Covid-19 crisis Get ready for code Yellow
Minister Gan gave this reason for the possibility of changing Dorscon level from Orange to Yellow. 

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/dorscon-level-covid19-transmits-worldwide-coronavirus-12469484

Many people were puzzled by the logic. It seems nonsensical that when the virus becomes more widespread around the world, it is possible for us to be more relaxed. 

Let me guess the real reason. 

The experience in Singapore is that the community spread of the virus is not serious. Although a few people were infected, the number remains quite low and the infection is mild. So far, there were no deaths from the infected people. 

Although a few were described as "critically ill". I suspect that it is also an exaggeration. (I hope that I am right - I don't want to see any reported death).

The harm to the economy from Dorscon Orange is clearly quite serious. It affected the taxi drivers, food outlets and the travel industry quite badly.

I had said earlier, and maintained all along, that it was premature to trigger code Orange as the infection was low. I also rejected the reasoning that we should be "better safe than sorry". 

I prefer the decision to be taken from a rational angle, after weighing in the facts and the cost and benefit of each option. I do not accept the motherhood statement - better safe than sorry.

Perhaps the minister has now realized that the raising of code Orange was a mistake. It has caused much more harm than he had expected. Perhaps he now wants to find a reason to reverse it without losing face. 

Maybe TKL is right that, being a hot climate, the virus is actually quite mild and the harm is much lower than in the north Asian countries, which are now still going through the winter season.

It would have been better for him to be honest about it (if indeed it was the case), instead of using a strange reason to justify the change of assessment. It would spark distrust and skepticism.

Earlier on, TKL called the minister, Mr. Orange. Maybe he was embarrassed about this description and preferred TKL to call him Mr. Yellow. (Hello, this is joking only, ok?)

I look forward to code Yellow as early as possible. 

Tan Kin Lian


 

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