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Singapore appointed 2 idiots to lead the task force.
- Thread starter LaoTze
- Start date
Education minister says nightlife venues probably won’t open in Phase 3
Gan Kim Yong: No plans to give everyone in Singapore the Covid-19 vaccine
Singapore—Gan Kim Yong, the country’s Health Minister, said on Tuesday night (Nov 10) that even when a vaccine for Covid-19 is made available, the Government will probably not be able to, and has no plans to give the vaccine to everyone in Singapore.
Mr Gan, the co-chair of a multi-ministry task force assigned to address the myriad issues stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic, made these remarks at an online briefing of the task force.
“Even with the availability of vaccine, we probably will not be able to vaccinate, or do not intend to vaccinate, our entire population, depending on the nature of the vaccine. And even if we were to vaccinate the entire population, it will take time to do so,” Yahoo Singapore reports him as saying.
The Health Minister explained that there are “multiple factors” that come into play when it comes to vaccine distribution, such as the lack of data concerning the sustainability of the immunity of a particular Covid-19 vaccine.
“Some vaccines may be effective for different segments of the population. Some may not be effective for children, for example, and some may not be effective for seniors,” he added.
He also said that healthcare workers would most likely be first in line to get the vaccine, and then senior citizens, who have shown to suffer from Covid-19 more severely.
Mr Gan also reiterated the importance of maintaining safety distance measures. “In the meantime, it is important to continue to ensure that our safe distancing measure or precautionary measures are in place, and we continue to observe personal hygiene and so on. This will help us to reduce the overall infection rate in Singapore.”
The Ministry of Health (MOH) established an Expert Committee on COVID-19 Vaccination last month made up of specialists in infectious disease, immunology, and other experts in related areas of study. This committee will serve to give advice concerning the safety, effectiveness and suitability of the different Covid vaccines as well as recommendations for the vaccination approach depending on demographics.
The press asked Mr Gan about the S$60 million committed by the Economic Development Board (EDB) for the manufacturing of a vaccine from Arcturus Therapeutics, an American pharmaceutical firm, together with Duke-NUS Medical School, which could be ready by the first quarter of 2021. The EDB has also committed as much as S$235 million additionally for purchasing the vaccine.
The Health Minister said he could not add much more details concerning the deal, as certain contracts are still under negotiation.
Professor Kenneth Mak, the director of medical services of the MOH, said that a “more holistic strategy” for vaccination is in the works.
Yahoo Singapore quotes him as saying, “It’s very likely that we will develop a portfolio of different vaccines that may therefore be relevant and appropriate for different segments of the population.”
There are a number of vaccine candidates in advanced stages of clinical trials under consideration for use in Singapore, he said, adding that the country is in talks with pharmaceutical firms for access to these vaccines.
Prof Mak also talked about recent reports of a vaccine from Pfizer whose early data showed that it is more than 90 per cent effective, but added that caution is needed as more data concerning the vaccines in development is not yet available.
“For example, do vaccines require one single dose, or do they require more than one dose? Will the vaccines provide a long lasting response, or will they have a more short acting response such that there may be a requirement for repeated vaccinations later downstream?” he said. -/TISG
Singapore—Gan Kim Yong, the country’s Health Minister, said on Tuesday night (Nov 10) that even when a vaccine for Covid-19 is made available, the Government will probably not be able to, and has no plans to give the vaccine to everyone in Singapore.
Mr Gan, the co-chair of a multi-ministry task force assigned to address the myriad issues stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic, made these remarks at an online briefing of the task force.
“Even with the availability of vaccine, we probably will not be able to vaccinate, or do not intend to vaccinate, our entire population, depending on the nature of the vaccine. And even if we were to vaccinate the entire population, it will take time to do so,” Yahoo Singapore reports him as saying.
The Health Minister explained that there are “multiple factors” that come into play when it comes to vaccine distribution, such as the lack of data concerning the sustainability of the immunity of a particular Covid-19 vaccine.
“Some vaccines may be effective for different segments of the population. Some may not be effective for children, for example, and some may not be effective for seniors,” he added.
