Singapore ― Outgoing chief executive of Temasek Holdings and wife of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Ho Ching provided the public with her perspective on the country’s Covid-19 situation, noting “the light of day” was near.
Mdm Ho took to Facebook on Monday (Sept 27) to share a lengthy overview of vaccination rate status, social responsibility and the tighter Covid-19 restrictions.
The first part of her post covered mask collection, noting those who couldn’t claim the 75 pieces of free medical grade masks provided by Temasek Foundation can send them an email.
“And no, folks who scold or abuse the counter staff are not entitled to collect any free masks – serious, folks who bully others who are just trying to do their jobs are the pits and don’t deserve any sympathies,” said Mdm Ho.
On the country’s vaccination programme, Mdm Ho said that with over 90 per cent of each eligible age group already vaccinated, “we can be relaxed about the risk of Covid dangers.”
She advised young folks to “be patient” as “we are seeing the light of day.”
Referring to the waiting period in between jabs, Mdm Ho urged the public not to “huff and puff” at those who haven’t completed the vaccination process.
“Do not treat all unvaccinated folks as idiots.”
“Some are clearly idiots, but we should do do (sic) a broad sweep to scold or condemn anyone who has not yet been vaccinated. We do not know what fears drive them,” she added.
Mdm Ho also urged the public not to be “stupid about yelling about flip-flopping,” referring to the changes in restrictions.
She likened it to a train “barrelling” down a tunnel. “We better stop and step back instead of charging ahead recklessly.”
“So relax, everyone,” she added.
Mdm Ho also had a few words to those who complain.
“There are thousands of people each doing their best to help in so many different ways that we don’t need noisemakers creating a row, beating their chests self centredly about inconveniences to themselves, or cursing the unvaccinated among us, without contributing to make things better.”
She noted that the sacrifices were minor compared to what other industries were going through, and minor compared to the Circuit Breaker last year.
Stricter restrictions were announced on Friday (Sept 24), effective on Monday (Sept 27), until Oct 24, 2021.
Permissible group sizes for social gatherings is reduced from a maximum of five persons to two persons, while the number of unique visitors per household is reduced to two per day.
Home-based learning is extended until Oct 7, 2021, while work from home is the default for those who can.
Meanwhile, only groups of up to two persons are allowed to dine in at regular F&B establishments if all diners are fully vaccinated. /TISG
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