Sinovac coronavirus vaccine since a shipment of 200,000 doses arrived in the city state in February.

The 27-year-old IT worker, who only wished to be known by his surname, said he preferred its use of "traditional technology", referring to how the Chinese-made jab uses a weakened or inactivated disease germ in the body - the same technology used in vaccines for polio and rabies.

This Chinese national Zhao may not even be a real person.

 

[jw5]

from yahoo.com:

Relief and concern for parents as Singapore's student vaccination drive begins​

SINGAPORE — Singapore kicked off its COVID-19 vaccination drive for students aged 12 and above on Thursday (3 June), with the aim of vaccinating over 400,000 students by August.

Parents whose children have received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine or are scheduled to have their jabs soon told Yahoo News Singapore that they were glad for the protection that vaccination offers. Some, however, expressed concerns over the possible side-effects of the vaccine and swiftness of the rollout.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced on Monday that bookings for the student vaccinations would be opened on Tuesday. This came after the multi-ministry taskforce (MTF) handling the pandemic announced on 18 May that Singapore's vaccination programme would be extended to those aged 12 to 15.

Currently, students aged 12 to 17 can only be administered the Pfizer vaccine, while those aged 18 and above can choose between the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

Burden off their minds​

For Habibah Tahar, whose 16-year-old daughter Salwa received her first dose on Thursday, the vaccination drive is a burden off both their minds.

"When they first announced the vaccinations for students, I was quite happy and relieved. I was looking forward to it. I think it will reduce the anxiety in my daughter, who is taking the national examination at the end of the year," said Habibah, a 50-year-old schoolteacher.

Speaking to Yahoo News Singapore at her home in Pasir Ris, Habibah expressed concerns over her daughter possibly experiencing severe side-effects. However, she took comfort in the fact that other members of her family – including her 83-year-old mother and herself – had experienced only mild side-effects from their own jabs, all of which "resolved in a few days".

Salwa's worries going into the vaccinations centre were more immediate. "I think I was really scared of the needle. But the person managing the injection was really well trained. Sensing that I was afraid, he ensured that I didn't see the needle so as not to frighten me," said the Ngee Ann Secondary student.

The vaccination gave her a sense of reassurance that even if she were to contract COVID-19 in future, the impact on her would not be so severe, she added.

Her friends and schoolmates were "really excited" about receiving their vaccinations, according to Salwa. "Although they might be nervous, it's only because they're really afraid of the injection. Most of them are not really afraid of the vaccine itself," said Salwa.

Habibah Tahar (left) and her 16-year-old daughter Salwa Taib Ali, who received her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday (3 June). (PHOTO: Dhany Osman / Yahoo News Singapore)

Reassured by PM's speech​

Simon Siah, a 49-year-old innovation consultant, was also pleased when he heard the news about the student vaccination drive.

"I was quite happy about it. At least you know your child will be vaccinated and protected," said Siah, who spoke to Yahoo News Singapore over the phone. His 17-year-old daughter, a junior college student who is taking her A-level examinations this year, also received her first dose on Thursday.

Siah admitted that his family was initially apprehensive about the vaccinations as they were worried about its possible effects on children. However, PM Lee's speech on Monday "assured us that we need to be part of vaccination drive", he said.

While accompanying his daughter to the vaccination centre, Siah noted that the process was smooth despite a larger-than-expected crowd with "many kids" waiting for their jabs.

He also said that there was "definitely a bit of anxiety" among other parents, judging by the messages he received after posting a picture of his daughter's vaccination on social media.

Pressure to make a decision​

For She-reen Wong and Doris Tan, PM Lee's speech and the opening of vaccination slots the following day left the two mothers feeling like they had little time to make up their minds.

"I didn’t expect to have to make the decision so fast. So I spent that night reading up. I was quite hesitant at first. It didn’t seem like there has been that much time since they developed the vaccines," said Wong, a 37-year-old product executive. Her 16-year-old daughter Eloise is taking her O-level examinations this year.

