Over 250k People in S’pore Have Taken First Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine; S’pore on Track to be Inoculated by This Year

When it was announced that several effective Covid-19 vaccines were developed, we immediately started making plans for our next vacation.

Then we realised that vaccines can’t be distributed via mail, and that mass vaccination drives take a lot of time.

Some predict, in fact, that it will take seven years for the world to get vaccinated, as different countries are vaccinating their residents at different rates.

Fortunately for us, Singapore is no slouch.

Over 250k People in S’pore Have Taken First Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine; S’pore on Track to be Inoculated by This Year

On 21 Dec 2020, the first shipment of Covid-19 vaccines arrived on our shores.

And less than two months later, more than 250,000 residents in Singapore have received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

In fact, the entire population is on track to be inoculated within this year, as long as the supplies come in as scheduled, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in his annual Chinese New Year message on Wednesday (10 Feb).

Most front-line and essential workers have been already been vaccinated, and those above 70 are starting to receive their jabs.

He encouraged all residents to get vaccinated when their turn comes, as it’ll not only protect themselves, but their loved ones as well.

“This year, with Covid-19, it is perhaps more important than ever to show our appreciation to our family members. The warmth, comfort and support of our families have given all of us strength to get through the most trying times of Covid-19,” he said.

PM Lee noted that countries which have begun their mass vaccination drives have started to see a decline in their cases.

With our rapid rate of vaccination, we too, could keep our cases down.

The Year of the Ox, PM Lee said, brings hope.

“If enough of us are vaccinated, our population will have herd immunity. But we are not there yet, so in the meantime please keep up our safe distancing precautions, even if you yourself have been vaccinated.”

CNY Restrictions

In his speech, PM Lee reiterated the new restrictions imposed to make gatherings during Chinese New Year safer.

We can’t, for instance, receive more than 8 visitors in a day.

Those planning to go out can only visit their relatives, and keep their visits limited to two homes a day.

PM Lee acknowledged that these results will take away from the merriment of the occasion, especially for big, extended families, but explained that these restrictions are necessary to keep residents safe.

Fresh Waves in Other Countries After Celebrations

As for why we have so many restrictions for CNY, well, we just have to look abroad.

PM Lee said we should learn from other countries who have experienced fresh waves of the coronavirus after their year-end celebrations in 2020.

He also pointed out that there are other ways to connect with our loved ones over CNY, such as over video call, and thanked residents for abiding by the new restrictions.

“I thank everyone for your continued support for the tough restrictions… I am sure you will find other ways to hold your reunions and connect with family members and friends, perhaps through video calls or teleconferencing,” he said.

“We can look forward to more carefree celebrations when the pandemic is over.”

The prime minister noted that Singapore has managed to restart most of its economy and avoided large-scale outbreaks, the likes of which we have seen in many other countries.

“As we welcome the Year of the Ox, we can look back and give thanks that we have come through the Year of the Rat, not without trouble, but relatively unscathed.”

“I wish all Singaporeans good health, and a very happy Chinese New Year,” he said.

Featured Image: Miriam Doerr Martin Frommherz / Shutterstock.com