He also said that healthcare workers would most likely be first in line to get the vaccine, and then senior citizens, who have shown to suffer from Covid-19 more severely.
Mr Gan also reiterated the importance of maintaining safety distance measures. “In the meantime, it is important to continue to ensure that our safe distancing measure or precautionary measures are in place, and we continue to observe personal hygiene and so on. This will help us to reduce the overall infection rate in Singapore.”
The Ministry of Health (MOH) established an Expert Committee on COVID-19 Vaccination last month made up of specialists in infectious disease, immunology, and other experts in related areas of study. This committee will serve to give advice concerning the safety, effectiveness and suitability of the different Covid vaccines as well as recommendations for the vaccination approach depending on demographics.
The press asked Mr Gan about the S$60 million committed by the Economic Development Board (EDB) for the manufacturing of a vaccine from Arcturus Therapeutics, an American pharmaceutical firm, together with Duke-NUS Medical School, which could be ready by the first quarter of 2021. The EDB has also committed as much as S$235 million additionally for purchasing the vaccine.
The Health Minister said he could not add much more details concerning the deal, as certain contracts are still under negotiation.
Professor Kenneth Mak, the director of medical services of the MOH, said that a “more holistic strategy” for vaccination is in the works.
Yahoo Singapore quotes him as saying, “It’s very likely that we will develop a portfolio of different vaccines that may therefore be relevant and appropriate for different segments of the population.”
There are a number of vaccine candidates in advanced stages of clinical trials under consideration for use in Singapore, he said, adding that the country is in talks with pharmaceutical firms for access to these vaccines.
Prof Mak also talked about recent reports of a vaccine from Pfizer whose early data showed that it is more than 90 per cent effective, but added that caution is needed as more data concerning the vaccines in development is not yet available.
“For example, do vaccines require one single dose, or do they require more than one dose? Will the vaccines provide a long lasting response, or will they have a more short acting response such that there may be a requirement for repeated vaccinations later downstream?” he said. -/TISG
From straitstimes.com:
Graduates must continue to learn even in working life: Education Minister Lawrence Wong
SINGAPORE - Graduates from institutes of higher learning (IHLs) will have to embrace learning even in their working lives, said Education Minister Lawrence Wong on Thursday (Dec 3).
This will mean there is less pressure for IHLs to front-load knowledge during the formal years of studies, he said at a webinar session by the National University of Singapore (NUS) to celebrate its 115th anniversary.
"We can stretch out education and learning with regular injects throughout the person's career," he said.
Individuals can attend training by their companies, or programmes offered by third parties and the IHLs, leading to qualifications such as a specialist diploma.
Mr Wong cited the example of NUS graduate Eric Liu, who is in his late 30s.
He started his career as a production technician, but found his work too routine and wanted to upgrade himself, said Mr Wong.
Mr Liu enrolled in a part-time diploma programme in electronic engineering at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, and later a part-time degree programme at NUS.
He graduated from NUS last year with highest honours and a degree in electronic engineering.
"With his new skills, he continued to progress in his career, and he started a new job last week as a digital hardware engineer in ST Engineering," Mr Wong said, describing Mr Liu as an inspiration to all Singaporeans.
The IHLs must support individuals' pursuit of active learning throughout their careers, the minister added.
"It's about supporting them after they enter the workforce, continuously engaging with them to update them on the latest trends in industry, to help them grow their professional networks and encourage them to proactively upskill and reskill."
Graduates must continue to learn even in working life: Education Minister Lawrence Wong
SINGAPORE - Graduates from institutes of higher learning (IHLs) will have to embrace learning even in their working lives, said Education Minister Lawrence Wong on Thursday (Dec 3).
This will mean there is less pressure for IHLs to front-load knowledge during the formal years of studies, he said at a webinar session by the National University of Singapore (NUS) to celebrate its 115th anniversary.
"We can stretch out education and learning with regular injects throughout the person's career," he said.
Individuals can attend training by their companies, or programmes offered by third parties and the IHLs, leading to qualifications such as a specialist diploma.
Mr Wong cited the example of NUS graduate Eric Liu, who is in his late 30s.
He started his career as a production technician, but found his work too routine and wanted to upgrade himself, said Mr Wong.
