THIS WEEK’S TOPIC: What early lessons can be drawn so far about efforts to contain the novel coronavirus epidemic?
I would like to share three early lessons about containing efforts :
1) Swift communication
World Health Organization spokesman Olivia Lawe-Davies said: ”Before the detection of the first case in Singapore, preparedness activities were already underway for the rapid detection and response to 2019-nCoV, including enhanced surveillance and communication with the public and healthcare workers.”
2) Moral support
On Feb 10, Simon Ong, general secretary of the Healthcare Services Employees’ Union, posted on the union’s Facebook page urging members of the public not to discriminate against healthcare workers. This is important because our frontline workers need our support and encouragement more than ever. I am heartened to read about an initiative by community group StandUpFor.SG which encourages the public to pen handwritten notes to medical professionals, snap pictures of them and upload them onto Facebook with the hashtag #braveheartsg.
3) Compassion
On Feb 12, Singapore’s Ministry of Health announced that the government is paying for hospital bills incurred by novel coronavirus patients who are admitted to public hospitals for isolation and management. This is a thoughtful gesture because it considers the needs of the affected person and their family.
To view my thoughts on Business Times, visit this link: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/challenges-contingencies-mario-singh/
