“See a doctor”.
“Stay at home”.Â
These two phrases, perfectly easy to understand before the Covid-19 pandemic, have now become unfathomable to many.
It’s been reported that one too many Covid-19 cases in the community lately ignored their symptoms early on, and decided not to seek medical attention.
This increases the risk of potentially spreading it to other people, especially if you go about your day like you have the common cold.
Now, it’s more important than ever not to ignore certain symptoms associated with the coronavirus, and this is especially true during the upcoming Chinese New Year period.
Fortunately for us, we’ll have more than enough doctors to see us.
Over 1,000 Clinics Will Be Open During CNY PeriodÂ
More than 1,000 clinics will be open during the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday period, so there’s no excuse not to see a doctor if unwell.
According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), 1,033 GP clinics will be open at various times between 11 Feb to 14 Feb.
This includes 758 Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs), which provide special subsidies to Singapore citizens, PRs and eligible work permit holders who are suffering from respiratory infections.
The public may access the latest list of GP clinics and their operating hours through:
- MOH’s corporate website
- The Agency for Integrated Care’s (AIC) website
- Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS)Â webpage
- HealthHub mobile application, which is available on both iTunes and the Google Play Store
- phpc.gov.sg for the list of PHPCs
The health ministry encourage members of the public who feel unwell during the festivities to visit their GP or a 24-hour clinic for minor, self-limiting conditions.
It also advised the public to seek medical treatment at a hospital’s Accident & Emergency (A&E) department only for serious or life-threatening emergencies, such as chest pain, breathlessness, and uncontrollable bleeding.
Nearly 500 Clinics Can Conduct PCR Tests for at Least a Day
In addition to seeing a doctor, MOH urged residents who develop symptoms of acute respiratory infection such as cough, sore throat, and runny nose, as well as fever and loss of taste or smell, to get tested for Covid-19.
Fortunately, 490 PHPCs will be able to provide polymerase chain reaction (PCR) swabs for the coronavirus for at least one day during the Chinese New Year period.
Six Regional Screening Centres across the island will also continue to operate during their normal hours (10am to 4pm daily) and take patients who have been referred for a swab by their doctor, MOH said.
“It is important to test for Covid-19 early for early detection, management and containment to prevent further spread of the disease, to help protect our loved ones and vulnerable members of the community.”
MOH also reminded the public to eat in moderation and continue exercising regularly to stay healthy over the holiday period.
Reader: Seeing a doctor, I can do. But eating in moderation during Chinese New Year… is that even humanly possible?
Featured Image: Dariusz Jarzabek / Shutterstock.com
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