How Singaporeans can help with Swine Flu preparedness

The media is filled with news about the swine flu outbreak with Mexico as the epicentre.

By now, more than 16 countries have reported cases - some confirmed, some still suspects and today we received news about the first death of a 23-month old toddler in the US.

Singapore, to-date is still clear, but as a nation we are gearing up and are now at DORSCON level YELLOW of preparedness.

10 ways fellow Singaporeans can help?

1. Maintain high level of personal hygiene.

2. Be considerate - if you are not feeling well, cover your mouth with a mask, and see a doctor. Cover your mouth when you cough.

3. Protect yourself - if you can help it, why put yourself at risk by visiting the affected countries?

4. Try NOT to visit hospitals, unless absolutely necessary

5. If you need to visit a hospital, do NOT bring a crowd - limit to ONLY 2 visitors per patient. Do not be angry with hospital staff when they are just doing their job controlling visitors

6. Love your loved ones - don't bring your kids to hospitals

7. Mask up when requested at Hospitals - please PUT ON your surgical mask when asked to do so in a hospital. It is to protect you. And because you are protected, your family is also protected

8. Dispose of your mask properly in bins - otherwise somebody else will have to pick up your used masks and may be infected

9. If you are a patient, the hospital may call you to ask for postponement of non-emergency surgery as part of outbreak preparedness. We understand you are anxious about your medical condition and your surgery but know too that such measures are taken in the interest of patients and the public. Speak to your doctor if you have concerns

10. If you know of others who bears the symptoms of swine flu and have travel history to affected countries, gently nudge them to see a doctor as soon as possible. Over them a mask if you have one.

If we all play our part, Singapore will be better prepared to weather this storm. Thank you.