Update: 11-Feb-2020
As of 10 February, Singapore’s case summary is as follows:
Confirmed cases: 45
Cases tested negative: 581
Pending results: 39
Discharged: 7
There has been enquiries from teams regarding the status of Asia Open + CASNCC 2020. As of now, the championships will NOT be postponed.
The possibility of postponement will only be considered if the DORSCON status in Singapore reaches red level. Singapore is currently at level orange. While the confirmed cases 2019 nCOV may increase this month, it is unlikely that Singapore will reach DORSCON level red. To put things into perspective, taking reference from SARS outbreak in 2003, with 33 deaths and 238 infected people in Singapore, and schools were closed for 2 weeks, it would have been DORSCON level orange (DORSCON was drafted after the SARS incident and refined during the H1N1 swine flu pandemic in 2009). It took 2 months, from the first detected case of SARS in Singapore, for Singapore to be taken off the SARS list from World Health organization in 2 months (1 March to 30 May 2003).
See: Sars in Singapore: Timeline
The biggest key for 2019-nCoV is that Singapore is much better prepared after experiencing SARS and H1N1. Our government’s multi-ministerial task force was announced a day before the first imported case was confirmed in Singapore and preparedness activities were already underway for rapid detection and response. Information on the cases and 2019-nCoV was readily available. Citizens can register for WhatsApp updates from the government, which was received regularly every day and information was available on government websites, portals, social media, major news outlets, and grassroot groups (all of which allowed us to make decisions regarding Asia Open + CASNCC). Singaporeans are still going on about our daily lives as usual, albeit with a heightened sense of personal hygiene and social responsibility. We remain hopeful that the situation will stabilize by the end of March.
See Singapore’s approach to 2019n-CoV
- Fighting the Wuhan virus: How Singapore tackled previous epidemics
- The Big Read: 17 years on, Singapore puts SARS lessons to the test in fight against Wuhan coronavirus
- ‘This is different now’: Doctor who treated first Sars patient says S’pore is better prepared for Wuhan coronavirus
- As Asia Panics, One Country Wins Praise for Approach to Virus
- PM Lee Hsien Loong on the 2019-nCoV situation in Singapore on 8 February 2020 (video)
- PM Lee Hsien Loong on the 2019-nCoV situation in Singapore on 8 February 2020 (video transcript)
For latest updates on Singapore’s 2019n-Cov situation in Singapore, please refer to the following website
https://www.gov.sg/features/2019-ncov
In the meantime, we advise everyone to observe personal hygiene. The virus can only spread by droplets and physical contact. It does not go into the air therefore you cannot breathe it in. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol (before you touch your face). Avoid touching your face with your hands and practice socially responsible measures such as cover your mouth with tissue paper (or into your elbows when tissue paper is not available) when sneezing or coughing. Wear a mask if you are sick and see a doctor promptly and avoid crowded places and stay home.
Helpful Resources on 2019-nCoV:
- Infographics on 2019-nCoV
- Videos on 2019-nCoV
- 2019 Novel Coronavirus: How It Affects Your Daily Routine (Video by SG Gov)
- Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) (Video by WHO)
Regardless of the status of the DORSCON, Asia Open + CASNCC will be adopting precautionary measures as advised by the government. We will be carrying temperature screenings for all participants, staff, and spectators and will be on the lookout for respiratory symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath. Entry will be denied to unwell individuals (including participants). Frequency of cleaning commonly used areas will be increased.
Please stay safe and if you have any enquiries or require assistance, please feel free to contact us at asiaopencheer@cheerleading.com.sg
