Health — Topics | PAPERCUTS

7 Apr 2020

Additional Support Measures in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

The Deputy Prime Minister outlined a comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the use of three historic Budgets totaling $160 billion to protect lives, save jobs, and ensure Singapore's future through fiscal prudence and drawing on past reserves.
Key measures include enhanced support for businesses through the Jobs Support Scheme, property tax rebates, and credit facilities, as well as direct cash assistance and income relief for workers, including self-employed persons and low-wage employees.
The government is prioritizing health by implementing circuit breaker measures while building economic and social resilience, with initiatives like the Emerging Stronger Task Force and the Singapore Together movement to navigate the crisis and prepare for recovery.

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7 Apr 2020

Proceedings on Supply Business and Rearrangement of Business

The Leader of the House, Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien, proposed a Motion to immediately debate the Deputy Prime Minister's Ministerial Statement on additional COVID-19 measures, ensuring Parliament concludes its consideration before voting on the Supplementary Estimates and Bill for FY20/21.
Parliament approved the Motion, with Members indicating general assent, allowing the debate on the Ministerial Statement to proceed without delay as per the Standing Orders.
The debate centers on the multi-Ministry programmes outlined in the Ministerial Statement, which require Parliament's approval and are reflected in the Supplementary Estimates and Bill for necessary funding.

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7 Apr 2020

COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Bill

The Senior Minister of State for Law introduced the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Bill with a Certificate of Urgency signed by the President.
The Bill aims to provide temporary measures and address matters related to the COVID-19 pandemic, including a consequential amendment to the Property Tax Act.
Copies of the Bill were distributed to Members, and the second reading was scheduled for later that day after the Supplementary Supply (FY 2020) Bill proceedings.

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7 Apr 2020

Parliamentary Elections (COVID-19 Special Arrangements) Bill

The bill allows for temporary arrangements to enable voters under COVID-19 stay orders to cast their ballots outside their electoral divisions.
It permits aspiring candidates who are ill to submit nominations remotely instead of being physically present during proceedings.
The legislation introduces special steps for the polling and vote-counting process to protect public health.

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7 Apr 2020

Screening Criteria for Foreign Domestic Workers beyond Mandatory Health Screening

The Ministry of Manpower requires foreign domestic workers to undergo mandatory health screenings for infectious diseases but does not mandate additional screenings for criminal records, bankruptcy, mental health, or character assessments, citing cost and effectiveness concerns.
Existing measures include access to an FDW’s biodata, employment history, and a reference channel for contacting previous employers, as well as blacklisting FDWs for previous offences or if they are underage.
Employers are encouraged to supervise and support FDWs, while the Ministry provides stress management education and works with NGOs to help FDWs adjust, aiming to prevent abuse through better matching and support systems.

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7 Apr 2020

Update on Return to Work Programme and Number of Workers Helped

The Return to Work (RTW) programme, launched in 2017, operates in all seven public hospitals with Accident and Emergency departments, except KK Hospital which caters to women and children.
As of end 2019, 1,922 injured workers have participated, with about 95% successfully placed back to work, a significant improvement from the pre-programme rate of 75%.
Participation is around 64% of eligible workers, with non-participation mainly due to workers resigning or being dismissed by employers; expansion of the programme to more hospitals is not planned as current coverage already includes all relevant A&E hospitals.

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7 Apr 2020

Assistance for Societies Holding AGMs or Governance Meetings during COVID-19 Outbreak

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira asked the Ministry of Home Affairs for assistance for societies to waive or modify constitutional requirements for in-person meetings, audits, and reporting during COVID-19, and for clear guidelines on virtual governance.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary responded that legislation will allow societies to use alternative arrangements like video-conferencing or postponement, overriding constitutional requirements, and the Registry of Societies will permit these measures.
Assoc Prof Walter Theseira sought assurance that easy-to-understand guidelines would be issued for small societies without legal staff to avoid misinterpretation of the new Bill.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary confirmed the measures are in the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Bill and noted the feedback on providing clear guidelines for societies.

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6 Apr 2020

Recurring Dengue Clusters in Specific Estates/Areas in Bukit Batok East over Last Five Years and Efforts in Place to Contain Its Spread

The NEA reported 41 dengue clusters in Bukit Batok East from 2015 to 2019, with frequent clusters in specific areas like Jalan Jurong Kechil and Bukit Batok East Avenue 4/5, and a large 35-case cluster in 2018.
NEA implements a multi-pronged approach including surveillance via over 64,000 Gravitraps, regular inspections, enforcement, community alerts, and collaboration with town councils to control mosquito populations and contain outbreaks.
Public education campaigns like the National Dengue Prevention Campaign and SG Clean initiative are ongoing, urging residents to eliminate breeding habitats and use repellents, as NEA notes a 50% rise in home-based breeding sites.