Wong added that her main concern was over the possible long-term effects of the vaccine on Eloise. "What if it affects her fertility?" she asked.

However, with more research, Wong said she found reassurance in reports from overseas stating that vaccines were now being used in those aged 16 and above, and were even being tested on infants.

On Thursday, Wong registered Eloise for her first vaccine appointment on 9 June. "I’d rather have her safe now, than protect her against future risks I can’t foresee," she said.

Eloise said she was looking forward to receiving her jab. "I felt elated that they prioritised those who are taking their national exams. I am quite looking forward to it, knowing that it will at least lower my chances of getting the virus," she said.

The Saint Anthony's Canossian Secondary student said that she was a bit worried after hearing that some of her friends who were vaccinated on Thursday reported having sore arms and fatigue. Eloise was concerned if such side-effects would affect her performance at her O-level English oral examination, which will take place two days after she receives her second vaccine dose.

Tan, who shares Wong's concerns over the vaccines possible effects on teenagers, said her worries also stem from her 16-year-old son's severe peanut allergy.

"I'm very happy the vaccination scheme has been extended to 16-year-olds as they have to go back to school," she said. But she was also somewhat anxious over the lack of clear information regarding vaccine eligibility for students with allergies.

Tan said she proactively sought a general practitioner's advice on her son's eligibility to be vaccinated as his last allergy assessment was done when he was nine years old. She would book her son's vaccine appointment only once his new allergy report is complete and he is cleared to take the jab, she added.

"If my son is indeed very allergic to the mRNA vaccines, then he would have no choice but to go with other vaccines," said Tan.

While the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines are the only ones currently approved for use in Singapore, the government announced on Monday that other vaccines – such as those produced by Johnson & Johnson, Sinopharm and Oxford-AstraZeneca – will be allowed for import via Special Access Routes (SARs) by private healthcare providers. These vaccines would cater to the around 30,000 individuals here who are unable to be given the mRNA vaccines due to medical reasons.

Tan noted that such vaccines will not be subsidised and those taking them will not be eligible for the Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme (VIFAP) for COVID-19 vaccination – a situation she found to be somewhat unfair.

"I don’t want my son to have to take an alternative vaccine... It feels like if you're not part of the national vaccination programme, then you’re on your own," said Tan.

 

[jw5]

from yahoo.com:

Relief and concern for parents as Singapore's student vaccination drive begins​

SINGAPORE — Singapore kicked off its COVID-19 vaccination drive for students aged 12 and above on Thursday (3 June), with the aim of vaccinating over 400,000 students by August.

Parents whose children have received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine or are scheduled to have their jabs soon told Yahoo News Singapore that they were glad for the protection that vaccination offers. Some, however, expressed concerns over the possible side-effects of the vaccine and swiftness of the rollout.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced on Monday that bookings for the student vaccinations would be opened on Tuesday. This came after the multi-ministry taskforce (MTF) handling the pandemic announced on 18 May that Singapore's vaccination programme would be extended to those aged 12 to 15.

Currently, students aged 12 to 17 can only be administered the Pfizer vaccine, while those aged 18 and above can choose between the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

Burden off their minds​

For Habibah Tahar, whose 16-year-old daughter Salwa received her first dose on Thursday, the vaccination drive is a burden off both their minds.

"When they first announced the vaccinations for students, I was quite happy and relieved. I was looking forward to it. I think it will reduce the anxiety in my daughter, who is taking the national examination at the end of the year," said Habibah, a 50-year-old schoolteacher.

Speaking to Yahoo News Singapore at her home in Pasir Ris, Habibah expressed concerns over her daughter possibly experiencing severe side-effects. However, she took comfort in the fact that other members of her family – including her 83-year-old mother and herself – had experienced only mild side-effects from their own jabs, all of which "resolved in a few days".