Mr Liu enrolled in a part-time diploma programme in electronic engineering at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, and later a part-time degree programme at NUS.
He graduated from NUS last year with highest honours and a degree in electronic engineering.
"With his new skills, he continued to progress in his career, and he started a new job last week as a digital hardware engineer in ST Engineering," Mr Wong said, describing Mr Liu as an inspiration to all Singaporeans.
The IHLs must support individuals' pursuit of active learning throughout their careers, the minister added.
"It's about supporting them after they enter the workforce, continuously engaging with them to update them on the latest trends in industry, to help them grow their professional networks and encourage them to proactively upskill and reskill."
MIWs want simple sinkies to keep their noses at the grindstone and not give them trouble.
MOE unveils four main strategies to prepare students for post-Covid-19 environment
SINGAPORE -The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated many large-scale societal, economic and technological trends, and this will have lasting effects on how people live, work and interact with each other, Education Minister Lawrence Wong said.
To better prepare students for this fast-changing environment, the Ministry of Education (MOE) will adopt four main strategies, he said on Thursday (Dec 3).
It will step up efforts to maximise opportunities for disadvantaged students, build multiple pathways for students to hone their strengths, help them develop attitudes and skills beyond book knowledge, and focus more on interdisciplinary learning.
"There are major trends that are already under way which will continue to accelerate, things like online shopping, digital entertainment, virtual communications and even virtual presence... And these trends will surely continue after Covid-19,'' said Mr Wong.
"There will be unequal recovery across industries and across countries, post-pandemic, and there will surely be lasting effects on how we live, work and interact with each other for the foreseeable future."
Mr Wong was speaking on the future of education at the first session of a webinar series by the National University of Singapore (NUS) to celebrate its 115th anniversary.
The NUS115 Distinguished Speaker Series, with the theme "Shaping the Future", will run until the middle or third quarter of next year, depending on the Covid-19 situation.
Mr Wong said the MOE's first strategy is to double down on ongoing efforts to maximise opportunities for disadvantaged students. The Government will be increasing its investments in research and development in this area to guide these efforts.
"We want to invest more to even out the differences early in life, and give children full access to the appropriate health, learning and developmental support," he said.
The second strategy is to ensure that institutions have, and continue to build on, multiple pathways for students to hone their strengths.
"We have long recognised that every child is unique, and we need different approaches to help them learn and grow," Mr Wong said.
He noted that over the years, there has been a wide range of options for students.
For example, schools like the NUS High School of Math and Science cater to those with specialised interests. For those who thrive in a more practical, hands-on learning environment, there are schools like Crest and Spectra Secondary.
But Singapore "should also be careful about taking this customised approach too far", he said.
For example, streaming, which was a customised approach, led to stigmatisation and labelling, and a self-limiting mindset among students from what they perceived to be a "lower" stream, he said.
This is why the MOE decided to remove streaming by 2024 and replace it with subject-based banding, where students can take subjects at a higher or lower level based on their strengths.
This multiple pathway approach must also extend beyond schools to tertiary education, Mr Wong said.
He noted that there is now a range of varied and high-quality institutions here - comprehensive universities like NUS and Nanyang Technological University, more focused ones like the Singapore Management University and Singapore University of Technology and Design, and applied universities like the Singapore Institute of Technology and Singapore University of Social Sciences.
There are also specialised institutions such as the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, as well as strong skill and vocational pathways anchored by the polytechnics and Institute of Technical Education.
"This diversity is a major strength, which we must continue to uphold," he said.
Third, students will need to develop attitudes and skills beyond book knowledge, Mr Wong said.
"The way forward for us is to continue to emphasise our competitive advantage and our human strengths - the ability to build relationships with one another, to collaborate and work in teams, to be able to think creatively... to brainstorm and challenge one another and then develop better solutions together."
Pupils will learn to do this from primary school, he said, noting that the ministry has freed up time and space for them by removing assessments and examinations in certain years.
"And with that time, we are focusing on developing what our educators call 21st century competencies - core values like respect and resilience, social emotional competencies like responsible decision making, and skill sets like critical and inventive thinking."
