Zero-Covid-19 strategy no longer feasible: PM Lee
The Straits Times|October 10, 2021
Delta strain has changed situation and S’pore won’t be able to stamp it out through lockdowns, curbs
Grace Ho, Senior Political Correspondent
Zero-Covid-19 strategy no longer feasible: PM Lee

A zero-Covid-19 strategy is no longer feasible given how infectious the Delta variant is, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong as he set out the country’s situation and what has changed.

With vaccinations, the virus has become a mild, treatable disease for most, he added, urging people to go about their daily activities as normally as possible, taking necessary precautions and complying with safe management measures.

Key to this shift is updating mindsets to respect the virus but not be paralysed by fear, PM Lee said in an address to the nation yesterday.

Acknowledging Singaporeans’ anxieties, he added that many have found it difficult to keep up with new policies and changes to measures, and that he understood their concerns and frustrations.

At the start of the outbreak last year, Singapore was dealing with an unknown disease, and adjusted its strategy as the authorities learnt more about the virus, he said.

“Our original approach was to do our utmost to prevent Singaporeans from being exposed to Covid-19. We tightened safe management measures as much as necessary, to bring cases down to a very low level. We judged this the best way to minimise serious illness and deaths,” he said.

“Zero Covid” was the right strategy then and helped avert a huge loss of lives that many countries saw, he added.

Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin October 10, 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin October 10, 2021 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

THE STRAITS TIMES DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
The Straits Times

Ong Ye Kung calls for more Malay participation in Healthier SG

Healthier SG has been a success since the preventive care initiative was launched in July 2023, with close to 890,000 participants to date, said Health Minister Ong Ye Kung as he encouraged greater involvement by the Malay community.

time-read
2 dak  |
May 19, 2024
Fire insurance for some US homes soars to $270k due to climate change
The Straits Times

Fire insurance for some US homes soars to $270k due to climate change

Mr Peter Mac was closing the sale of a home in the Hollywood Hills, a four-bedroom, five-bath estate with an infinity pool perched above the lights of Los Angeles.

time-read
5 dak  |
May 19, 2024
The Straits Times

SIA launching foundation to help students in need, grow aviation industry

To help people and communities in need and spur growth in Singapore's aviation industry, national carrier Singapore Airlines (SIA) will be launching the Singapore Airlines Foundation.

time-read
2 dak  |
May 19, 2024
FROM CELL TO A SWELL 66
The Straits Times

FROM CELL TO A SWELL 66

After arrest for felony assault, Scheffler calmly shoots to T4 at PGA C’ship

time-read
3 dak  |
May 19, 2024
CITY ON THE BRINK OF NEW DOMINANCE
The Straits Times

CITY ON THE BRINK OF NEW DOMINANCE

Guardiola’s men will seal a historic fourth straight EPL title with win over Hammers

time-read
3 dak  |
May 19, 2024
Golfers back 'Free Scottie' movement after 'wild' arrest
The Straits Times

Golfers back 'Free Scottie' movement after 'wild' arrest

Long described as a level-headed, wholesome family man whose dominance in golf bordered on boring, Scottie Scheffler now has a mugshot in an orange jumpsuit and a scheduled arraignment on his resume.

time-read
2 dak  |
May 19, 2024
KLOPP EXIT TO CAP 'MOST INTENSE WEEK'
The Straits Times

KLOPP EXIT TO CAP 'MOST INTENSE WEEK'

He leads Reds out for the last time against Wolves with his Liverpool legacy secured

time-read
3 dak  |
May 19, 2024
Pacers force Game 7 as hosts prevail again
The Straits Times

Pacers force Game 7 as hosts prevail again

The Indiana Pacers produced another big win on their home court on May 17, routing the New York Knicks 116-103 to force a decisive Game 7 in their National Basketball Association (NBA) Eastern Conference semi-final, play-off series.

time-read
1 min  |
May 19, 2024
A FESTIVAL FOR URBAN SPORTS
The Straits Times

A FESTIVAL FOR URBAN SPORTS

SportSG hopes inaugural 10-day event will rally the masses and become an Asian fixture

time-read
2 dak  |
May 19, 2024
LIM'S KOSCIUSZKO THE BEST BY TWO MILES
The Straits Times

LIM'S KOSCIUSZKO THE BEST BY TWO MILES

Nothing can stop Meagher’s champion as he equals Rocket Man’s 20-win record

time-read
2 dak  |
May 19, 2024