This year, it’s not common to smile and cheer when PM Lee stepped up to the podium to announce something.
But today, with PM Lee ditching his pink shirt and putting on a blue shirt, the opposite has finally happened: when our dear PM said “Phase Three”, cheers from Pasir Ris can be heard from Jurong.
Here’s a summary of what PM Lee said today in his blue shirt, and yes, the cup did make a cameo.
Phase 3 & Reopening of Borders
PM Lee started on how strong we’ve become in the defence again COVID-19, with strong testing capacities and contact tracing, and we should be proud of how far we’ve come as a nation.
And so, here’s most important point in the speech: Phase 3 will start from 28 December 2020.
This means capacity limits in public places like malls, attractions and places of worship will be eased. Gatherings will be increased from a maximum of five to eight.
Nevertheless, PM Lee stressed that we shouldn’t get complacent as the battle against COVID-19 is far from over, as the virus is still causing havoc all over the world.
However, with trade and travel being Singapore’s lifeblood, we have to reopen our borders in a controlled and safe way, and that would lead to more cases in Singapore. He cited two examples: an airport staff who likely came into contact with infected passengers and a marine worker who was infected after boarding ships for repair and resupply.
That is a calculated risk and the Government would do its best to prevent an outbreak as the borders reopen.
So, how long would Phase 3 last, since Phase 2 lasted for almost half a year?
According to PM Lee, it might last for quite a while—even for a year or more, and this depends on how soon COVID-19 vaccines are available.
Which brings us to the next point: what’s the plan for vaccines?
Vaccines Will be Free for All Singaporeans
The authorities have been working behind the scene to get the vaccines to Singapore, and PM Lee ensured that Singapore would be near the front of the queue for the vaccines and not last in line.
And here’s the thing: it’ll be free for Singaporeans and long-term Singapore residents.
The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for pandemic use, and the first shipment will arrive here by the end of this month.
Everyone should get vaccinated, but it’ll be on a voluntary basis.
Storing the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines is a challenge as they need to be stored at minus 70 deg C, but as Singapore has a strong ecosystem for cargo handling, we’ve no problem with storage.
So what does this mean?
Chances are, CNY 2021 is still going to be a blast after all.
And blue shirt is goody.
Featured Image: Facebook (Lee Hsien Loong)
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