MS Originals

S’pore Will Win Covid-19 Battle Just Like How We Overcame SARS As A Nation, Says Tommy Koh

Covid-19 Batte Can Be Won Because Singapore Already Overcame SARS In 2003

The spread of Covid-19, previously referred to as the coronavirus, has left many panicking in its wake. It revealed the best and worst of Singaporeans as well. There were Singaporeans who panic-bought every non-perishable good in sight. On the contrary, people also raised funds to give healthcare workers a treat.

In light of this, Professor Tommy Koh, Singapore’s former representative to the United Nations, wrote a letter posted in The Straits Times (ST) to encourage everyone.

Source

He shared that Singapore has conquered worse challenges and will triumph over the current crisis too.

Singapore conquered SARS in 2003

Prof Koh illustrated Singaporeans’ tenacity using the SARS outbreak which happened in 2003.

Source

The virus first reached our shores in March after 3 Singaporean women came back from Hong Kong.

Everyone in Singapore did what they could to fight against the virus. The government designated Tan Tock Seng Hospital as a “dedicated SARS hospital”.

Source

Prof Koh wrote in the article that,

 

It was fought by the whole of Government and by the whole of the people.

The battle lasted for 4 months only — SARS was eradicated in Singapore in July, reported ST. However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) took Singapore off its list of SARS-affected countries by May, according to Singapore Infopedia.

Here in Singapore, it took 33 lives. WHO said the way we dealt with the crisis was “exemplary”.

Prof Koh pointed to 2 factors that contributed to our triumph.

People played their part

When reflecting on the crisis, Prof Koh recalled the “admirable manner” Singaporeans had.

There was no panic. The people were calm and went about their daily activities.

In addition, those who were quarantined followed orders closely as well.

Source

The crisis evoked the Kampong Spirit amongst many Singaporeans, who showed a “remarkable degree of solidarity”.

Source

Neighbours helped other neighbours who were unable to help themselves.

Prof Koh cited the example of individuals who volunteered their time to record temperatures or go door-to-door in HDB estates to share accurate information on the virus.

This was in an age when fake news wasn’t easily clarified with the press of a button.

Heroic healthcare workers on the frontlines

Prof Koh lauded the bravery of our healthcare workers who tackled the challenge head on without hesitation.

Unlike the situation in some other places, where some healthcare workers refused to return to work, the situation in Singapore was just the opposite.

Doctors and nurses offered to work despite the grave risk they faced.

Source

Dr Alexandre Chao was one of them. He voluntarily cut his leave short in the US to fight the virus, and gave up spending time with his wife and 2 young daughters. Unfortunately, he succumbed to SARS on 22 Apr 2003.

Dr Chao with his daughters
Source

Several other healthcare workers passed away from SARS, including 1 hospital attendant, 2 nurses and 1 doctor.

Although they had their own families and loved ones to care for as well, they thought of others before themselves.

You can read Prof Koh’s letter here.

Singaporeans must unite to fight Covid-19

Prof Koh summarises his letter with this truth — Singapore has faced such trials before.

Each time, we never let fear take over us and fought to get through the crisis together.

Each time, the people of Singapore rose to the occasion and survived the crisis. We should do the same in facing the current crisis.

What matters now is that we stay united as one, be brave and care for our fellow man.

Perhaps if we stay united, there’s a better chance we will overcome the Covid-19 crisis soon.

Featured image adapted from Public Service Division.

Arista Lim

Arista is a spicy food and karaoke enthusiast. Also really into tea, especially oolong or tieguanyin.

Recent Posts

‘The girls will not feel safe’: Parents of S’pore Sports School students in deepfake nude photo scandal demand harsher punishment

The school has lodged a police report and police investigations are ongoing.

14 Nov 2024, 10:36 am

Water supply cut off at Woodlands block for more than 1 day, residents shower at swimming pool

Residents queued to collect water from taps in the void deck or PUB water wagons.

14 Nov 2024, 2:15 am

URL on ‘Wicked’ dolls’ packaging links to porn site, Mattel apologises for misprint

The misprinted boxes are now coveted items on eBay.

13 Nov 2024, 6:30 pm

‘It suits you’: Daughter in Thailand asks for car, dad gets her tuk tuk instead

And she named her new purple ride after a popular Thai rum.

13 Nov 2024, 6:01 pm

2 boys rush out of MRT to return laptop left by alighting passenger, praised for actions

They managed to run back onto the train in time.

13 Nov 2024, 5:29 pm

Croatian scientist treats own breast cancer with viruses she developed in lab, has been cancer-free for 4 years

During the treatment, her tumour substantially shrank and was later removed easily.

13 Nov 2024, 5:16 pm