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6 Apr 2020

Number of COVID-19 Tests Performed and Daily Updates on National Health Statistics for Comparison

Assoc Prof Walter Theseira asked the Ministry of Health to report the number of COVID-19 tests conducted daily and additional national health statistics to support global research comparability.
The Ministry of Health stated it regularly updates the public on COVID-19 information and shares test numbers when relevant.
To date, over 65,000 COVID-19 tests have been conducted in Singapore.
The average number of daily tests is approximately 2,000.
The Ministry continues to provide updates to keep Singaporeans informed about the pandemic situation.

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6 Apr 2020

Additional Support Measures in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

The government’s Resilience and Solidarity Budgets provide broad support for workers, businesses, and families affected by COVID-19, with measures including cash payouts, rental and loan relief, and enhanced job support schemes, which were widely praised for their generosity and timeliness.
Several MPs highlighted specific gaps, calling for faster disbursement of aid, expanded eligibility for self-employed and gig workers, more support for sectors like sports and retail, and automatic renewal of assistance to reduce administrative burdens during the circuit breaker.
Concerns were raised about the long-term mental health impact of the crisis, with suggestions for a national mental health strategy, free first consultations, and targeted support for vulnerable groups such as low-income households, seniors, and migrant workers.
The debate also emphasized the need for structural reforms, including improving housing conditions to reduce overcrowding, enhancing food security, accelerating digital transformation for SMEs, and ensuring sustainable use of national reserves for future generations.
Members urged collective solidarity and responsibility, with calls for all Singaporeans to adhere to safe distancing measures, support one another, and use this crisis as an opportunity to innovate, upskill, and build a more resilient and equitable society.

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6 Apr 2020

Additional Support Measures in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

The Parliament unanimously endorsed the multi-Budget response to COVID-19, with lawmakers praising the swift, decisive action and the unprecedented scale of support drawing on national reserves to protect lives and livelihoods during the "circuit breaker" period.
Key measures highlighted include enhanced wage support through the Job Support Scheme, cash assistance for displaced workers and the self-employed, and targeted aid for severely impacted sectors like aviation, with ongoing concerns about implementation speed and eligibility criteria.
Looking ahead, speakers urged leveraging the crisis to build long-term resilience, such as strengthening food security, accelerating digital transformation, and creating short-term jobs, while emphasizing the need for unity and tripartite cooperation to emerge stronger.

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6 Apr 2020

Plans to Tackle Transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C in Prisons

The Ministry of Home Affairs stated there are no known instances of inmates contracting HIV, Hepatitis B or C in prisons and that strict healthcare protocols are followed, with regular health talks conducted.
Hepatitis B vaccination is not mandatory for inmates, as the Ministry references the National Adult Immunisation Schedule, though it will continue to review healthcare approaches through its Medical Advisory Panel.
Prisons remain COVID-19 free, with protective measures including isolation of new inmates, temperature monitoring, testing, and provision of PPE to staff.
From 7 April to 4 May 2020, prisons suspended external programmes and all family visits (face-to-face and tele-visits), allowing only local phone calls and letters to maintain family contact.

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6 Apr 2020

Assessment of COVID-19’s Impact on Low-income and Other Vulnerable Persons and Households

Ms. Anthea Ong raised concerns about the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable groups, including low-income families, seniors, persons with disabilities, and those with mental health conditions, and asked about government monitoring, support measures, and policy review opportunities.
Minister Desmond Lee outlined multi-Ministry efforts such as enhanced financial assistance, proactive outreach by Silver Generation Ambassadors, and the launch of the COVID-19 Support Grant, while emphasizing the importance of a whole-of-society approach to support the vulnerable.
Ong followed up with supplementary questions about the continuity of family violence and child protection services during circuit breaker measures, the adequacy of resources for potential increases in abuse cases, and support for social service agencies facing funding shortfalls.
Lee responded by announcing a National CARE hotline, confirming that essential protection services remain operational with adequate resources, and detailing existing and upcoming measures to support social service agencies through funding and capability-building schemes.

