Singapore appointed 2 idiots to lead the task force.

[jw5]

from yahoo.com:

Singapore To Monitor Trials Of COVID-19 Vaccine Effects On Kids


With the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, Singapore will closely monitor the ongoing trials on its safety and effectiveness on children. There are hopes of being able to certify and administer them for students here soon.

According to Education Minister Lawrence Wong, the vaccines currently authorised for use by the Government are only allowed for individuals who are 16 and older.

Monitoring Trials On The Effects Of COVID-19 Vaccines For Kids Are Ongoing


On Sunday (21 March), Mr Wong posted a video as part of his “AskMeAnything” segment on his social media accounts answering questions on various topics. This, including whether students would need to be vaccinated against the virus.

He responded by saying that “there are trials that are happening now” and that they are monitoring these trials on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines for kids. Mr Wong also shared, “And we hope that before too long, we will be able to certify the use of the vaccines for children in Singapore too.”

In an effort to protect students, the national vaccination programme was extended to more than 150,000 teachers and educational institution staff members. According to the Health Ministry, this will help inoculate those who have come into prolonged contact with children below 16 years old since they are not yet certified for vaccines.

Meanwhile, since mid-January, students who are pursuing healthcare courses in Singapore’s local universities, polytechnics, the Institutes of Technical Education and private colleges have been offered the COVID-19 vaccine. This is because these students undergo clinical training at healthcare institutions. During which they would frequently interact with patients and are at risk of exposure to catching the virus.

Mr Wong Answers Other Questions About Current Events

With the remaining of his video, Mr Wong also answered other questions regarding the PSLE, travelling and more. Aside from the monitoring of effects on vaccines for kids, here are a few questions he highlighter in his five-minute “AskMeAnything” post:

1. Will PSLE be easier or more difficult because of the new grading system?

Mr Wong clarifies that the PSLE will remain the same. He adds that the only thing they would be changing is its grading system. This is to encourage students to not be too obsessed with their PSLE scores and to not “chase after every last mark.”

2. Can we put solar panels on all our school buildings?

As solar panels are more environmentally friendly, Mr Wong confirms that there are actually already 130 schools in Singapore that are on this solar panel programme. There are plans to do the same for the rest of the schools over time.

3. When will be able to travel again?

Mr Wong shared that travelling overseas would depend a lot “on the COVID situation around the world.” He also says this will depend on the vaccination programme that is currently being undertaken.

“So if all goes well with the vaccination, then there is a chance that we may be able to allow for more travel without the quarantine when you come back by the year-end,” he says. “But we have to keep our fingers crossed.”

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

4,000 join virtual relay challenge to support cancer patients, over $1 million raised so far

SINGAPORE - Senior financial consultant Zoe Yap was diagnosed with Stage 3 rectal cancer when she was only 33. It progressed to end-stage cancer by the time she was 36.

But that has not deterred the 40-year-old from taking part in a relay challenge organised by the Singapore Cancer Society.

The nine-day event, where participants can walk, swim, run or cycle to collectively complete a 100km challenge anywhere in Singapore, among other activities, kicked off on Saturday (March 20).

Ms Yap, who will walk her part of the challenge, said: "Participating in this event, I wish to inspire others to do our little part to give back to the cancer community.

"There are many out there impacted by cancer and need the encouragement and inclusivity. As a community at large, we can come together and provide that support and care."

Over 4,000 people are participating in the fifth edition of the Singapore Cancer Society - TalkMed Relay For Life virtual challenge this year.

The event aims to celebrate the lives of cancer survivors and remember those lost to the disease. It has already raised over $1 million to date.

Besides the relay challenge, participants can also engage in creative activities that promote good health in mind and body over these nine days.

Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong flagged off the survivor's lap, where those who were affected by cancer started the race to encourage others.

He also witnessed a cheque presentation of $250,000 by cancer care provider TalkMed Group to the Singapore Cancer Society.

He said: "Every year, over 100,000 people benefit from these efforts. Cancer can impose a heavy burden on patients and their families, financially and emotionally.