The fourth strategy is to push for more interdisciplinary learning to support career mobility and "prepare Singaporeans for a more dynamic and uncertain future".
But he cautioned that it is important to "get the balance right".
"We don't want to swing from one extreme to the other. Subject specialisation is still necessary and will still be important.
"But at the same time, we must think of individual disciplines as the different branches on the tree of knowledge - the branches are constantly growing and producing new twigs. But remember, we are ultimately part of the same tree.
"So we must nurture the ability to see the broader connection of things and to work seamlessly across different disciplines, because often it is in the borders or the gaps between disciplines where we find opportunities for new discoveries, and we can advance the frontiers of knowledge."
SINGAPORE -The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated many large-scale societal, economic and technological trends, and this will have lasting effects on how people live, work and interact with each other, Education Minister Lawrence Wong said.
To better prepare students for this fast-changing environment, the Ministry of Education (MOE) will adopt four main strategies, he said on Thursday (Dec 3).
It will step up efforts to maximise opportunities for disadvantaged students, build multiple pathways for students to hone their strengths, help them develop attitudes and skills beyond book knowledge, and focus more on interdisciplinary learning.
"There are major trends that are already under way which will continue to accelerate, things like online shopping, digital entertainment, virtual communications and even virtual presence... And these trends will surely continue after Covid-19,'' said Mr Wong.
"There will be unequal recovery across industries and across countries, post-pandemic, and there will surely be lasting effects on how we live, work and interact with each other for the foreseeable future."
Mr Wong was speaking on the future of education at the first session of a webinar series by the National University of Singapore (NUS) to celebrate its 115th anniversary.
The NUS115 Distinguished Speaker Series, with the theme "Shaping the Future", will run until the middle or third quarter of next year, depending on the Covid-19 situation.
Mr Wong said the MOE's first strategy is to double down on ongoing efforts to maximise opportunities for disadvantaged students. The Government will be increasing its investments in research and development in this area to guide these efforts.
"We want to invest more to even out the differences early in life, and give children full access to the appropriate health, learning and developmental support," he said.
The second strategy is to ensure that institutions have, and continue to build on, multiple pathways for students to hone their strengths.
"We have long recognised that every child is unique, and we need different approaches to help them learn and grow," Mr Wong said.
He noted that over the years, there has been a wide range of options for students.
For example, schools like the NUS High School of Math and Science cater to those with specialised interests. For those who thrive in a more practical, hands-on learning environment, there are schools like Crest and Spectra Secondary.
But Singapore "should also be careful about taking this customised approach too far", he said.
For example, streaming, which was a customised approach, led to stigmatisation and labelling, and a self-limiting mindset among students from what they perceived to be a "lower" stream, he said.
This is why the MOE decided to remove streaming by 2024 and replace it with subject-based banding, where students can take subjects at a higher or lower level based on their strengths.
This multiple pathway approach must also extend beyond schools to tertiary education, Mr Wong said.
He noted that there is now a range of varied and high-quality institutions here - comprehensive universities like NUS and Nanyang Technological University, more focused ones like the Singapore Management University and Singapore University of Technology and Design, and applied universities like the Singapore Institute of Technology and Singapore University of Social Sciences.
There are also specialised institutions such as the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, as well as strong skill and vocational pathways anchored by the polytechnics and Institute of Technical Education.
"This diversity is a major strength, which we must continue to uphold," he said.
Third, students will need to develop attitudes and skills beyond book knowledge, Mr Wong said.
"The way forward for us is to continue to emphasise our competitive advantage and our human strengths - the ability to build relationships with one another, to collaborate and work in teams, to be able to think creatively... to brainstorm and challenge one another and then develop better solutions together."
Pupils will learn to do this from primary school, he said, noting that the ministry has freed up time and space for them by removing assessments and examinations in certain years.
"And with that time, we are focusing on developing what our educators call 21st century competencies - core values like respect and resilience, social emotional competencies like responsible decision making, and skill sets like critical and inventive thinking."
The fourth strategy is to push for more interdisciplinary learning to support career mobility and "prepare Singaporeans for a more dynamic and uncertain future".
But he cautioned that it is important to "get the balance right".