Salwa's worries going into the vaccinations centre were more immediate. "I think I was really scared of the needle. But the person managing the injection was really well trained. Sensing that I was afraid, he ensured that I didn't see the needle so as not to frighten me," said the Ngee Ann Secondary student.

The vaccination gave her a sense of reassurance that even if she were to contract COVID-19 in future, the impact on her would not be so severe, she added.

Her friends and schoolmates were "really excited" about receiving their vaccinations, according to Salwa. "Although they might be nervous, it's only because they're really afraid of the injection. Most of them are not really afraid of the vaccine itself," said Salwa.

Habibah Tahar (left) and her 16-year-old daughter Salwa Taib Ali, who received her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday (3 June). (PHOTO: Dhany Osman / Yahoo News Singapore)

Reassured by PM's speech​

Simon Siah, a 49-year-old innovation consultant, was also pleased when he heard the news about the student vaccination drive.

"I was quite happy about it. At least you know your child will be vaccinated and protected," said Siah, who spoke to Yahoo News Singapore over the phone. His 17-year-old daughter, a junior college student who is taking her A-level examinations this year, also received her first dose on Thursday.

Siah admitted that his family was initially apprehensive about the vaccinations as they were worried about its possible effects on children. However, PM Lee's speech on Monday "assured us that we need to be part of vaccination drive", he said.

While accompanying his daughter to the vaccination centre, Siah noted that the process was smooth despite a larger-than-expected crowd with "many kids" waiting for their jabs.

He also said that there was "definitely a bit of anxiety" among other parents, judging by the messages he received after posting a picture of his daughter's vaccination on social media.

Pressure to make a decision​

For She-reen Wong and Doris Tan, PM Lee's speech and the opening of vaccination slots the following day left the two mothers feeling like they had little time to make up their minds.

"I didn’t expect to have to make the decision so fast. So I spent that night reading up. I was quite hesitant at first. It didn’t seem like there has been that much time since they developed the vaccines," said Wong, a 37-year-old product executive. Her 16-year-old daughter Eloise is taking her O-level examinations this year.

Wong added that her main concern was over the possible long-term effects of the vaccine on Eloise. "What if it affects her fertility?" she asked.

However, with more research, Wong said she found reassurance in reports from overseas stating that vaccines were now being used in those aged 16 and above, and were even being tested on infants.

On Thursday, Wong registered Eloise for her first vaccine appointment on 9 June. "I’d rather have her safe now, than protect her against future risks I can’t foresee," she said.

Eloise said she was looking forward to receiving her jab. "I felt elated that they prioritised those who are taking their national exams. I am quite looking forward to it, knowing that it will at least lower my chances of getting the virus," she said.

The Saint Anthony's Canossian Secondary student said that she was a bit worried after hearing that some of her friends who were vaccinated on Thursday reported having sore arms and fatigue. Eloise was concerned if such side-effects would affect her performance at her O-level English oral examination, which will take place two days after she receives her second vaccine dose.

Tan, who shares Wong's concerns over the vaccines possible effects on teenagers, said her worries also stem from her 16-year-old son's severe peanut allergy.

"I'm very happy the vaccination scheme has been extended to 16-year-olds as they have to go back to school," she said. But she was also somewhat anxious over the lack of clear information regarding vaccine eligibility for students with allergies.

Tan said she proactively sought a general practitioner's advice on her son's eligibility to be vaccinated as his last allergy assessment was done when he was nine years old. She would book her son's vaccine appointment only once his new allergy report is complete and he is cleared to take the jab, she added.

"If my son is indeed very allergic to the mRNA vaccines, then he would have no choice but to go with other vaccines," said Tan.

While the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines are the only ones currently approved for use in Singapore, the government announced on Monday that other vaccines – such as those produced by Johnson & Johnson, Sinopharm and Oxford-AstraZeneca – will be allowed for import via Special Access Routes (SARs) by private healthcare providers. These vaccines would cater to the around 30,000 individuals here who are unable to be given the mRNA vaccines due to medical reasons.