"It is heartening to see the community come together to send the message that no one fights cancer alone."

He noted that the society's programmes and services have helped support beneficiaries in coping with the illness and improving their quality of life.

Outreach initiatives and public education programmes have also helped to promote cancer awareness and prevention, he added.

Another participant, business manager Cherrie Ho, was first diagnosed with uterine leiomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer, in 2019.

Ms Ho, 49, said she wanted to take part in the relay race to raise money for other patients and benefit others.

"I wish to encourage other cancer patients to be brave and be strong. I know it's very challenging to deal with surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or any other kinds of cancer treatments. But we need to have faith that we can do it. We need to have a positive mindset even in a very difficult environment," she said.

Donations can be made at this link.

 

[jw5]

from yahoo.com:

Up to 750 attendees allowed at live performances with COVID-19 testing from 24 April


SINGAPORE — Up to 750 attendees are allowed at live performances at designated venues from 24 April, provided pre-event testing is implemented, said Education Minister Lawrence Wong on Wednesday (24 March).

Wong made the announcement at a COVID-19 multi-ministry taskforce conference, the first to be held in two months.

Live performances with no pre-event testing implemented will be capped at 250 attendees. Updated guidelines on audience management at live performance will be released by The National Arts Council.

In addition, business-to-business events being piloted and approved by the Singapore Tourism Board are allowed to have up to 750 attendees from 24 April, in zones of no more than 50 attendees each if pre-event testing is implemented. Currently, such events may have up to 250 attendees, in zones of no more than 50 attendees each.

Sporting events, currently being piloted and approved by SportSG, will be allowed to have up to 750 spectators if they implement pre-event testing, or to have up to 250 spectators without testing. Further details will be released by SportSG.

Individuals who have completed a full vaccination regimen, at least two weeks prior to the event can participate in such events, without the need for pre-event testing.

Wong, who is also the taskforce co-chair, said that broader guidelines would be made for vaccinated persons, apart from exempting them from pre-event testing procedures.

"The evidence around the world shows that the vaccination can help not just to protect yourself, but also reduce transmission risk, so we will look at what the guidelines are for vaccinated persons with regard to social activities, interactions as well as for travel," said Wong.

"It's still work in progress, we are not able to share anything at this present time, but clearly the direction is towards more flexibilities for those who are vaccinated."

Separately, from 24 April, the number of people who are allowed to bid farewell to loved ones at wakes and funerals on the day of the burial or cremation will be increased from 30 to 50 persons at any one time. The cap for other days of the wake remains at 30 attendees at any one time.

As pre-event testing is not required and there could be a large number of persons visiting over the course of the wake and funeral to pay their last respects, attendees should maintain safe distancing and keep masks on at all times to reduce the risk of spread.

"Don't get too excited that things are under control and then we can quickly open up everything. I think that will be rash and that can easily undo all the good things that we have achieved so far," said Wong.

On retaining the cap of eight persons for social gatherings, Health Minister and co-chair Gan Kim Yong said any adjustment to the number would have "a very broad base impact on the whole" and will cause the risk of transmission to go up "significantly".

"But I assure you that we are looking at this constantly...when we are confident that it will not create problems with transmissions, we will do the necessary adjustments, and we will make the appropriate announcement at the right time," he added.

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

50,000 staff in education sector receive Covid-19 vaccination letters; over 80% have made appointments

SINGAPORE - More than 80 per cent of staff in education institutions who have been invited to take the Covid-19 vaccine have made appointments to do so, Education Minister Lawrence Wong said.

Close to 50,000 letters were sent out on March 10 in the first batch of invitations, encouraging educators to take their jabs so as to reduce the risk of transmission in the community.

The response from the education sector has been very positive, Mr Wong said, noting that some staff have already taken their first jab.

"(I'm) very glad to see them step forward, in the spirit of protecting not just themselves, but their students and school community," said Mr Wong in a Facebook post on Thursday (March 25).

The vaccination exercise for teachers comes as the Ministry of Health expands the national vaccination programme to people who offer essential and front-line services.

More than 150,000 teachers and other staff will be offered the Covid-19 vaccine, the Ministry of Education had said earlier this month.

