May 16th
2003
Its a stable period for Singapore as we are approaching 18th May
which is supposedly the date where WHO is able to declare Singapore
capable of handling the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
Despite the initial scares of new cases resulting from the IMH
cluster, the Singapore government has managed to reassure us that
they are handling the situation well.
This has struck a chord in me. Are we handling the situation
well?
I guess SARS has a minimal impact on Singaporeans particularly the
younger Singaporeans whom i see have been adapting well without the
need to use face masks and self-imposed home quarantine orders.
From my own experience, i have not been updating myself with latest
news about SARS (www.sars.com.sg, three people
volunteered to setup and maintain the website to update us).
Life has been the same recently. Frequent clubbing sessions, soccer
matches and water activities have been filling up my schedules each
week. Not only mine but to also my regular friends.
In my opinion, such risks are part and parcel with their jobs.
Working in hospitals, there are bound to be occupational hazards
such as contracting flu strains or any epidemics. The same goes to
labourers who is at risk to suffer heatstrokes and machine
hazards.
Like many Singaporeans and the people of the world, i can only pray
that such calamities can come to an end and prevent,as we may, any
new impending disaster to befall us all.