It has been a stressful week not just for the general public, but in particular for healthcare and medical professionals.
We have watched the new coronavirus outbreak in China closely, from the moment the first news came out. Actually we have been preparing for such a situation ever since SARS in 2003. We knew that one day something like that would happen again. So, in a way, this outbreak was a shock, but not a surprise.
9 of the 13 confirmed cases in Singapore are currently being treated at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), next to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. I visited NCID this morning to see for myself the screening and containment process for affected patients, and to meet and thank some of the people working day and night to treat them. I was very happy with what I saw.
I urge everyone to show understanding and support to our healthcare and medical teams, public officers, the SAF and The People's Association, who will be distributing masks to Singaporeans over the weekend. We owe them our gratitude for their hard work and dedication.
I have every confidence that if we stay vigilant and united, we can overcome this challenge. – LHL