The exercise covers those working in primary schools, secondary schools, junior colleges and Millennia Institute, as well as those in special education schools, the Institute of Technical Education and polytechnics.

Vaccination will also be extended to staff at pre-schools licensed by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) and all MOE-registered kindergartens, as well as those in early intervention centres and programmes funded by or registered with ECDA for children with developmental needs, aged six and under.

Staff of private schools registered with the MOE that have full-time students below 18 years old, private education institutions - including international schools - with full-time students below 18, and madrasahs will also be offered the vaccine.

In his Facebook post, Mr Wong, who co-chairs the multi-ministry task force on Covid-19 with Health Minister Gan Kim Yong, shared some anecdotes from educators who have taken the vaccine or plan to do so.

One of them was Mr Tan Fong Wei, who is a subject head at Kranji Secondary School.

Commenting on his experience of taking the shot, Mr Tan said: "There was some numbness at the area where the jab went in, but I could still go about my day."

He advised those who were worried that they could take the shot in their non-dominant arm.

Meridian Primary School head of department Han Zi Rui said she was motivated to take the vaccine to protect the children under her charge.

"I chose to get vaccinated for my children - both my two little ones at home and my hundreds of children in school," she said.

 

[jw5]

from yahoo.com:

Singapore to ease Covid-19 restrictions from Apr 5 but 'don't get too excited' says Wong


Singapore’s restrictions are being eased in a “controlled, deliberate and steady manner”, says Minister Lawrence Wong.

Movement restrictions in Singapore will ease further come April 5 as the spread of Covid-19 infections within the community has remained low in the past month, averaging at around two per week.

As at 12pm on Mar 24, Singapore reported 15 infections of Covid-19, with all the cases being imported. This brings the total Covid-19 case count here to 60,236.

Starting April 5, 75% of the employees – who are presently able to work from home – can now be at the workplace at any one time. This is up from the current 50% cap.

With this, employers can shift from having working-from-home as a default to a more flexible and hybrid way of working.

Split team arrangements will also no longer be mandatory, although companies may continue to adopt such arrangements for business continuity, should they choose to do this. However, restrictions against cross-deployment across workplaces will remain in place, the multi-ministry taskforce elaborated.

Singapore’s restrictions are being eased in a “controlled, deliberate and steady manner” following the hard work that has gone into curbing the spread of the coronavirus, explains Education Minister Lawrence Wong.

The co-chair of the multi-ministry taskforce cautioned that we should not “get too excited” as there is still the possibility of new, unpredictable challenges that may come about.

Lower infection rates are also expected as more individuals receive vaccination.

As of Mar 23, some 1.1 million Covid-19 vaccine doses had been administered, the Covid-19 multi-ministry taskforce revealed in a virtual press conference on Wednesday.

This translates to around 799,000 individuals having received at least one dose of the vaccine. Amongst these individuals, around 310,000 have received their second dose and completed the full vaccination regimen.

So far, over 55% of seniors in Singapore have either received their vaccination or made appointments to do so. The taskforce is now looking to roll out the vaccination programme to younger persons, starting with those aged between 45 to 59.

“A key factor in how fast we vaccinate our population is the supply of vaccines,” said Health Minister Gan Kim Yong, who co-chairs the Covid-19 multi-ministry taskforce.

“We expect global supplies to remain tight and supply chains may be disrupted from time to time, which will affect our pace of vaccination,” he said, adding that the government will monitor Singapore’s supplies closely.


Further easing

Besides allowing a bigger proportion of workers back office, selected activities will be allowed to scale up further from 24 Apr, if they implement pre-event testing for their attendees.

For instance, marriage solemnisation ceremonies will be allowed to have 250 attendees in total, with attendees being placed in zones of up to 50 persons.

Couples whose ceremonies have over 100 attendees will be required to take the Covid-19 test prior to the event.

Similarly, the limit for wedding receptions will be increased from the current 100 person cap, to 250 for the entire event. Attendees must be placed into zones or timeslots of up to 50 persons.

