Singapore Boleh: How We Can Stand Together Amid The Wuhan Coronavirus

As of 31^st January, the total number of confirmed cases of the Wuhan coronavirus in Singapore has risen to 16.

While the numbers might have everyone on edge, it’s always important to know that not everything is doomed.

The silver lining lies in everyone working together, although most of our efforts tend to be focused on our immediate loved ones and ourselves.

While there’s nothing wrong with that, we all stand a better chance pushing through the outbreak by helping each other.

From masks to studying, we cover as many angles as possible to make sure we all look out for one another in such a cautious time.

Masks - Only When Sick

A common misconception that is still prevalent is that one should still wear a mask even though you’re healthy.

This is not the case. Only those who are sick should be wearing the mask.

Hey, even the big man agreed. 

Buying Masks Online - Not A Good Idea

Some of us may find that most masks in conventional stores have sold out, and we turn to the next best thing – online shopping.

Unfortunately, the very same place we purchase fake earrings and cute tote bags are currently hotbeds for people to sell these masks at an overpriced cost.

It’s important that we do not purchase masks from these vendors as it will only encourage more sales on their part.

In fact, if you can’t find a mask, don’t lose all hope just yet. NSmen are packing around the clock to be distributed by local neighbourhood committees to each household come 1 Feb.

Each household is to receive 4 masks.

Quit Hoarding

Yes, we’re kiasu. We download a hundred Netflix episodes in case the train ride's too long. We hit the causeway 5 hours earlier during CNY to avoid the jam. Some of us even go to the toilet one too many times. 

But there is such a thing as buying too many masks and this kiasu-ness is not helping anyone. 

Help the Vulnerable, Frontliners

The people that really need these masks are the ones that are actually sick, or on the front lines.

If you really do want to help, get the proper number you need. It’s a surgical mask, not your bubble tea sugar level.

Know your symptoms

It’s almost funny. As kiasu as we can be, we tend to overlook a lot of things too. Our symptoms for one.

Some of us can be guilty for mistaking the usual symptoms for just that – the usual.

If you have been feeling these symptoms or someone you know has, get it checked out. You could save your life or that of your loved one.

Avoid Crowded Places

This one’s straightforward. If it means cancelling that catch-up, for just a bit, it’s worth it. 

That said, while some of the confirmed cases may have travelled to certain places before, it doesn’t mean that you should totally avoid them. 

There is no need to avoid these places. The risk of infection from transient contact, such as on public transport or in public places, is assessed to be low.

Maintain Personal Hygiene

It all has to start somewhere and more prominently, from every individual. These small steps may not seem like much, but it definitely prevents the spread of the virus.

Wash your hands, cough into a tissue, use a sanitiser.

Again, don’t be like this dude. 

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