"We don't want to swing from one extreme to the other. Subject specialisation is still necessary and will still be important.
"But at the same time, we must think of individual disciplines as the different branches on the tree of knowledge - the branches are constantly growing and producing new twigs. But remember, we are ultimately part of the same tree.
"So we must nurture the ability to see the broader connection of things and to work seamlessly across different disciplines, because often it is in the borders or the gaps between disciplines where we find opportunities for new discoveries, and we can advance the frontiers of knowledge."
From CNA:
Lawrence Wong, Desmond Lee elected to PAP’s top decision-making body for the first time
SINGAPORE: Two ministers who are separately spearheading Singapore’s COVID-19 response and the People's Action Party's (PAP) election review have been elected to the PAP Central Executive Committee (CEC) for the first time.
The two who were elected on Sunday (Nov 8) into the 36th CEC: Education Minister Lawrence Wong, who is also co-chair of the country’s COVID-19 multi-ministerial task force; and National Development Minister Desmond Lee, who is overseeing the party’s general election review.
Lawrence Wong, Desmond Lee elected to PAP’s top decision-making body for the first time
SINGAPORE: Two ministers who are separately spearheading Singapore’s COVID-19 response and the People's Action Party's (PAP) election review have been elected to the PAP Central Executive Committee (CEC) for the first time.
The two who were elected on Sunday (Nov 8) into the 36th CEC: Education Minister Lawrence Wong, who is also co-chair of the country’s COVID-19 multi-ministerial task force; and National Development Minister Desmond Lee, who is overseeing the party’s general election review.
LHL contradicts GKY again.
From yahoo news:
COVID-19 vaccinations free for all Singaporeans; recommended but not mandatory: PM Lee
SINGAPORE — The government has decided to make COVID-19 vaccinations free for all Singaporeans and long-term residents who are currently here, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Monday (14 December).
Lee made the announcement in a national broadcast just before a media conference to be chaired by the ministerial task force on COVID-19.
A committee of doctors appointed by the Ministry of Health has proposed that the entire adult population should be vaccinated, but to make vaccinations voluntary, he added.
The first priority for the vaccinations will be given to those who are at greatest risk including healthcare workers, frontline personnel, as well as the elderly and vulnerable, Lee said.
The committee has proposed to progressively vaccinate the rest of the population, and cover everyone who wants a vaccination by the end of next year, he added.
Lee said he and his colleagues, including the older ones, will be getting themselves vaccinated early to underscore their belief that the vaccines are safe.
From MSN news:
Lawrence Wong, “Promise Made. Promise Kept”
Singapore—Education Minister Lawrence Wong took to Facebook on Monday night (Dec 14) to show that he made good on a promise from six months ago about making the vaccine available to everyone in Singapore.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced on Monday afternoon that not only was Singapore entering Phase 3 of reopening on Dec 28, but that the country would be getting the first doses of Covid-19 vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech by the end of the month.
Moreover, PM Lee said that the vaccine would be free for all Singaporeans and long-term residents, although it would not be made mandatory, and that enough doses would be available for all of Singapore by the third quarter of next year.
Mr Wong, who co-chaired the multi-ministry task force assigned to deal with the issues stemming from the pandemic along with Health Minister Gan Kim Yong, has been at the forefront of Singapore’s efforts to fight Covid-19.
He wrote in his post, “Promise Made. Promise Kept.”
“9 June: I shared in my ministerial broadcast that we will secure the vaccines and make them available to all Singaporeans who need it.
14 Dec: We announce that the first batch of vaccines will be here by year-end. If all goes according to plan, we will have enough to vaccinate everyone in Singapore by Q3 next year; and the vaccines will be free.”
Mr Wong had been one of the speakers in a series of National Broadcasts by Government leaders earlier this year. As the then-National Development Minister, he said on June 9, “If and when a vaccine becomes available, we will make sure that every Singaporean who needs it gets it, and at an affordable price.”
Regarding Phase 3 of the country’s reopening, Mr Wong outlined in an earlier post the key changes that the new phase will bring, include allowing social gatherings of up to eight individuals and bigger capacity limits for spaces such as malls and other attractions.