All attendees of wedding receptions involving more than 100 attendees will also be required to take the Covid-19 test before the event.

Meanwhile, live performances at designated venues will be allowed to have up to 750 attendees if they have pre-event testing. Performances with 250 attendees will be permitted if pre-event testing is not permitted.

In the same regard, 750 attendees will be permitted for business-to-business events, should pre-event testing be implemented. Such events can take place for up to 250 attendees – who are placed in zones of no more than 50 attendees each - should pre-event testing not be imposed.

A similar arrangement is being piloted for sports events. Under this, sport events will be allowed to have up to 750 spectators if they implement pre-event testing, or to have up to 250 spectators without testing.

Aside from these relaxations, the number of persons allowed at wakes and funerals on the day of the burial/cremation will be increased from 30 to 50 persons at any point in time.

The cap on other days of the wake will remain at 30 attendees at any point in time.

Persons who have already completed the full vaccination regimen and have had time to develop sufficient protection (or two weeks after their second dose), can gain entry to events without having to undergo pre-event testing.

One aspect that will not have any change is the number of persons in social gatherings. This will remain at eight to prevent any possible spread of the infection, the taskforce explained.

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

Easing of movement restrictions for migrant workers to be done progressively: Lawrence Wong


SINGAPORE - Plans to relax the restrictions on the movements of migrant workers will be implemented progressively, when more of them have been vaccinated and infection rates remain under control, said the multi-ministry task force co-chair Lawrence Wong on Wednesday (March 24).

He was responding to questions raised at a press conference on why migrant workers were subject to stricter measures than the rest of the population, and when they would be allowed to move about more freely.

A pilot scheme was announced last December for migrant workers in some dormitories to be in the community once a month, starting in the first quarter of this year. This would be subject to their compliance with rostered routine testing, wearing contact tracing devices, and safe living measures.

The task force did not comment on the time frame of the pilot scheme's roll-out.

Even though the number of Covid-19 cases has fallen considerably among the migrant worker population, Mr Wong said that the "circumstances in the dormitories" are such that they remain places where a single case could spread to many other workers.

This is in spite of the safe management measures in place, along with efforts to reduce the density of the dormitories.

"It's not just the living environment, (but) also the work environment, where, in construction, for example, despite our best efforts having different zones avoid intermingling of workers, it's very hard to really make sure that there is that kind of segregation taking place all the time," he said.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had also said in a BBC broadcast on March 14 that it is too much of a risk to have migrant workers from dormitories mixing freely with the general population, as Covid-19 is still circulating in Singapore.

Because of this, the Government is taking a very cautious approach on this front, though the measures will be progressively eased when the time comes, said Mr Wong.

There have been four new Covid-19 cases in the dormitories this year, with the latest on Feb 28.

He also noted that some measures have already been relaxed, with workers being allowed to spend more time at recreational centres purpose-built for them.

The Ministry of Health announced on March 8 that vaccinations had begun for 10,000 residents of the country's five largest dormitories, and they would be progressively made available to all migrant workers.

Workers who have been fully vaccinated will be tested every 28 days instead of on the current 14-day cycle.

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

Travel bubbles with other countries hinge on overall Covid-19 situation, not just vaccination: Gan Kim Yong

SINGAPORE - Singapore is actively discussing mutual travel arrangements with other countries, and such arrangements are likely to vary between different countries, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong has said.

These agreements may not hinge solely on vaccination, as it depends on what the overall situation is like in each country, said Mr Gan, who co-chairs the multi-ministry task force tackling the Covid-19 pandemic with Education Minister Lawrence Wong.

During a virtual press conference on Wednesday (March 24), Mr Gan said such negotiations are currently taking place on a bilateral basis and that Singapore cannot currently have a standard framework for all countries.

"Eventually, after a year or two years, when almost all countries are able to bring the pandemic under control... then we may be able to have multilateral global travel arrangements. But it's a long way off."

Mr Wong said other questions like whether travellers will have to be placed under stay-home notice (SHN) when returning from a given country hinges on not only both countries' vaccination programmes but also Singapore's assessment of the impact of vaccination on transmission risk.

