Concern of Rising Coronavirus Cases in Singapore

It is worrying to see a spike of 287 infected coronavirus cases two days ago and yesterday an increase of 198 new infected cases in Singapore, a city state. 

If this continue, I doubt one month lockdown is sufficient to stem the spread of coronavirus in Singapore considering the fact that the government was late in implementing the lockdown when there were about 1000 infected cases in densely populated Singapore. It could take 2 to 3 months instead to see flat curve. 

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had swiftly started lockdown on 25 March 2020 when there were 205 infected coronavirus cases.

In Singapore, there are many cases that they could not trace. High probability these people were infected in the crowded public transports in buses and MRT before the lockdown. 

I was wondering which scientific experts Singapore government was listening to which caused widespread virus outbreak in Singapore. I was wondering why education minister Mr Ong Ye Kung resisted closing schools despite earlier report by Chinese health officers on Coronavirus spread by asymptomatic person published in Scientific Amercan earlier on 31 January 2020 here.


It is disconcerting to see the lapse and slow judgement by our government. Are they still going to heed Dr Dale Fisher's advice to manage coronavirus cases? Why didn't they take precaution and heed health officers from China who has flatten the curve yet choose to trust other foreign "expert". Or is it because they chose to listen to what they want to listen to, thus they chose to listen to Dr Dale Fisher's recommendation? I see the danger of our ministers surrounded by "yes" men. 

I think they ought to apologise to Singaporeans for their slow response and lack of judgement which has now caused rising infected coronavirus cases. A true leader should have the courage to admit their mistake , move on and improve the situation. 

Saw this interesting picture from a Facebook post.

This video was shared on 25 January 2020.

What Are You Doing During Circuit Breaker?

What are you doing now during circuit breaker or partial lockdown in Singapore?

With the implementation of circuit breaker, I now work at home. It helps me to save about 2 hours of travelling time via public transport to and back from my workplace and also 30 mins preparation time for work.

I also don't meet my cousins or friends on weekend and public holidays as it is crucial to stay at home with the outbreak of coronavirus in Singapore with 287 cases spike in a day yesterday. Now there are 1910 infected cases in Singapore in densely populated city state of about 5.8 millions people within 721.5 km land.

For weekend, I will spend time reading the magazines and books that I brought but was too busy to read. I will also engage in drawing, painting and glass stone craft. 

Maybe it's a good time for you to find out what you really want to do in life with the time you have.

 Brought acrylic painting and glass stone magnet a few weeks ago.

Reading some of my favourite magazines 

Free Reusable Masks by Singapore Government

Just received a free reusable mask by our government.  Thanks to all the staff who are working today to distribute these free masks!

Click here to find out where you can collect your masks in Singapore.

Never Give Up by Sia

I like this song, Never Give Up by Australian singer, Sia. 

In this time of crisis, we must not lose hope and give up. 

In Chinese saying, there are opportunities in time of crisis. 

Cherry Blossom at Jewel Airport Canopy Park

During the March holidays, I went to Jewel airport Canopy park with my cousins as there was free admission. I was glad that we went to look at the cherry blossom at Jewel canopy park in early mid-March as the cherry blossom was in full bloom. 

The canopy park is designed with some similarity like the flower dome at Gardens by the Bay.

 Beautiful olive tree

Arts in Singapore MRT

Look at the photos below. Can you guess where are these lovely arts in Singapore? 

Hint: they are located in one of Singapore MRTs. 

In the midst of world pandemic, look for the beauty around us. 

Workplace and Schools Closure in Singapore

In my earlier blog post, "Crowded MRT Station- Social Distancing?", I already highlighted my concerns on my observation of the crowded MRT station in Singapore during peak hours when many residents are going home from work and vice versa. It seems like a half-hearted attempt by our government to implement social-distancing since its not possible to execute this measure in public transport in MRT and buses during peak hours. 

I'm rather disappointed with the late response by our normally efficient government during this pandemic crisis, especially our Education minister. I find they are rather slow and reactive. They only act when the number of coronavirus infected cases increases and not take advance preventive measures by closing school and workplace early. By the time the virus spread, it will be hard to contain and trace especially some infected asymptomatic people don't display the symptoms and studies has shown asymptomatic people can spread the virus. 

One need to take priority on health over monetary. Once you lose your health, you lose everything. It is irreversible. With health, at least you can still earn back the money. 

