524 People In S’pore Under Coronavirus Quarantine, Health Status Updated Thrice A Day

Authorities Monitoring People Under Home & Government Quarantine Closely

As the government starts to take stricter measures to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus, those at risk of infection are subject to scrutiny.

There’s no way around, as the number of people under quarantine as of Sunday (2 Feb) night proves.

Spectators undergoing temperature checks during Chingay on 1 Feb
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According to a report by The Straits Times (ST), there are now 524 people under home and government quarantine in Singapore.

All quarantine cases are under close observation

Citing Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong, ST reports that out of the 524, “222 are in government quarantine facilities and 302 are serving quarantine at home”.

These individuals have to stay in their locations throughout the 14-day period.

While many of us are aware of the protocols at hospitals and disease centres, some may worry about those confining themselves at home.

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Besides staying indoors, they also should avoid physical interaction with people living in the area.

To keep them in check, the government requires that they update their health status at least thrice a day via video call.

Officials will also visit once in a while to ensure that they don’t leave their homes.

Those who do may face a fine or jail term.

Difference between quarantine & leave of absence

The public should know that a quarantine and leave of absence (LOA) are two different things. The former is for high-risk cases, while the latter is for low-risk ones like travellers returning from China, who have to take a 14-day LOA.

According to ST, patients on quarantine can’t leave their locations at all, but those on LOA can, with certain conditions:

• Stay at home as much as possible
• Reduce time spent in public spaces
• Stay away from crowds
• Keep a record of who they come into close contact with
• Keep track of their health

Those with friends or family on LOA should take note of the above.

Support each other through this outbreak

As much as we should take precautionary measures, we should avoid turning these advisories into excuses to treat certain people differently.

All of us, whether healthy or unwell, have our parts to play.

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Those who are feeling under the weather should visit the doctor, and wear a mask if they’re coughing or sneezing.

The rest of us should likewise observe good personal hygiene, and create a safe environment for everyone to live in.

Featured image adapted from Facebook.