He added, “Over the course of Phase 3 itself, we will continue to review and consider further relaxation of the measures, provided we are able to keep the infection well under control.”
Mr Wong also underlined that the battle is not yet over, and urged Singaporeans ”to remain focused and disciplined all the way to the end,” and to stay united in fighting the pandemic. “Let’s make 2021 a better, healthier, and safer year for all of us!” he added.
The minister is perceived to have done well as the co-chair, and often the more visible face of the country’s efforts against Covid-19, remaining calm and pro-active even when Singapore’s infections rose to 1,000 a day in March and April.
One exception to his usually calm demeanour was in Parliament on March 25, when he fought back tears as he made a speech.
Mr Wong could barely hold in his emotions as he endeavoured to express gratitude to those on the front lines who have staked their lives in fighting the spread of the disease.
It took him several tries to get his words out, pausing a few times, and asking his fellow MPs to give him a moment before he could finish this sentence: “Words are not sufficient to express our appreciation for the Singaporeans who are going all-out to fight the virus.”
He went on to say, “And I just want to say a big ‘Thank You’ to everyone who is doing their part.” —/TISG
Lawrence Wong, “Promise Made. Promise Kept”
Singapore—Education Minister Lawrence Wong took to Facebook on Monday night (Dec 14) to show that he made good on a promise from six months ago about making the vaccine available to everyone in Singapore.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced on Monday afternoon that not only was Singapore entering Phase 3 of reopening on Dec 28, but that the country would be getting the first doses of Covid-19 vaccine from Pfizer-BioNTech by the end of the month.
Moreover, PM Lee said that the vaccine would be free for all Singaporeans and long-term residents, although it would not be made mandatory, and that enough doses would be available for all of Singapore by the third quarter of next year.
Mr Wong, who co-chaired the multi-ministry task force assigned to deal with the issues stemming from the pandemic along with Health Minister Gan Kim Yong, has been at the forefront of Singapore’s efforts to fight Covid-19.
He wrote in his post, “Promise Made. Promise Kept.”
“9 June: I shared in my ministerial broadcast that we will secure the vaccines and make them available to all Singaporeans who need it.
14 Dec: We announce that the first batch of vaccines will be here by year-end. If all goes according to plan, we will have enough to vaccinate everyone in Singapore by Q3 next year; and the vaccines will be free.”
Mr Wong had been one of the speakers in a series of National Broadcasts by Government leaders earlier this year. As the then-National Development Minister, he said on June 9, “If and when a vaccine becomes available, we will make sure that every Singaporean who needs it gets it, and at an affordable price.”
Regarding Phase 3 of the country’s reopening, Mr Wong outlined in an earlier post the key changes that the new phase will bring, include allowing social gatherings of up to eight individuals and bigger capacity limits for spaces such as malls and other attractions.
He added, “Over the course of Phase 3 itself, we will continue to review and consider further relaxation of the measures, provided we are able to keep the infection well under control.”
Mr Wong also underlined that the battle is not yet over, and urged Singaporeans ”to remain focused and disciplined all the way to the end,” and to stay united in fighting the pandemic. “Let’s make 2021 a better, healthier, and safer year for all of us!” he added.
The minister is perceived to have done well as the co-chair, and often the more visible face of the country’s efforts against Covid-19, remaining calm and pro-active even when Singapore’s infections rose to 1,000 a day in March and April.
One exception to his usually calm demeanour was in Parliament on March 25, when he fought back tears as he made a speech.
Mr Wong could barely hold in his emotions as he endeavoured to express gratitude to those on the front lines who have staked their lives in fighting the spread of the disease.
It took him several tries to get his words out, pausing a few times, and asking his fellow MPs to give him a moment before he could finish this sentence: “Words are not sufficient to express our appreciation for the Singaporeans who are going all-out to fight the virus.”
He went on to say, “And I just want to say a big ‘Thank You’ to everyone who is doing their part.” —/TISG
from mothership.sg:
S'poreans still need to wear masks & practise safe-distancing even with vaccination
Singaporeans will still need to observe safe-distancing rules and wear their masks even if they get vaccinated, said Minister Lawrence Wong and Director of Medical Services Kenneth Mak at the Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) press conference today (December 14).
