Keep your guard up
THE permanent secretary for Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Dr James Fong, made a point on Monday that needs our attention. As our report on Page 5 today points out, the key to avoiding future restrictions and lockdowns, he said, is for the public to remain cautious about how they engage in the greater freedom they enjoy as restrictions are lifted.
He warned that while the ministry was preparing for the lifting of international travel restrictions, and other social and workplace engagement restrictions, it noted that a number of countries had seen an increased number of cases with the relaxation of restrictions.
There will always be people vulnerable to the virus, he said, even as we increase our vaccination coverage.
“We have one-third of the population under 18 years who will soon be eligible for vaccination. We will have older people with comorbidities whose ability to build up vaccine immunity is not as good as younger and healthier persons.
“Also of concern is that we will have unvaccinated people in our communities who are also not exposed to the virus, and hence do not have any protection against the disease, and among them are elderly persons and those with serious comorbidities. As such, future resurgence of infections and increased case numbers will again test our critical care capacities.
“We are constantly reviewing and updating our healthcare protocols so we can respond effectively to future outbreaks.”
Thus, the key to avoiding future restrictions and lockdowns, he said, would be for the public “to remain cautious about how they engage in the greater freedom they will enjoy”.
He noted that while the easing of restrictions was needed to facilitate social and economic livelihood, the public must ensure that together with vaccination, we continue to observe COVID-safe measures and avoid contained spaces and crowds.
Dr Fong said the national 7-day average daily test positivity was 8.6 per cent, which was on a downward trend, but it still was indicating a high level of community transmission. This continues to be a major concern.
Dr Fong also reported two more COVID-19 deaths for July 29 from the Central Division. He said the deaths were reported now because of the delay in the issuance of official death certificates.
That now takes our total number to 592 deaths due to COVID-19, with 590 deaths during the second wave which started in April this year. This is quite high! It is a major concern!
Again, we say, let’s keep our guards up. Let’s stay on course. Let’s adhere to every COVID-19 safety protocol.
That means doing the little things right every day. Wear a mask everytime you are out in public. Watch what you touch when out in public. Wash your hands often with soap and water and avoid crowded spaces. Be aware, be proactive and stay safe! Keep your guards up!