Effects of tightened COVID-19 measures will only be seen in 1 or 2 weeks due to 'time lag': Lawrence Wong

SINGAPORE: The results of tightened COVID-19 measures could solely be evident "one to two weeks later" as there's a "time lag" in choosing up circumstances, stated Mr Lawrence Wong, co-chair of the COVID-19 multi-ministry activity pressure.

Mr Wong stated on Tuesday (Could 18) that the present COVID-19 circumstances detected locally have been "very likely" seeded one to 2 weeks in the past.

"We will continue to see many cases as we pick them up, even unlinked cases as we are seeing now, precisely because of how infectious and transmissible the new strains are," he stated.

A few of the latest group circumstances in Singapore have examined "preliminarily positive" for the B1617 variant that was first detected in India.

READ: Masks with higher filtration functionality really helpful as new COVID-19 variants unfold

READ: 27 new group COVID-19 circumstances in Singapore, together with 11 unlinked infections

The Ministry of Well being (MOH) reported on Monday that general, the variety of new circumstances locally has elevated from 32 within the week earlier than to 149 circumstances previously week. The variety of unlinked group circumstances has additionally elevated from seven circumstances within the week earlier than to 42 circumstances previously week.

On Tuesday, Singapore reported 27 new group infections, 11 of which have been unlinked.

Mr Wong, who can also be Finance Minister, stated: "All the precautions we are used to, in fact, may not be sufficient to safeguard against the spread of the virus and we need even more stringent measures, and that's why in the recent days we have stepped up, tighten up the measures." 

Since Could 16, eating in at meals and beverage shops is no longer allowed. From Wednesday, faculties will change to home-based studying till the top of the time period on Could 28. 

Singapore has additionally lowered the quantity of people that can collect from 5 folks to 2.

"It doesn't mean that our measures are not working," stated Mr Wong.

"In fact, I have confidence that the latest measures that we have put in place to restrict interactions and movement will have an impact in bringing numbers down. But we will only see this materialising one to two weeks later, because of the time lag in these measures.

"So, what it means is we'll proceed to evaluate the scenario very rigorously. We'll seek the advice of our public well being consultants and we'll proceed to see if there's a have to do any additional tightening, whether or not the present measures are adequate, or whether or not there's a have to do any additional tightening alongside the way in which."

READ: Kids aged 12 to fifteen to obtain Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in Singapore

READ: Singapore to increase interval of COVID-19 vaccine doses to between 6 and eight weeks 

In the meantime, folks have to "do every little thing we will" to slow the spread of the virus, said Mr Wong.

They should go for vaccination as soon as it is offered to them, stay home as much as possible and take additional precautions when they have to go out, such as wearing masks with "excessive filtration functionality".

Mr Wong thanked people in Singapore for cooperating with the measures so far.

"I feel all of us can see the proof round us - the streets are quieter. Persons are scaling again actions, and once they exit, you are going out in twos, which is in compliance with the principles," he said. 

"I do know this has been very troublesome and disruptive for all of you, and I need to thanks for doing all of your half to curb the unfold of the virus.

"So let's hunker down, we keep our spirits up, continue to support each other and we can get through this bump together."

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