In a live address on Monday (May 31), Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong outlined enhanced measures to keep Covid-19 under control while charting a way out of pandemic restrictions. The three-pronged approach will see better and faster testing drives, contact tracing efforts and an accelerated vaccination programme.
Announcement highlights include a DIY Covid-19 test kit that will soon be made available over the counter at your friendly neighbourhood pharmacies. The idea is for front liners and anyone who needs peace of mind to have access to quick, affordable and convenient testing kits. This will complement an arsenal of testing methods that are currently available or under trial, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, antigen rapid tests (ART), breathalysers and sniffer dogs.
From Tuesday (June 1) onwards, students will also be able to apply for vaccination. Priority will be given to those sitting their O-, N- and A-level examinations, as well as special needs students. Subsequently, those aged 39 and younger will be invited to register for shots in mid-June, with a 2-week priority window given to Singaporeans to sign up. On top of that, individuals over 60 years old will now be allowed to walk into any vaccination centre and receive their dose on the spot – no registration needed. According to PM Lee, all those who are eligible for vaccination are expected to receive at least the first dose by National Day in August.
"The aim must be to keep the community as a whole safe, while accepting that some people will get sick from time to time”, said PM Lee during the address. But he added, “In the new normal, Covid-19 will not dominate our lives.”
Well, we're certainly looking forward to that.
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