Not enough evidence that vaccine protects against transmission of the virus
While the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been shown to protect the user against infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, there is not enough evidence that the vaccine protects against transmission of the virus.
Mak said that it is currently too early to tell if the vaccine will prevent transmission of the virus.
Wong, co-chair of the Multi-Ministry Taskforce, added that Singaporean have to look at all measures — mask wearing, safe-distancing, and vaccination — holistically, to make sure we have a whole suite of safeguards.
"Please understand that a vaccine is not a ticket to freedom to do whatever you want," Wong urged.
Vaccination is voluntary, but encouraged
Singapore's Health Sciences Authority (HSA) announced on December 14 that it has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for pandemic use.
Vaccination is voluntary and priority for vaccines will be given to those who are at greatest risk, such as healthcare workers and frontline personnel, as well as the elderly and vulnerable.
Vaccines will then be offered to the rest of the population progressively, with the goal of covering everyone who wants vaccination by the end of 2021.
S'poreans still need to wear masks & practise safe-distancing even with vaccination
Singaporeans will still need to observe safe-distancing rules and wear their masks even if they get vaccinated, said Minister Lawrence Wong and Director of Medical Services Kenneth Mak at the Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) press conference today (December 14).
Not enough evidence that vaccine protects against transmission of the virus
While the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been shown to protect the user against infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, there is not enough evidence that the vaccine protects against transmission of the virus.
Mak said that it is currently too early to tell if the vaccine will prevent transmission of the virus.
Wong, co-chair of the Multi-Ministry Taskforce, added that Singaporean have to look at all measures — mask wearing, safe-distancing, and vaccination — holistically, to make sure we have a whole suite of safeguards.
"Please understand that a vaccine is not a ticket to freedom to do whatever you want," Wong urged.
Vaccination is voluntary, but encouraged
Singapore's Health Sciences Authority (HSA) announced on December 14 that it has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for pandemic use.
Vaccination is voluntary and priority for vaccines will be given to those who are at greatest risk, such as healthcare workers and frontline personnel, as well as the elderly and vulnerable.
Vaccines will then be offered to the rest of the population progressively, with the goal of covering everyone who wants vaccination by the end of 2021.
from tnp.sg:
No let up in enforcement of safety rules during Phase 3: Lawrence Wong
Even as Singapore moves into phase three of its reopening on Dec 28, enforcement against those who flout the rules will not let up, warned Education Minister Lawrence Wong yesterday.
Highlighting recent "near-misses" where infected individuals had breached the rules and could have caused large clusters to form, the co-chairman of the multi-ministry task force said the resumption of more activities and the ability to gather in larger groups should be seen as a privilege not to be abused.
"We are indeed concerned that... in the run up to Dec 28 and even past Dec 28, there will be groups of people who let their guard down," Mr Wong said.
"Because it is the festive period, there is a tendency to get into a celebratory mood and all the more, the risk of complacency sets in," he added.
In phase three, the permitted group size for social gatherings will go up from five to eight, and capacity limits in public places such as malls, attractions and places of worship will also be increased.
Mr Wong emphasised that the usual checks at hot spots will continue, with safe distancing ambassadors and enforcement officers on the ground to remind the public of measures and to conduct inspections.
Enforcement action will be taken without hesitation, whether against individuals, hotels, or food and beverage (F&B) establishments, he said.
A few incidents involving large gatherings have made headlines in recent weeks, just as Singapore has recorded zero cases of local transmissions on most days.
Shoe retailer Foot Locker was ordered to close its Orchard Gateway outlet for 10 days after large crowds had gathered for a sneaker launch earlier this month, while Gemma Steakhouse was shut for 20 days after it held a dinner for 75 guests.
Last month, a 32-year-old service engineer tested positive for Covid-19 after having dinner with 12 other family members at Seoul Garden, where they intermingled despite being seated at separate tables.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said the authorities expect the risk of infections to go up as Singapore continues to reopen.
"That means the enforcement, the discipline, has to be strengthened and tightened so that we can continue to contain the risk and keep the number of cases as low as possible."