Someone say common sense is no longer common sense to some. Perhaps they think they are immune to the virus because of their official positions or skin colours. Initially the caucasians were reluctant to wear masks and our government had discouraged the healthy citizens from wearing masks due to shortage of masks. Now then they are suggesting reusable mask. It makes me wonder if our government leaders had truly care for us instead of mask shortage. 

I'm not a fan of western democracy but more on Asian Confucian democracy style. 

I don't think this year is appropriate for General election in Singapore. Let's control and reduce the number of infected cases first. I quite disappointed with the government slow and reactive approach in managing this crisis. At the same time, I don't want to vote for people who advocate western democracy. 

As of today, there are 1114 infected COVID-19 cases and 6 deaths in Singapore, a densely populated city state of about 5.6 millions people.

Crowded MRT Station- Social Distancing?

I always take public transport like SMRT and public buses to travel in Singapore as it's the most cost efficient and environmentally-friendly way. Anyway, it is also really expensive to own a car here.

I took the following photos today. This is the common sight of Singapore public transport from 5pm to about 7pm since works end at about 5pm. How do you implement social distancing when everybody want to rush home at the same time? Imagine cooping in the MRT for about 30 minutes in the crowded MRT and someone is coughing. Maybe they should place some masks at the control station for people who cough. 

At about 5.20 pm at Bishan MRT station today. 

Singapore to Close All Entertainment Venues

There is an increase of 49 new Covid-19 cases in Singapore today including 32 imported cases. 

As reported in The Straits Times today, bars, cinemas and all other entertainment outlets will be closed from Thursday (March 26) 11.59pm till April 30 due to rising imported cases to the country.

Click here to read more.

Geng Zi Year 庚子年: A Challenging Year

This year for Chinese astrology, it is known as Geng Zi 庚子年 or Metal Rat. Rat on earthly branch symbolises water. Thus imagine the image of metal over vast sea, its a really erratic year. Yes I love metaphysic. During a year break in 2017, I read about bazi and Ziweidoushu from Bazi books, Bazi /ZWDS websites and forums. At least I predicted that my brother would get married in 2019. But I'm not an expert. Some charts are easier to read and some requires more expertise. Just needs to understand some tricks to understand the trends. Our Chinese ancestor had this systematic system to observe the planetary movement and pattern to come up with a set of prediction. Those who are good fengshui master command top dollars. 

Today about 350 000 people are infected with coronavirus and it is only March. There are now more than 15000 deaths due to this invisible virus. For the latest update on coronavirus data, click here .

Today I'm really sad that Taiwanese dancer Liu Zhen passed on yesterday. I pray that his husband Xin Long who loves her deeply will overcome his sorrow and he will stay strong for their 4 years old daughter. Its really rare to see a man who really love and care for his wife and treat her like a princess throughout their marriage. 

Life is unpredictable. Enjoy the moment. Bloom like this flower albeit momentary.

Teochew Tradition Popiah at Ngee Ann City 潮州传统薄饼

If you love Teochew Traditional Popiah, I highly recommend the stall at Ngee Ann City near Orchard Road MRT. It is slightly expensive in Orchard Road costing $3.40 per roll.  I brought some home and my mum love it. The popiah is filled with stir-fried turnips, lettuce, beancurd, chopped peanut, garlic and egg.

Yumin Primary School - My Former School

I spent several years at Yumin Primary School during my primary school education till 1993. I had a great Principal Mr Tan who gave all Primary 6 students Mathematics revision early in the morning in the school hall before school assembly. I also had a wonderful Primary 5 to 6 Form teacher Mr Sng who gave us Mathematics remedial lesson after school. I am eternally grateful to them. 

I remember I saw my former principal Mr Tan at a bookshop and I went up to say thank you to him. I also visited my Primary 6 form teacher to thank him for his help. They have since retired and I hope they are well. 

Till now, I can still sing the School song as I spent about 6 years singing the school song every morning in school. The song will always be in my heart. The following is from Yumin Primary School website here.

HISTORY 

Yumin Primary School has her roots in two Chinese village schools, 'Yook Kiau' and 'Ping Min', in 

the old Tampines area from 1940 to 1974. The two schools merged in 1975 and was renamed 'Yook Min Primary School'. It was relocated to the present site in 1985 and renamed Yumin Primary School'. In 2003, the school was upgraded under PRIME programme.