Tan noted that such vaccines will not be subsidised and those taking them will not be eligible for the Vaccine Injury Financial Assistance Programme (VIFAP) for COVID-19 vaccination – a situation she found to be somewhat unfair.

"I don’t want my son to have to take an alternative vaccine... It feels like if you're not part of the national vaccination programme, then you’re on your own," said Tan.

Sounds like most of the parents are concerned about being left out.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

Teenager took Moderna vaccine by mistake after registering with wrong birthdate​

A 16-year-old was erroneously given the first dose of the Moderna vaccine yesterday despite it not being approved by health authorities for those under 18.

The Ministry of Health and Education revealed this in the wee hours of this morning and said that they have apologized to the parents for not verifying his birthdate, which the teen had wrongly registered when booking an appointment. The mistake resulted in the teen being registered as above 18, “making it possible for a Moderna vaccination center to be selected.”

“The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education take a serious view of this incident. We apologize for the inconvenience and anxiety caused, and have reached out to the youth’s parents to explain the situation,” their statement said, noting that the boy remains “generally well” after taking the wrong vaccine at the Kolam Ayer Community Club. Only the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is approved for those under 18 in Singapore.

Experts from a COVID-19 vaccination committee here also said in a separate statement that they do not expect the teenager to “suffer any safety issues” following a review of the incident. It is not clear how the boy’s vaccination can be completed at this point.

The youth’s actual age was discovered by ground staff while he was under post-injection observation. The teenager was then observed for side effects for a longer period of time of 50 minutes instead of the usual 30.

Singapore students, especially those in graduating cohorts, yesterday began taking their first doses of the coronavirus vaccine. The state has so far reported 62,145 cases and 33 deaths. There were 35 new cases of locally transmitted infections yesterday.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

Teenager took Moderna vaccine by mistake after registering with wrong birthdate​

A 16-year-old was erroneously given the first dose of the Moderna vaccine yesterday despite it not being approved by health authorities for those under 18.

The Ministry of Health and Education revealed this in the wee hours of this morning and said that they have apologized to the parents for not verifying his birthdate, which the teen had wrongly registered when booking an appointment. The mistake resulted in the teen being registered as above 18, “making it possible for a Moderna vaccination center to be selected.”

“The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education take a serious view of this incident. We apologize for the inconvenience and anxiety caused, and have reached out to the youth’s parents to explain the situation,” their statement said, noting that the boy remains “generally well” after taking the wrong vaccine at the Kolam Ayer Community Club. Only the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is approved for those under 18 in Singapore.

Experts from a COVID-19 vaccination committee here also said in a separate statement that they do not expect the teenager to “suffer any safety issues” following a review of the incident. It is not clear how the boy’s vaccination can be completed at this point.

The youth’s actual age was discovered by ground staff while he was under post-injection observation. The teenager was then observed for side effects for a longer period of time of 50 minutes instead of the usual 30.

Singapore students, especially those in graduating cohorts, yesterday began taking their first doses of the coronavirus vaccine. The state has so far reported 62,145 cases and 33 deaths. There were 35 new cases of locally transmitted infections yesterday.

It was the kid's fault in the first place for wrongly stating his birthdate.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

Teenager took Moderna vaccine by mistake after registering with wrong birthdate​

A 16-year-old was erroneously given the first dose of the Moderna vaccine yesterday despite it not being approved by health authorities for those under 18.

The Ministry of Health and Education revealed this in the wee hours of this morning and said that they have apologized to the parents for not verifying his birthdate, which the teen had wrongly registered when booking an appointment. The mistake resulted in the teen being registered as above 18, “making it possible for a Moderna vaccination center to be selected.”

“The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education take a serious view of this incident. We apologize for the inconvenience and anxiety caused, and have reached out to the youth’s parents to explain the situation,” their statement said, noting that the boy remains “generally well” after taking the wrong vaccine at the Kolam Ayer Community Club. Only the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is approved for those under 18 in Singapore.