Meanwhile, to better manage crowds during the year-end festive season and the period leading up to Chinese New Year on Feb 12, Enterprise Singapore will work with major retailers here to improve their layouts, said Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing.
For F&B operators, yesterday's news was the perfect year-end gift, even as they remain wary of the black sheep who continue to test the rules.
Mr Shawn Kishore, co-founder of Central Asian restaurant The Nomads, hailed the news.
While safe distancing rules such as the 1m separation among tables, the use of masks when not eating or drinking, and no intermingling between groups will continue to apply, the increase from five to eight people per table means his team are revising the seating and reservation plan in time for Dec 28.
"We've been planning for this... phase three is the best news this year," he said.
Mr Melvin Chew, creator of Facebook group Hawkers United - Dabao 2020, said the move will benefit restaurants and tze char stalls that have been waiting to see if they can seat groups of eight during Chinese New Year before putting up their menus.
The Restaurant Association of Singapore said the move to phase three will help to sustain businesses and preserve jobs.
A spokesman said: "While we had hoped for this phase to be opened in time for Christmas, we understand the authorities may want the longer lead time to ensure everyone is prepared to receive more diners."
No let up in enforcement of safety rules during Phase 3: Lawrence Wong
Even as Singapore moves into phase three of its reopening on Dec 28, enforcement against those who flout the rules will not let up, warned Education Minister Lawrence Wong yesterday.
Highlighting recent "near-misses" where infected individuals had breached the rules and could have caused large clusters to form, the co-chairman of the multi-ministry task force said the resumption of more activities and the ability to gather in larger groups should be seen as a privilege not to be abused.
"We are indeed concerned that... in the run up to Dec 28 and even past Dec 28, there will be groups of people who let their guard down," Mr Wong said.
"Because it is the festive period, there is a tendency to get into a celebratory mood and all the more, the risk of complacency sets in," he added.
In phase three, the permitted group size for social gatherings will go up from five to eight, and capacity limits in public places such as malls, attractions and places of worship will also be increased.
Mr Wong emphasised that the usual checks at hot spots will continue, with safe distancing ambassadors and enforcement officers on the ground to remind the public of measures and to conduct inspections.
Enforcement action will be taken without hesitation, whether against individuals, hotels, or food and beverage (F&B) establishments, he said.
A few incidents involving large gatherings have made headlines in recent weeks, just as Singapore has recorded zero cases of local transmissions on most days.
Shoe retailer Foot Locker was ordered to close its Orchard Gateway outlet for 10 days after large crowds had gathered for a sneaker launch earlier this month, while Gemma Steakhouse was shut for 20 days after it held a dinner for 75 guests.
Last month, a 32-year-old service engineer tested positive for Covid-19 after having dinner with 12 other family members at Seoul Garden, where they intermingled despite being seated at separate tables.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said the authorities expect the risk of infections to go up as Singapore continues to reopen.
"That means the enforcement, the discipline, has to be strengthened and tightened so that we can continue to contain the risk and keep the number of cases as low as possible."
Meanwhile, to better manage crowds during the year-end festive season and the period leading up to Chinese New Year on Feb 12, Enterprise Singapore will work with major retailers here to improve their layouts, said Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing.
For F&B operators, yesterday's news was the perfect year-end gift, even as they remain wary of the black sheep who continue to test the rules.
Mr Shawn Kishore, co-founder of Central Asian restaurant The Nomads, hailed the news.
While safe distancing rules such as the 1m separation among tables, the use of masks when not eating or drinking, and no intermingling between groups will continue to apply, the increase from five to eight people per table means his team are revising the seating and reservation plan in time for Dec 28.
"We've been planning for this... phase three is the best news this year," he said.
Mr Melvin Chew, creator of Facebook group Hawkers United - Dabao 2020, said the move will benefit restaurants and tze char stalls that have been waiting to see if they can seat groups of eight during Chinese New Year before putting up their menus.
The Restaurant Association of Singapore said the move to phase three will help to sustain businesses and preserve jobs.
A spokesman said: "While we had hoped for this phase to be opened in time for Christmas, we understand the authorities may want the longer lead time to ensure everyone is prepared to receive more diners."
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