It is no secret that the number of COVID-19 cases continues to climb. This is, of course, a global pandemic and not unique to Singapore.
In fact, Singapore has been lauded internationally for being a country that has taken efficient measures to tackle the spread of this dreaded disease.
As of 23 March, the government has also made the draconian decision to close Singapore’s borders to short term visitors and international transits.
In these strange times, it is definitely understandable for the government to have taken these measures. However, how do strict border measures marry up with the government’s seeming plan to still go ahead with the general elections?
If the spread of the disease is so unpredictable with the government even taking the unprecedented measures to close our borders, why are they still going ahead with an election that could see hundreds and thousands of people in close proximity?
As of 22 March, former Republic of Singapore Air Force general Gan Siow Huang was spotted at a walkabout with Members of Parliament from Bishan-Toa Payoh Group Representative Constituency.
Is this really the most responsible thing to do as the country was preparing to shut its borders in a bid to stop the spread of the Corona virus?
The fact that there could imminently be a general election where hundreds and thousands of people would mingle and potentially spread the virus is a concerning and disturbing thought.
Surely all of the government’s plans has to be consistent and joined up?
These are unprecedented times and the public do look to the government for direction. Closing the borders but yet still continuing with general election plans sends out contradicting messages to the public. Should we be preparing for lock down or is it business as usual?
Some clarity from the government on this will be appreciated.
