Following Health Minister Ong Ye Kung’s latest statements on the Covid-19 situation, noting the virus itself is not the biggest enemy but complacency, netizens expressed criticisms that the general public is not to be blamed.
Mr Ong said during the 15th Health Ministers Meeting and Related Meetings in Bali on Saturday (May 14) that complacency and letting one’s guard down because life seems back to normal is the biggest enemy today.
Mr Ong noted Asean member states have managed to handle the Covid-19 pandemic through close cooperation. He also suggested focusing on testing and surveillance, vaccinations and ensuring the resilience of travel lanes and supply chains for future threats.
“Over various meetings these two days, a common conviction runs through – that regional health cooperation is key to enhance our collective preparedness and response to pandemics, whether for new waves of Covid-19 or a new virus,” he added in a Facebook post on Sunday (May 15).
“In the coming few months, we are all likely to see new waves in our countries, either a resurgence of the Omicron wave as our societal immunity wanes or a new variant that drives reinfections,” said Mr Ong.
“A more dangerous threat is a new virus, which is bound to come as human activities continue to encroach into nature, and humans and animals continue to come into close contact,” he added.
Members from the online community shared strong reactions to Mr Ong’s statements. “Kindly don’t blame us with your mistakes again,” said Facebook user Scarlet Isaiah, referring to the recent easing of Covid-19 restrictions.
“Wah! So fast retract his word…first said no evidence now say likely to see new waves,” said Facebook user Hai N Far, citing Mr Ong’s statements on May 11 that the recent spike in community Covid-19 cases was not a new wave.
“You guys allow all the travellers in and opening of borders…now become us that is complacent.”
Meanwhile, netizen Joy Lee gave a glimpse of what is happening on the ground in terms of complacency.
“Do go take a look at the hospital wards during visiting hours. Have seen for myself how several inconsiderate visitors pulled down their mask at the bedside to talk to patients without care!” she noted.
“Understand that nurses are very busy. And therefore, MOH should deploy safe distancing ambassadors to patrol the wards during visiting hours to make sure visitors keep their masks on AT ALL TIMES in the wards,” she added. /TISG