"I think many people are hoping to see the possibility of a reduced or even no stay-home notice when you travel abroad and come back, but we have not confirmed these yet. We are still working through them, and when we are ready, we will share what these guidelines are for vaccinated persons."

Asked if Singapore will recognise only vaccination certificates for travellers who have received the vaccines that have been approved for use here, Mr Wong said it is more important to consider the overall transmission risk in the other country.

"Regardless of the type of vaccine that's being used in any country, I think the vaccines do have an impact in helping to reduce the incidence and the spread of the virus."

He said that a country which is able to keep infection rates under control will become a low-risk country, which means travellers entering Singapore from that country need not serve SHN.

Besides vaccination, Mr Wong said testing is another key consideration. Antibody tests, for example, can help determine if a person has not only been vaccinated but also has the right antibody response to confer immunity.

"It's not just looking at the vaccine alone, but looking at broader considerations, including the overall situation in the country and the possibilities of additional tests that can be administered," Mr Wong said.

"We will continue those conversations with different countries in working out the best way to facilitate travel in a safe manner."

Mr Wong also noted that previously negotiated reciprocal green lane agreements were developed before any country had vaccinations and more discussion will be needed before these agreements can be resumed.

These agreements allowed people to travel without being issued SHNs, but they would be subject to other measures such as Covid-19 tests or having a controlled itinerary.

"We will look at the possibility of resuming some of the travel lanes but with a different context because vaccines are now available. Part of the discussions about bilateral travel lanes would include now mutual recognition of vaccine certificates and what it means for vaccinated persons to travel."

Singapore welcomes talks with countries that have managed their infections well and brought Covid-19 transmission rates under control, Mr Wong said.

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

No major disruptions to S'pore's Covid-19 vaccine supply so far amid EU export curbs: Gan Kim Yong


SINGAPORE - Singapore has not seen significant disruptions to vaccine supply in light of European Union (EU) moves to extend export curbs but concerns remain, said Health Minister Gan Kim Yong on Wednesday (March 24).

"We are concerned about the supplies, the continuity of supplies, and that is why we are encouraging Singaporeans to get vaccinated as soon as possible," Mr Gan added.

His comments at a virtual multi-ministry task force briefing came on the back of the European Commission announcing that it will extend EU powers to potentially block Covid-19 vaccine exports to Britain and other areas with much higher vaccination rates.

The moves are designed to avoid even limited shortfalls in deliveries to the EU, whose inoculation programme has been beset by delays and supply issues.

The EU used an existing export control mechanism, set up at the end of January, to block a shipment of AstraZeneca vaccine to Australia earlier this month.

Singapore did experience a short-term disruption when Pfizer shut down its plant for upgrading, impacting the supply of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The plant has restarted and supplies have resumed, Mr Gan said.

But he warned that logistics and shipments could be still hampered even without EU intervention.

"If supplies are disrupted, we may need to also suspend our vaccination programme until new supplies arrive," he said.

"So I would like to seek Singaporeans' understanding that we are actually running a very tight supply situation and we want to do it as soon as possible, as fast as possible.

"But that means that from time to time, we may need to disrupt our vaccination programme while waiting for new supplies."

Once supplies do arrive, they are deployed as fast as possible, he added.

"As soon as (the vaccines) arrive, once they clear the quality assessment, we put them almost straight to the vaccination centres. So we keep very little stock because we do want to roll them out as soon as possible so that we can vaccinate Singaporeans."

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

With easing Covid-19 measures, why is S'pore still capping social gatherings at groups of 8?

SINGAPORE - While capacity limits for some events like weddings will be increased from April 24, with precautions in place, social gatherings still have to be limited to eight people, as a relaxation of this measure could considerably increase the risk of Covid-19 transmission, said Health Minister Gan Kim Yong on Wednesday (March 24).

"Any adjustment to this number has a very broad-based impact on social interactions, and therefore the risk of transmission goes up significantly," he said in response to a question at a virtual press conference.