Currently the school has an enrolment of 1283 pupils of different ethnic groups. The school offers Chinese and Malay languages as mother tongue languages for pupils.

CREST

The gear is an essential component in a machine. It keeps rotating until the product has been completed. Then it will turn again yet and yet again to manufacture new products.
Thus, the gear with an open book illustrates the endless search for knowledge with perseverance and determination.

SONG

Click here to listen to school song

We are one big family, we will strive for our country,

With the education we receive from a school that's heavenly.

We will study hard for sure, with the will to go forward,

With this book to show the way

We'll make and take the highest grade.

We are proud, we are proud, we are proud, we are proud,

We are proud of Yumin Primary School, a school that helps us all.

Our School will be our pride, it's a pride that's only right,

This is one thing we will dearly hold and will hold with all our might.

We will study hard for sure, with the will to go forward,

With this book to show the way

We'll make and take the highest grade.

We are proud, we are proud, we are proud, we are proud,

We are proud of Yumin Primary School, a school that helps us all.

Will There Be Workplace Closure in Singapore?

There are now a total of 432 coronavirus infected cases and 2 deaths in Singapore as reported in the Straits Times today. 140 people have recovered. I feel sad for the deceased family and it reminds me that life is unpredictable. 人生无常。

The Singapore government is now implementing social distancing to reduce the spread of coronavirus in Singapore. However I have a question. How are they going to implement social distancing in public transport during peak hours? I'm wondering if they understand the situation in Singapore public transport during peak hours when many employees are going to work and going home. Have they thought about the impact of crowded air-conditioned confined space in buses and SMRT? I still notice passengers coughing in public buses without wearing masks. Contact tracing is fast becoming impractical with more coronavirus cases. By the way can someone tell me where to buy masks? I went to Watson stores and they told me there is no stock. 

This Tuesday when I took Taxi with my mother, the taxi driver was coughing and not wearing mask. I hope taxi companies here will educate their drivers to rest at home and not drive when they are coughing. Or if they insist on driving, at least wear a mask when they are coughing. They should implement consequences for irresponsible taxi drivers who put their passengers' lives at risk. 

I think our government is buying time now. It's better to start saving money and not spend unnecessary now. This recession might last till next year if there is still no cure. If there is a spike of infected covid-19 cases especially when many Singaporeans and residents are returning to Singapore from overseas with the virus, there could be workplace closure. 

One must bear in mind, medical priority must be for Singaporeans who stay here to defend and contribute to Singapore in both good and bad times. 

Update:  Today 39 imported cases are returning residents and long-term pass holders, while six are short-term visitors. Why are they allowing short-term visitors in to Singapore? Will Singapore hospitals be able to cope with rising coronavirus infected patients? 

Saw this social distancing poster at Temasek Polytechnic library. 

Back to My Old Home at Tampines

After borrowing some books at Temasek Polytechnic library, I decided to go to Tampines Central for lunch. I took bus 518 outside Temasek Polytechnic thinking it would pass by Tampines Central MRT. It did not. I decided to alight near Yumin Primary School when I realised it be heading to Pasir Ris. 

I decided to take a look at my childhood home at Tampines Blk 207. Wow, the flat is very well-maintained even though its going to be 40 years old. I stayed here from 1981 to 1987 and spent happy days playing at Singapore iconic Dragon playground with my elder brother. 

I also went to look at the home at level 8 where I used to stay. I still remember if we went to the top level 9, we would be able to see Changi Airport tower. Alas, the view is now blocked by new flats. 

I have been staying at Tampines since I was a few months old. I hope to own a new home in Tampines and hope the government will allow Singles to buy BTO flat in mature estate like Tampines. If not, I have to buy resale flat in Tampines. 

View from level 8 at Blk 207 where I used to stay.

This used to be the iconic Dragon playground but now it's replaced by this playground made of plastics material.

I spent 6 years at Yumin Primary School. It's just a 3-minute walk from my flat at Tampines Blk 207.

The provision shop aka mama shop at my void deck area. We used to buy snacks and colourful ice sticks or ice pops here. I think there is change of owner.

Now there is automated parking system.

I used to stay at Tampines Blk 207 from 1981 to 1987. My 3rd younger brother was born in 1987 and he spent his 1 year old birthday at the new flat, aka the current flat we are staying.

Coffee shop near my home. We used to eat here.