Singapore has had to change course along its journey in tackling Covid-19 and is trying to persuade its people that it is necessary to accept a few thousand virus cases a day, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said yesterday.
While it will try its best, there will be casualties, mainly old people who will not make it. “It is just the way life is, and it is the way influenza and pneumonia and other diseases carry off old folk by the thousands every year. We accept that, and we have to manage this going forward without letting it go out of control,” he added.
PM Lee was speaking to Bloomberg editor-in-chief John Micklethwait at a gala dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore on day one of the Bloomberg New Economy Forum.
PM Lee noted that Singapore was trying to reach an endpoint without paying the high price many other societies have when populations in these places were infected before they got vaccinated.
This is also why Singapore is easing up on restrictions “step by step”, even as it moves to living with the virus, “without having had to make unsettling U-turns”.
This story is from the November 18, 2021 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 18, 2021 edition of The Straits Times.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
PRANCING IN A PACK
Ferrari boss says constructors' c'ship too close to call, with four teams in the mix
F1 drivers swear by their 'human' emotions
Leading Formula One drivers at this week's Singapore Grand Prix said on Sept 19 they would not tone down their language on team radio, after governing body the International Automobile Federation (FIA) warned them to cut out the swearing.
NIGHT RACE CRUCIAL TO TIGHT TITLE FIGHT
For the first time in years, F1 heads to S'pore with a genuine battle for the drivers' crown
VOLUNTEERS WITH PASSION FOR F1
Love for the motor sport sees helping hands of S'pore GP return year after year
Hojlund and Mount to return in 'careful way'
Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount could make their returns during Manchester United's English Premier League trip to Crystal Palace on Sept 21, but manager Erik ten Hag is wary of rushing the duo back from injury.
ALISSON A DOUBT AGAINST CHERRIES
Slot also set to be without Elliott; expects 'aggressive' Bournemouth side
Raya's saves the best Arteta has ever seen
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hailed his goalkeeper David Raya, after the Spaniard's miraculous double save earned his side a 0-0 draw away to Atalanta in the Champions League on Sept 19.
DIVERSITY KEY FOR FENCING EXCO
Team of 11 include national water polo captain and former S'pore wushu athlete
Surge in Ohtani-mania after historic 50-50 feat
Japan erupted in cheers on Sept 20, a day after national hero Shohei Ohtani blasted his way into Major League Baseball (MLB) history as the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a season.
Foreign-led Young Lions eye new territory
Things are looking upbeat for perennial bottom dwellers Young Lions this Singapore Premier League term with the infusion of several foreign players and seasoned campaigners.