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6 Apr 2020

Entry into Singapore for Foreign Spouses of Singapore Citizens in Light of COVID-19 Travel Restrictions

Ms Tin Pei Ling asked if foreign spouses of Singapore citizens would be allowed entry despite COVID-19 travel restrictions.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary stated that all short-term visitors are disallowed entry, and Long-Term Pass holders, including foreign spouses, must seek prior approval to return.
Foreign spouses holding Long-Term Passes are given high priority for approval, and short-term visitors with extenuating circumstances are assessed case-by-case.

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6 Apr 2020

Impact of COVID-19 Restrictions on Singapore’s Economy and Robustness of National Stockpile of Essential Items

The Minister outlined Singapore's multi-pronged strategy for national stockpiles, emphasizing that stockpile sizes are dynamically determined based on consumption rates, supply chain reliability, and local production capacities, and he stressed that panic buying severely disrupts these efforts.
The Minister highlighted that COVID-19 travel and trade restrictions have disrupted global supply chains and Singapore's economy, prompting the government to commit S$55 billion in support packages and collaborate with international partners to keep trade flows open.
In response to concerns about essential items like masks, the Minister confirmed prioritizing PPE for frontline workers, building domestic mask production capacity, and ensuring vulnerable patients can access masks through medical channels.
The Minister advised that stable prices for basic goods rely on import diversification, domestic production, and maintaining stockpiles, while cautioning that the circuit breaker measures will seriously impact the economy but are necessary to control the outbreak and avoid greater long-term damage.

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6 Apr 2020

Extended COVID-19 Measures in Parliament

The Speaker highlighted Singapore's history of resilience through past hardships and framed COVID-19 as a defining challenge for the nation's generation, urging unity and proactive contribution.
Parliament must continue meeting during extraordinary times to robustly debate and pass laws and funds needed to protect Singaporeans, balancing physical distancing with national solidarity.
The Speaker emphasized that current choices and actions will shape Singapore's future, calling for collective effort to overcome the crisis and emerge stronger.
The debate transitions to Questions for Oral Answer, starting with Assoc Prof Walter Theseira.

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26 Mar 2020

Proposal to Provide a Set of Guidelines and Encourage Hawkers to Refrain from Practices that Cause Contamination Risks

Joan Pereira proposed guidelines and encouragement for hawkers to avoid contamination risks as part of the SG Clean campaign.
Masagos Zulkifli outlined existing regulations, hygiene courses, and NEA/SFA initiatives like checklists and the SG Clean quality mark to uphold food safety.
He emphasized community responsibility, promoting the "7 Habits of Good Public Hygiene" to combat COVID-19 and maintain public cleanliness.

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26 Mar 2020

Additional Support Measures in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

The Deputy Prime Minister announced a $55 billion Resilience Budget to combat COVID-19's medical, economic, and social impacts, with $17 billion drawn from Past Reserves for exceptional circumstances.
The budget prioritizes saving jobs and livelihoods through enhanced wage support schemes, cash assistance for households, and new initiatives like the Self-Employed Person Income Relief Scheme and SGUnited traineeships.
It includes targeted support for hard-hit sectors like aviation and tourism, along with broad measures like property tax rebates and rental waivers to help businesses with cash flow and costs.
The plan also builds economic resilience through investments in R&D, digitalization support for companies, and skills upgrading for workers to prepare for recovery.
Political office holders, including the President and Speaker, will take a three-month pay cut in solidarity with Singaporeans during the crisis.

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26 Mar 2020

Message from the President

The President has given in-principle support for a draw on past reserves to fund a substantial second COVID-19 assistance package, citing an unprecedented global crisis that necessitates swift and significant government intervention.
The decision follows careful deliberation with the Council of Presidential Advisers and a review of the government's process, with the President emphasizing the need to support businesses and workers during this severe economic downturn.
The President urges Parliament to debate the proposed measures rigorously, noting that the draw will only proceed after parliamentary approval and further presidential scrutiny, while expressing confidence in Singapore's collective resilience.

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25 Mar 2020

Number of Cases of Emergencies Attributed to Food Allergies Onboard Commercial Flights from Singapore

Over the past three years, Singapore carriers reported 20 incidents of food allergies onboard flights, none requiring epinephrine or flight diversions.
Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore regulations require carriers to carry first aid and emergency medical kits, which include epinephrine auto-injectors.
Cabin crew are trained in the use of epinephrine auto-injectors, and local commercial flights are subject to regulations concerning medical equipment onboard.

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