Mr Gan and Education Minister Lawrence Wong co-chair the multi-ministry task force tackling the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Wong said that a resurgence in Covid-19 transmission has occurred in other countries, and the Government is reviewing its measures in a "controlled, deliberate and steady manner" to guard against this risk, rather than moving too quickly to relax measures.

"You'll find that there is a risk that clusters form (if measures are relaxed too quickly), particularly if the clusters stem from more infectious strains of the virus. They can spread very quickly, and when that happens, you will have to move in again with additional restrictions," he explained.

The Government is reviewing measures in a controlled manner, watching the outcomes of every move, and making sure the situation remains stable, Mr Wong said.

"That has been the approach we have taken throughout the past year and that will continue to be the approach we take this year, relying heavily on data and evidence as we make each move," he added.

Mr Gan also assured Singaporeans that the Government is reviewing the limit on social gatherings on a regular basis.

"When we are confident that it will not create problems with transmission, we will do the necessary adjustments and we will make the appropriate announcement at the right time."

At the press conference, the two ministers also announced that more people will be allowed to attend some events as part of an easing of Covid-19 restrictions, if pre-event testing is in place for these activities.

For instance, pre-event testing will be required for wedding receptions with more than 100 attendees, including the wedding couple. But this is not required for wedding receptions with 100 or fewer attendees.

People who have been fully vaccinated and have had time to develop sufficient protection will also be exempted from pre-event testing.

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

More sports might be included in NSG later this year if Covid-19 stays under control: Lawrence Wong

SINGAPORE - More sports might be included in the National School Games (NSG) later this year if the Covid-19 situation remains under control and with more people in Singapore getting vaccinated, Minister for Education Lawrence Wong said on Wednesday (March 31).

At the NSG opening ceremony at Our Tampines Hub, Mr Wong said organisers will continue to review the situation and it might also be possible to consider easing some safety management measures.

This year's Games, which started on Monday and ends on May 27, features only 12 of 29 sports across the A, B and Senior Divisions. They are badminton, bowling, golf, gymnastics, rope skipping, sepak takraw, shooting, table tennis, taekwondo (poomsae), tennis, 3v3 volleyball and wushu.

It will see about 12,000 student-athletes competing, compared to the 60,000 usually involved in the three divisions plus the C and Junior ones.

The sports were selected as they were considered non-contact sports with limited physical contact and minimal inter-mingling among participants from different schools at competition venues.

The C and Junior Divisions are expected to resume in Term 3, which starts on June 28. The list of sports involved will be announced later.

Secondary schools contest the B (Sec 3, 4 and 5) and C (Sec 1 and 2) divisions, while the A division is for junior colleges. The Senior division is for Primary 5 and 6 pupils, and the Junior category is for those in Primary 3 to 5.

Mr Wong said: "While we are resuming the games, we are not doing it in the same fashion as before. We are adapting, we are putting in place precautions and many additional modifications.

"And that's because even though the infection is currently under control in Singapore, we are still not out of the woods.

"The virus has not been eradicated within our community, and it is very likely that there is still a low level of viral circulation in our community and that's why we have to remain alert and vigilant."

Safety management measures in place at the NSG include limits on venue capacity and the absence of spectators.

The national championships for table tennis, badminton (both Senior and B divisions) and volleyball (B division) have also been cancelled. Instead, these sports will feature only the zonal level due to the large number of participating schools and shorter competition period.

Student-athletes Aliff Qayyum Bin Zainalabidin (left) and Nicolle Lee Shiting (second from left) taking their oaths during the opening ceremony of the National School Games 2021. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI

Mr Wong recounted how when the Republic saw an increase in local cases earlier this year, the Games had to be deferred and "there was a very real risk" that it could be suspended again.

The NSG was halted twice last year before it was eventually cancelled for the first time since it started in 1959.

Mr Wong said: "Fortunately, thereafter, we tightened up measures, we were able to bring down local transmission and keep it under control. After the Chinese New Year festivities, we have not seen any uptick in cases.

"At the same time, we have also started ramping up on vaccination across the entire population and also among teachers to protect our educators as well as the students and school community.

"So all that has given us confidence and I'm very glad that today we are able to finally proceed with the NSG."

