Singapore tracking the emerging Omicron COVID-19 variant very closely: PM Lee

SINGAPORE: Singapore is tracking the emerging Omicron COVID-19 variant 'very carefully', and may very well be compelled to take a couple of steps again once more earlier than taking more steps ahead, mentioned Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Sunday (Nov 28).Speaking at the People's Action Party (PAP) conference, Mr Lee mentioned that Singapore has made "a lot of progress" in the struggle in opposition to COVID-19, however should be ready for more bumps alongside the means."Right now, a new variant of concern is emerging. We've learnt a new word – the Omicron variant. We are tracking this very closely. We are not sure yet, but we may well be forced to take a few steps back, before we can take more steps forward," mentioned Mr Lee."But despite all this, I am confident that we will find our way to living with the virus, and safely resume all the things we love to do. We are making all this effort because we want to get there safely, suffering as few casualties along the way as possible."The Omicron variant has been designated "of concern" by the World Health Organisation, with international locations imposing journey curbs on travellers from a lot of African international locations.On Friday, Singapore additionally mentioned it is going to limit entry to travellers with latest journey historical past to seven African international locations following the emergence of the variant in that area.All long-term move holders and short-term guests with journey historical past inside the earlier 14 days to Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe will not be allowed to enter Singapore or transit right here.

A "SEARCHING TEST OF PUBLIC TRUST"

Mr Lee additionally famous that COVID-19 has been a "searching test" of public belief, and this is applicable to international locations throughout the world."Some societies are high-trust, others are low-trust – and it makes all the difference in a crisis. Singapore is and must always be high-trust.""That is the way to weather not just COVID-19, but any storm that comes our way."Mr Lee gave the instance of nations which have had nice problem vaccinating their entire inhabitants, regardless of vaccines being obtainable. He identified that "political divisions and deep distrust" have made it tougher for the US and plenty of European international locations to convey COVID-19 beneath management."Many of them are anti-vaxxers - not just because they are misguided or ignorant, but because of deep distrust – of authority in general, and of their own government in particular," he added.He famous that Singapore is lucky to not have such divisions in its society."We did not become a cohesive, trusting society overnight. Social cohesion is the work of decades. And trust has to be built up long before the crisis. When a crisis strikes, if the trust is not already there, then it is already too late," mentioned Mr Lee."I am grateful that the PAP government enjoys the public’s trust, built up over years of working closely with Singaporeans. We've been delivering faithfully on promises. Consistently producing results for the people – housing, healthcare, education, well-paying jobs, better lives. We have shown year in, year out, in good times and bad, in crisis after crisis, that the PAP government will always be there - with you, for you, for Singapore."During the COVID-19 disaster, the Government wanted to attract on this "reservoir of trust", because it confronted many tough and pressing selections impacting lives and livelihoods, mentioned Mr Lee."Whatever we decide, however hard we try to get it right and to cushion the impact, more often than not some group or other will be affected or disappointed," he added."Yet still the Government must exercise its judgment to the best of its ability, and carry Singaporeans along."Mr Lee famous that in a disaster, leaders can not afford to waver.And as leaders attempt to do the proper factor, they have to proceed nurturing the individuals’s belief, he added. This means dealing competently with the issues, explaining clearly what they're doing and why, in addition to the place they're headed in addition to being open and clear.It can also be vital to guide by instance, he identified."In Singapore we take this for granted, but it is very important and worth reminding ourselves. The same rules apply to everybody – safe distancing, mask wearing, testing and isolation requirements," Mr Lee mentioned."You may be Minister or MP, community leader or safe distancing ambassador – you abide by the same rules, whoever you may be."Trust is vital not simply between Singaporeans and the leaders, however between one another too, mentioned Mr Lee. And whereas guidelines and penalties are obligatory, they don't seem to be sufficient, he defined."We must also trust our collective spirit as one people. Looking out for one another, supporting those in greater need, staying united in a crisis," Mr Lee added."Singapore cannot claim to have better doctors or scientists, or better healthcare than the US or Europe. But the decisive difference in our response is this: We trust one another, and therefore we work with one another and not against one another."