It has been a challenging last few months since the COVID-19 outbreak here in Singapore. Despite the efforts that the Singapore government has rolled out to help contain the spread of the virus locally, it seems that our fight with the virus is long from over. In addition to the guidelines from the government, we can all play our part by staying updated with the latest on COVID-19 in Singapore so as to ensure we keep ourselves and our loved ones safe during this crucial period.
GOV.SG
www.gov.sg
Managed by the Public Communications Division of the Ministry of Communications and Information, gov.sg is the official online communication and repository of the Singapore Government which provides the latest in policy announcements, information, and news on Singapore as well as the COVID-19 situation here. Aside from their online presence, they have now started direct channels on WhatsApp, Telegram, and Twitter which you can subscribe to for quick updates. As this is an official outlet from the government, it’s always good to check back with this source when you’re wondering if the latest Whatsapp message you got is fake news.
PHPC LOCATOR
www.phpc.gov.sg
As part of the Singapore government’s COVID-19 initiative, about 900 general practitioners (GP) clinics and polyclinics have been reactivated as Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs) to provide subsidised treatment and medication for patients with respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and runny nose. This PHPC directory offers an easier way for patients to locate their nearest PHPC, minimising the risk of exposure should they be COVID-19 positive.
COVID-19 SYMPTOM CHECKER
www.sgcovidcheck.com
Instead of having to google and frighten yourself into thinking that you may have COVID-19, the checker helps Singaporeans decide on what their next steps should be based on the symptoms that they may be currently experiencing. While the checker may record participants’ responses, it does not identify you in any way.
FACE MASK COLLECTION
www.maskgowhere.gov.sg
From now to 12 April 2020, Singapore residents with registered home addresses will be eligible to collect one reusable mask at their designated CCs or RCs. If you’re not sure where you should go to for collection, this site offers an easy way for you to locate the collection point at home before planning the trip down.
TRACETOGETHER
WWW.TRACETOGETHER.GOV.SG
One of the best ways to prevent the virus from further spreading without knowledge is contact tracing. In addition to the government’s efforts in this aspect, we all can do our part to protect ourselves and the community through the use of TraceTogether, which adopts a community-driven approach where participating devices exchange proximity information whenever an app detects another device (via Bluetooth) with the Trace Together app installed.
The information is then kept on the device for 21 days on a rolling basis with no location data recorded or collected, and anything beyond that would be deleted. In the unfortunate event that you may have had close contact with a COVID-19 case (by familiarity or by chance), TraceTogether would help contact tracers get in touch with you quickly to provide timely guidance and care and prevent the possible spread of the virus to others.
Apple users can download the app from the App Store here, while Android users can download the app from the Google Play Store here.
CROWD TRACK FOR MALLS
www.spaceout.gov.sg
Though we may be in a partial lockdown, for now, Space Out is particularly helpful when you are looking to head out to get take-outs and grocery shopping — not to stockpile by the way. The site provides real-time information about the crowd level within malls, helping you to gauge when would be a good time to visit without risking your safety and wellbeing.
CROWD TRACK FOR PARKS
www.safedistparks.nparks.gov.sg
Even though we are encouraged to stay at home as much as possible, there’s no harm in taking a short break with your immediate family at your nearby park, especially when the open air space is wide enough for us to observe safe-distancing from others. Safe Distance @ Parks is a site started by the National Parks to give you information on the visitorship status to help you decide on an appropriate time to visit.
COVID-19 GLOBAL TRACKER
www.channelnewsasia.com
www.worldometers.info
COVID-19 is a global pandemic that has affected not just us here in Singapore but also countries worldwide. Here are two sources with frequent updates that you can visit for global stats and information: Channel News Asia and Worldometers.
😷 KEEP SAFE AND STAY AT HOME 😷
Banner image credit: The Straits Times
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