What We Know & Don’t Know About The Omicron Variant

Another coronavirus variant has emerged last month, and with it comes a new wave of uncertainty and a set of unanswered questions. On 26 November 2021, the World Health Organization designated the variant B.1.1.529 as a variant of concern on the advice of WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution. This variant is commonly known as the Omicron.

Days after the news broke about the Omicron, we remain in an information vacuum. Researchers in South Africa and around the world have been conducting studies to better understand the aspects of Omicron and they will continue to share the findings of these studies.

The current situation was best put by WHO’s Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus during the November 29th World Health Assembly. He said: “Omicron’s very emergence is another reminder that although many of us might think we are done with COVID-19, it is not done with us.”

#1: TRANSMISSIBILITY

It is unclear whether Omicron spreads more easily from person-to-person compared to other variants including Delta. For now, we can observe the Omicron cases in South Africa and other countries.

In South Africa, the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 has risen and as many as 90% of new cases in Gauteng are caused by it. Epidemiologic studies are underway to understand whether the sudden rise in cases is due to Omicron or other factors. Globally, there have been 1,458 confirmed Omicron cases as reported by 55 countries and posted by European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control last 8 December 2021.

Despite the observed cases in South Africa, some areas in United Kingdom and Europe have reported cases of Omicron that are not linked to travel to Southern Africa. This may suggest that the variant has been spreading from person-to-person within the community.

#2: SEVERITY OF THE DISEASE

Much like the transmissibility, the severity of the disease posed by the Omicron variant remains unclear. Although preliminary data suggests that there are increasing rates of hospitalization in South Africa, this may be due to the elevating overall numbers of people becoming infected and not due to the Omicron.

All variants of COVID-19, including Delta, can cause severe disease or death particularly for the most vulnerable people. Prevention is always the key!

#3: EFFECTIVENESS OF VACCINES

The World Health Organization is collaborating with researchers and technical partners to understand the potential impact of Omicron on the existing countermeasures such as the vaccines. Vaccines remain vital to reducing severe disease and death, including against the dominant Delta.

Could the boosters help combat the Omicron? Scientists do not know yet.

#4: CURRENT SITUATION IN SINGAPORE

More than a dozen countries including Singapore have started closing its borders to visitors from countries where the Omicron might be spreading. Entry requirements into Singapore became stricter, including the requirement of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on arrival of all the air travelers. A ringfence will be thrown around the person and any close contacts if there is a positive test result. These safety measures will help prevent Omicron from entering the community.

On 9 December 2021, two COVID-19 cases tested preliminarily positive for the Omicron variant. One of the new Omicron cases is a frontline worker at Changi Airport. The other case is an imported case, according to the Ministry of Health (MOH). MOH is currently conducting aggressive contract tracing to ringfence these cases.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

As scientists around the world work tirelessly to learn more about the Omicron variant, we just have to wait. Whether it will rise to dominance like the Delta or fade like the Alpha and Beta, all we can do is to wear our masks and practice other social distancing measures.

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6

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Should You Wear Face Shields In Singapore?

Should You Wear Face Shields In Singapore?

According to the Ministry of Health’s guidelines, plastic face shield offers adequate basic protection and can be worn if you need to go out of your home during this period.

For the general public who need to go out of their homes during this period, any mask including reusable masks, DIY masks or plastic face shields, offer adequate basic protection.

Face shields have a number of advantages over masks. It can be more comfortable to wear than a face mask and it is easier to clean and disinfects after each use.

Video by Lindsley et al, 2014/NIOSH

According to a report from JAMA Network, face shields were shown to reduce immediate viral exposure by 96% when worn by a simulated health care worker within 18 inches of a cough. Face shields also protect your eyes and other parts of the face not covered by the face masks.

While face shields offer more advantages, they are are not 100% foolproof. Experts have recommend wearing with face masks to be effective. In addition, practicing good personal hygiene and social distancing should form the first line of defence against the coronavirus.

If you are considering to get a face shield in Singapore, here are some places where you can get them:

Soft-foam Face Shield

$3.50 on Qoo10

Baseball Cap Face Shield

$10.50 on Shopee

Spectacle Face Shield

$15.80 on Lazada

Kids Face Shield

$7.00 on Shopee

Face Shield Hat

$11.90 on Lazada

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You can now get a reusable Gill Mask that comes with 2 surgical masks for $31.90

Enjoy MAX PROTECTION with MAX SAVINGS

Designed and developed in Singapore, Gill Mask is a timely homegrown innovation in face of a global shortage of face masks due to the SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) pandemic.

The Face Mask Respirator is a reusable mask that can extend the life of a surgical mask by 6X. In other words, you can cut a normal surgical mask into 6 smaller pieces and use each cut-out piece for 1 to 2 days, therefore potentially extending life of two surgical mask to half month supply.