Fairfield Methodist School (Secondary) volleyball player Yap Sze Xuen, 16, was disappointed that she would not get a chance to compete in nationals but understood the need for such restrictions.

"We don't want the spread of the virus and if we want to play 6v6 next time, we should abide by this until we can return and eventually go on to nationals again. It's for the benefit of future generations," said the Secondary 4 student, who is aiming to clinch the South Zone title with her team.

Mr Lawrence Wong (left, in red) interacting with the team from Peicai Secondary School during the NSG Volleyball Competition. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI


Mr Wong also noted that "sporting excellence is not defined solely by achievements in the NSG; it has to go beyond that".

He added: "I hope all our student-athletes take the opportunity to reflect and take stock of your sporting journey so far, and how this has shaped your response to adversity.

"Cherish the bonds you have formed with your fellow teammates, your coaches and teachers and even your parents who have journeyed with you, and continue to give your best and keep striving for excellence in everything."

 

[jw5]

Sharing impressions of each other.

 

[jw5]

Giving a joint press conference together

 

[jw5]

Laughing at each other

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

Stay vigilant in fight against Covid-19: Lawrence Wong

S'pore has made good progress since circuit breaker but should not relax too early, he says

The Upper Bukit Timah Truss Bridge at the Rail Corridor (Central) on Friday. Some visitors said the area was so packed that there was hardly any room for social distancing. The National Parks Board has encouraged members of the public to visit its gardens, parks and nature reserves during off-peak hours. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI


Singaporeans should remain vigilant in the country's fight against the Covid-19 outbreak and not be complacent, said Education Minister Lawrence Wong yesterday.
"And we must never assume that we have seen the end of the pandemic, and that victory is in sight, or that we can relax and start letting our guard down," he added.
The minister was speaking at the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Singapore Sikh Education Foundation (SSEF) at the Singapore Khalsa Association, where he was the guest of honour.

His message comes a year after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong addressed the nation to announce circuit breaker measures to curb the spread of the virus.
Mr Wong noted that Singapore has made good progress in bringing down the number of infections here since it exited the circuit breaker on June 2 last year.
"So let us not waste the sacrifices that all of us have made over this difficult period, by relaxing too early and letting our guard down too quickly," he said.

Separately, the National Parks Board (NParks) said in a statement yesterday that it is stepping up patrols to manage crowds in Singapore's green spaces during the long Easter weekend.
"Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, NParks has seen a significant increase in visitorship in our green spaces," it said.
Crowds were spotted at the newly opened Rail Corridor between Hillview and King Albert Park on Friday, with some visitors saying the area was so packed that there was hardly any room for social distancing.
NParks also encouraged members of the public to visit its gardens, parks and nature reserves during off-peak hours.
It said: "NParks actively manages the ground situation by carrying out real-time crowd monitoring and control at hot spots, and will close park areas temporarily when needed.

DON'T LET GUARD DOWN

Let us not waste the sacrifices that all of us have made over this difficult period, by relaxing too early and letting our guard down too quickly.
EDUCATION MINISTER LAWRENCE WONG,
urging people to remain vigilant, while noting that Singapore has made good progress in bringing down infection numbers since exiting the circuit breaker in June last year.
"Before heading down to our parks, please check the Safe Distance @ Parks portal for the latest updates on visitorship levels."
Yesterday, Mr Wong urged compliance with all safe distancing measures, and encouraged eligible individuals to get vaccinated.
Inaugurated on Dec 30, 1990, the SSEF is a non-profit organisation that provides Punjabi language education for students in Singapore's mainstream schools.
Eight individuals, including SSEF chairman Gurdial Kaur, received long service awards yesterday for their dedication to the organisation.
Tokens of appreciation were also presented to various recipients, such as donors, trustees and partner institutions of the SSEF.

 

[jw5]

GKY looking suspicious.

 

[jw5]

GKY and LW being vaccinated.

 

[jw5]

Safe distancing sitting

 

[jw5]

Closer together

 

[jw5]

Potential PM?

 

[jw5]

SG's choices for PM.