Daily Covid-19 Cases Exceeding Projections, Tighter Measures Needed If Hospitals Reach Capacity: Ong Ye Kung

Ong Ye Kung Says Government Is Monitoring Hospital Capacity & Cases Closely

Singapore has recorded more than 1,000 Covid-19 cases in the past four days, leading to much of the population holding its breath every day for possible tightened measures.

However, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung has come out to dispel worries on 21 Sep. In an interview with Lianhe Zaobao, Minister Ong says that the government is monitoring hospital capacities closely and will impose strict restrictions if the situation worsens.

Although there have been early projections, the Delta variant’s more contagious nature has taken the government by surprise.

However, Minister Ong also said that a lockdown will no longer be possible since infections will rise again following one.

Delta variant’s virality was not accounted for

According to the interview, Minister Ong says that while he expected 100 to 200 cases a day during the preparatory period, he did not account for the Delta variant’s virality.

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He likens the fight against Covid-19 to be like a war, meaning we need to be able to adapt quickly.

He also states that Singapore will only reach a critical stage if 2 conditions are met — a high number of serious cases and overloaded hospital capacity.

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With the government’s surveillance on both these factors, he ensures that the situation is relatively under control for now.

However, Minister Ong says that the situation is changing daily and they will not hesitate to implement tighter restrictions.

Minister Ong says lockdown is no longer possible

While the rising numbers are a cause of anxiety and concern for many, Minister Ong maintains that going back into a lockdown is no longer possible, and would be “futile”.

This is because infections would rise again following a lockdown.

Minister Ong reiterates that a balance needs to be found as lifting all restrictions is not an option too.

He went on to spell out the differences between an endemic Covid-19 and co-existing. As there are too many unknown factors linked with Covid-19, it is still too early to treat the coronavirus like the flu.

Hospital capacity is not limitless

Singapore’s hospital capacity is not limitless and we cannot afford to overload the system.

That’s why it’s important that we keep hospital capacity at a minimum by being socially responsible in these times.

Do visit a GP instead of a hospital if you are feeling unwell.

While fatigue with Covid-19 is inevitable, we must maintain good hygiene so as to not transmit the virus any further.

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Featured image adapted from Facebook.