Many countries are caught unprepared by the onslaught of the illness. What was thought to be "self-limiting" (just like what we saw with H1N1 infection previously), was more ferocious in its onslaught.
It is very contagious, spreads easily even from asymptomatic patients, and spreads at its peak before symptoms appear... About 15%-20% may need intensive care, and mortality rate is estimated ~ 1% (10x more potent from influenza).
There were countless debates of whether everyone should wear masks, should rigid lock-down be imposed etc.
When China imposed complete lock-down in January, just a few days before Lunar New Year, she was promptly demonised as imposing draconian measures to curb individual freedom of movements. It was an almost impossible task - but the country persisted, and fellow residents complied (with/without coercion). And after 2 months, the infection was under controlled, and the lock-down was lifted.
As faith will have it, the virus now turns its ugly head towards "Western" countries that had chastised China for its draconian measure in curbing human traffics. Italy, Spain, France (and the rest of Europe), followed by US were caught unprepared... I guess, they never thought that this will happen to them.
Hundreds of affected patients died from COVID-19 daily. There were not enough ventilator to support sick patients, and worse of all, there were also not enough Personal Protective Equipment (PEP) and masks for front-line healthcare worker attending to the patients.
Singapore, an island country with First World medical facility, was touted as the best in its ring-fencing approach initially. But come early April, with outbreak in foreign worker dormitories, all hell breaks loose. In addition, there are also more "unlinked" cases in the community, implying the presence of community spread.
Step by step, in response to the situation, people were told to wear mask (reusable or not), stay at home, adopt social distancing when outdoor, stop visiting your love ones and friends who are not staying in the same household as you.
Being a "fine" city, it is before long the Gov imposes $300 fine for those who flout the social distancing rule.
Should "wear mask" policy be introduced earlier, lock-down being imposed earlier (together with Malaysia)? It is easy to criticised with "retroscope", I guess.
 |
| tents being set up in old Maju Camp.... ? getting ready for COVID patients |
 |
| canvas tents being set up |
No comments:
Post a Comment