Coronavirus: Singapore Government Contains Pandemic

Singapore created maximum jobs last year as compared to any other country. Replicating the same performance this year has become possible challenge, considering the coronavirus outbreak. Last year, Singapore created a total of 63,200 jobs, becoming the highest job-creating country since 2014. However, with a population of 5.7 million, Singapore was among one of the earliest locations outside China to report a case of the deadly coronavirus. 

Given its close trade links with China, Singapore has become one of the most economically vulnerable nations to the widespread. China being Singapore’s largest exporter and the biggest source of international tourists, has affected the country’s financial reporting centre as well. With a majority of employees now working from home for at least the next few days, the financial sector is bound to suffer.

However, with only 313 cases reported till date, Singapore has managed to control the coronavirus outbreak. Key to the success of this supreme management by the government so far has been because of the decision to respond aggressively to this virus from the outset.

Government of Singapore’s COVID Actions

• Unsparing Measures for Detection & Strict Quarantine

When the virus traversed the borders of China in January, Singapore became prone to a large-scale epidemic of coronavirus. The country was third to report cases of COVID-19, and in order to control the widespread, Singapore’s health authorities decided early on to test all influenza-like and pneumonia cases. They also spared no resource in hunting down every possible individual who might have been affected by this deadly virus. The government carried out 24/7 operations to interview potentially infected people, directed flight manifests, and locally developed a test for antibodies that persist even after the infection clears.

• Social Distancing and a Ban on Mass Gatherings

Alarmed by the major outbreak and increasing number of cases, Singapore quickly put social distancing into action. Schools, bustling shopping streets, movie theatres, churches, basketball courts, all places housing potential mass gatherings were closed. These measures appear to be working since the number of cases being reported is in control.

• Spreading Awareness by Local Authorities

To avoid a nation-wide panic and spread cognizance, the government has been playing a pivotal role by effectively communicating with the public. Considering the increase in the number of cases worldwide, the government immediately ordered people to stock rations at home. To quell the anxiety, speeches were made, and authorities were in regular contact with the people to avoid further panic.

Leaving no stone unturned, the government has been taking strict precautions and urging individuals even with mild symptoms to immediately visit a doctor and refrain from going outdoors. Not just the government, financial regulatory bodies like the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) of Singapore have also been encouraging visitors to spend less time in premises, public spaces, especially banks and revenue houses, to confine the proliferation of COVID-19.

DataTracks Incorporating Measures

Amidst the disruption caused by the pandemic coronavirus, DataTracks, an XBRL conversion service provider headquartered in Singapore, is acting swiftly to avoid any chances of widespread in the premises. The company has already issued a directive for mandatory temperature measurement for all the staff at the reception and is going the whole nine yards in ensuring that proper medical care is offered to any of its employees showing symptoms of the virus.

Stay indoors unless absolutely necessary, work from home, wash your hands as often as you can, and avoid physical contact with people – Do your bit in helping the Singapore government put an end to this pandemic.