Other benefits:

  • Can also be used for future haze events
  • As the filter is away from the mouth, it is user friendly to those with asthma, as well as front line people who need to communicate with mask on
  • Environmentally friendly and save the environment
  • Is comfortable and cooler than conventional N95 and surgical mask

Here’s a live demo on how to use the Gill Mask:

Click here to buy now

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Coronavirus Shopping List: Important Things To Buy During CB

We are living in extraordinary times. Since many Singaporeans have ample amounts of supplies before the Circuit Breaker (CB) period started, you probably have what you need inside your home already. There is no reason for you to crazy and hoard items on the grocery shelves. There are more vulnerable consumers such as elderly and people with auto-immune diseases that may need supplies right now.

Think about other people apart from yourself. Take what you need and save some for the rest. On that note, here are the essential items to purchase during CB period.

#1: CANNED GOODS

Canned goods are staple items to stock up on during emergencies. If kept at a room temperature, canned goods may last decades. While you will not need a canned item to last you that long, we do not know how long this pandemic will last. It is best that we stay prepared. Buy canned goods that have fish, veggies, and fruits in them. This is a great way to ensure that you are still consuming vital minerals and vitamins.

#2: PET FOOD

The same can be said for your pets. Ensure that you have sufficient pet supplies to last you for a month. Do you need to purchase grooming supplies or extra litter boxes? You can get creative by cooking your own pet food too.

#3: DRY GOODS

Aside from canned goods, dry goods can last a long time in your pantry. Dry goods include pasta, cereal, rice, nuts, and beans. You can easily throw these things to a pot and cook.

#4: DRINKS

My father cannot live without his trusty energy drink. If you need an energy drink or a caffeine fix to boost your day, you will have to stock up your supply. The amount of drinking supply that you will purchase depends on how frequently you consume it. You know your habits the best. It is a good idea to brew tea or coffee at home too.

#5: SOAP

Hand sanitizers are scarce in all parts of the world. If you are isolated by yourself or are quarantined with your family, there is no need to carry one all the time. All you need is to religiously wash your hands with soap and water. You can kills the coronavirus through scrubbing for at least 30 seconds. Experts agree that cleansing with soap and water is the best option!

#6: EXERCISE EQUIPMENT

You cannot go to the gym since fitness centers and parks are closed. However, you can still pick up a mat or a dumbbell and complete a set of exercise inside your home. Look through YouTube for free exercises that will heighten your mood. Personally, I like to follow dance and yoga tutorials.

#7: ENERGY BARS

Whether you call it protein or energy bars, these bars can help you fell well enough to go out for a quick run. You can also snack on these ready-to-go snacks after a grocery run or while you are watching Netflix at home.

#8: FROZEN FOOD

A lot of frozen food does not last forever – much like relationships. You do not want to waste your time, money, and efforts. Purchase enough supplies that will incorporate frozen fruits, frozen veggies, and frozen meat. You can buy chicken breast and ground beef. These can be added to soup or rice. For frozen fruits, you may purchase peaches and mangoes. These are rich sources of Vitamin C. Lastly, you may consider frozen spinach, broccoli, peas, and carrots.

#9: POPCORN AND CHIPS

If you are going to be inside the home for two weeks, chances are you will be watching plenty of shows on Netflix, YouTube, and Toggle. Buy several boxes of microwaveable popcorn and several bags of chips, if you like to make it the old-fashioned “cinema” way.

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Singaporeans Get Financial Support And Frozen Government Loans Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

As you may know, many establishments and livelihoods have been put on hold due to the Coronavirus widespread. Floating in limbo led many Singaporeans to worry about their finances, particularly their bills and household expenses. This level of uncertainty is not limited to our country. It happens all over the world! Moreover, it takes a toll on developing countries whose majority relies on daily salaries and meal allowances to survive.

The Singaporean government has put a plan into place. Last Thursday, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat said that they “will put more cash in the hands of all families to help them cope”. The cash payouts announced in Budget 2020 will be tripled!

All adult Singaporeans will receive $300, $600, or $900 depending on their income. The amount for parents with at least one Singaporean child aged 20 and younger will receive up to $300 as compared to $100 before. The Workfare Special Payment for lower-income workers will also be increased to $3,000 in cash.

Lastly, the $100 PAssion Card top-up for seniors will be given in cash instead. They will get their money directly in their bank accounts. “This is to avoid the need to queue at top-up stations during this period,” he said.

In addition to supplementary budget, the Government will freeze all fees and charges for its services for one year from April 1. Late payment charges on Housing Board mortgages will be suspended for three months. Graduates who took up Government loans for their university or polytechnic studies will receive a loan repayment suspension for a year from June 1.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat also highlighted the importance of self-help groups. Grants for self-help groups will be doubled to $20 million over two years. While, community development councils will get $75 million. As he listed various initiatives on his speech, he said that they will “protect jobs, support our workers, and protect livelihoods”. All these efforts are necessary to help the citizens bounce back during these uncertain times.

Sources: 1 & 2

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