Experts from a COVID-19 vaccination committee here also said in a separate statement that they do not expect the teenager to “suffer any safety issues” following a review of the incident. It is not clear how the boy’s vaccination can be completed at this point.

The youth’s actual age was discovered by ground staff while he was under post-injection observation. The teenager was then observed for side effects for a longer period of time of 50 minutes instead of the usual 30.

Singapore students, especially those in graduating cohorts, yesterday began taking their first doses of the coronavirus vaccine. The state has so far reported 62,145 cases and 33 deaths. There were 35 new cases of locally transmitted infections yesterday.

In any case, it's good that the authorities apologised for not checking and also monitored his condition.

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

Singapore to ban visitors with recent travel history to Guangdong​

SINGAPORE — With the rise in COVID-19 cases detected in the Chinese city of Guangzhou in recent days, the multi-ministry taskforce tackling the pandemic will be tightening border restrictions for travellers with travel history to Guangdong province.

All short-term travellers holding an Air Travel Pass with travel history to Guangdong within the last 21 days before departure for Singapore will not be allowed to enter Singapore from 11.59pm from Saturday, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a press release on Friday.

Meanwhile, Singaporeans, permanent residents and long-term pass holders with travel history to Guangdong within the last 21 days before departure for Singapore will have to take a COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test on arrival followed by a seven-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at their residence and another PCR test before the end of the SHN.

Currently, travellers from China only need a PCR test on arrival. If the test result is negative, they can go about their activities in Singapore without having to serve a SHN.

"As the global situation evolves, we will continue to adjust our border measures to manage the risk of importation and transmission to the community. Any changes to border measures will be updated on the SafeTravel website," said MOH.

The ministry advised travellers to visit the website for the most updated border measures before entering Singapore.

 

[sweetiepie]

In any case, it's good that the authorities apologised for not checking and also monitored his condition.

KNN my uncle give credit to the staff who spotted his age at the resting area KNN during pre jab leegistration they would just double confirm IC lumber to ensure is given to the correct person and a few basic criteria questions KNN asking age is not 1 of the checklist KNN

 

[jw5]

KNN my uncle give credit to the staff who spotted his age at the resting area KNN during pre jab leegistration they would just double confirm IC lumber to ensure is given to the correct person and a few basic criteria questions KNN asking age is not 1 of the checklist KNN

KNN for adults checking IC lumber is enough but for children, they should check more carefully the age on the IC because it makes a difference which vaccine they get KNN

 

[sweetiepie]

KNN for adults checking IC lumber is enough but for children, they should check more carefully the age on the IC because it makes a difference which vaccine they get KNN

KNN this shows that that kid has a adult face KNN

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

Singapore to ban visitors with recent travel history to Guangdong​

SINGAPORE — With the rise in COVID-19 cases detected in the Chinese city of Guangzhou in recent days, the multi-ministry taskforce tackling the pandemic will be tightening border restrictions for travellers with travel history to Guangdong province.

All short-term travellers holding an Air Travel Pass with travel history to Guangdong within the last 21 days before departure for Singapore will not be allowed to enter Singapore from 11.59pm from Saturday, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a press release on Friday.

Meanwhile, Singaporeans, permanent residents and long-term pass holders with travel history to Guangdong within the last 21 days before departure for Singapore will have to take a COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test on arrival followed by a seven-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at their residence and another PCR test before the end of the SHN.

Currently, travellers from China only need a PCR test on arrival. If the test result is negative, they can go about their activities in Singapore without having to serve a SHN.

"As the global situation evolves, we will continue to adjust our border measures to manage the risk of importation and transmission to the community. Any changes to border measures will be updated on the SafeTravel website," said MOH.

The ministry advised travellers to visit the website for the most updated border measures before entering Singapore.

If only the PAP had been as quick to ban visitors from more serious regions previously.