Singapore migrant workers are still living in Covid lockdown

​A/Prof Jeremy Lim, Director of the Leadership Institute for Global Health, NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, noted that denying migrant workers their freedom had few public benefits as they are vaccinated, familiar with safe distancing and wear masks. He opined that Singapore should instead focus on these workers’ mental health because they are really struggling at the moment.

Precautions to take at home when family members test positive

​The Straits Times quoted Prof Teo Yik Ying, Dean, NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health who commented that the risk of spreading COVID-19 is much higher if toilets are shared. He highlighted that to reduce this risk, cover the toilet bowl before flushing and disinfect common surfaces such as the sink, toilet bowl and shower handles each time after the infected person uses the toilet.

晨光 – 大数据 新视力: 为何接种率达标 死亡例却不减 (Morning Express – why is the vaccination rate on target but deaths have not decreased?)

​Prof Teo Yik Ying, Dean, NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, explained that worldwide, vaccinated people were 10 to 25 times less likely to die when they are infected with COVID-19. Prof Dale Fisher, Senior Consultant, Division of Infectious Diseases, National University Hospital, shared that in the wake of COVID-19, there may be fewer flu deaths in future because more people will take the flu vaccine and there will be better restrictions particularly in older people.

住院冠病病患超过1000人 专家担心医疗系统不胜负荷 (More than 1,000 hospitalised COVID-19 patients – experts fear that healthcare system will be overwhelmed)

​Lianhe Zaobao quoted Prof Dale Fisher, Senior Consultant, Division of Infectious Diseases, National University Hospital, who commented that new facilities and admission standards set by the government were believed to be able to help ease the hospital situation. He believed that the authorities will continue to review the situation to help ease the pressure on the healthcare system and to ensure that all patients in need receive assistance.

Prof Teo Yik Ying, Dean, NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health noted that there are currently two types of COVID-19 patients who require hospitalisation -  those who require observation and those who are unable to recuperate at home. For the latter, they are suitable to be transferred to community care facilities to relieve the pressure on hospitals.

Vaccines keeping severe cases in check: Experts

Prof Dale Fisher, Senior Consultant at National University Hospital's Division of Infectious Diseases and Professor of Medicine, NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, highlighted that vaccine is most effective in preventing severe diseases and death and these cases are expected to be low, though not zero, in the vaccinated population. A/Prof Hsu Li Yang, Vice-Dean of Global Health and Infectious Diseases Programme Leader, NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, agreed but cautioned that there is a lag of about a week between the onset of COVID-19 and deterioration, so there is likely to be a rise in ICU cases in the coming weeks.

Prof Paul Tambyah, Senior Consultant at National University Hospital's Division of Infectious Diseases and Professor of Medicine, NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, noted that no transmission wave lasts forever. He opined there is no need to tighten measures at the moment and that it is not clear if further tightening will bring any benefits.

In a Channel 8 interview, Prof Teo Yik Ying, Dean of NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, said that booster shots can be given to the elderly and immunocompromised people to provide additional protection to reduce risk of infection but it is not necessary for all.

• Lianhe Zaobao, 24 September 2021, Page 2, 对年长者等高危人群确实有效 学者：普通人应否打追加剂仍未有定论 (Booster shots more effective for high-risk groups such as elderly, no conclusion yet average people)
• Mediacorp 8world, 23 September 2021, 本地公共医院床位使用率 两周前已近88% (Bed occupancy in public hospitals was nearly 88% two weeks ago)
• CNA, 23 September 2021, Heart of the Matter, S2: COVID-19 booster shots and the challenge of vaccine science moving at breakneck speed

The Big Story: With over 1,000 COVID-19 patients in hospitals in S’pore, will there be tighter restrictions?

Professor Dale Fisher, Senior Consultant at National University Hospital's Division of Infectious Diseases, discussed Singapore's current COVID-19 situation and weighed in on whether tighter restrictions are needed.

In a separate article, 8world quoted Prof Teo Yik Ying, Dean, NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, who said that looking at what is happening around the world, whenever outbreaks occur in nursing homes, a considerable number of people would require oxygen and ICU care. This is because these clusters involve seniors who may be frail and may have underlying health conditions.

• Money 89.3 FM, ST: The Big Story, 23 September 2021
• Mediacorp 8world, 23 September 2021, 数据：需输氧冠病患者破百人 一半已接种疫苗(Statistics: More than 100 COVID-19 patients require oxygen; half have been vaccinated)

When arthritis strikes early

​Young people are often shocked or in denial when told they have arthritis because they think it affects only the aged.  This may stem from how arthritis is often associated with rheumatism, and the perception that arthritis refers to osteoarthritis, which indeed affects older people more, says Dr Anindita Santosa, a consultant at Changi General Hospital’s department of medicine (rheumatology).

Covid surge a ‘rite of passage’ on return to normality, says Singapore health chief

​The Telegraph quoted A/Prof Alex Cook, Vice Dean of Research, NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, who commented that while the pandemic situation remained superior to the US or UK, Singapore’s outbreak was a “test of the government’s and the people’s resolve” in the face of an unprecedented rise in cases, even if the majority were mild. He said that the outbreak is not a signal that Singapore need non-pharmaceutical interventions forever but rather that in this post-pandemic liminal state, Singapore must pass through a potentially large wave of mostly mild infection before the country can reach endemic COVID-19.

长期冠病留下难以承受的痛 (Long COVID leaves unbearable pain)

Lianhe Zaobao quoted Dr Alvin Wang, Consultant, Infectious Diseases, NTFGH, who pointed out that not all symptoms might be related to long COVID. For example, problems concentrating, memory issues or sleeping problems could also be features of depression. He recommended that COVID-19 survivors who experience persistent symptoms seek medical evaluation from a trained healthcare professional. In general, COVID-19 survivors should balance their daily activities with their symptoms and take more frequent rests if necessary, to avoid exhaustion.

长期冠病留下难以承受的痛 (Long COVID leaves unbearable pain)

Lianhe Zaobao quoted Prof Paul Tambyah, Senior Consultant, National University Hospital ,Division of Infectious Diseases, who said that it is generally recommended that people who have recovered from long-term COVID-19 symptoms receive symptomatic treatment, such as cough medicines or bronchodilators for chronic cough. He also encouraged them to enjoy the sun instead of staying at home as long as they comply with safety measures.

The article also quoted Dr Alvin Wang, Consultant, Infectious Diseases, Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, who pointed out that not all symptoms might be related to long COVID. For example, problems concentrating, memory issues or sleeping problems could also be features of depression. He recommended that COVID-19 survivors who experience persistent symptoms seek medical evaluation from a trained healthcare professional. In general, COVID-19 survivors should balance their daily activities with their symptoms and take more frequent rests if necessary, to avoid exhaustion.

Calls grow among experts in Singapore for mandatory vaccination as Covid-19 cases spike

​Prof Dale Fisher, Senior Consultant, Division of Infectious Diseases, National University Hospital said that he would “love to see vaccine mandates in over 60s” as they are the group most at risk of severe disease and death. Prof Fisher added that it is the same reason that age group was selected early for vaccines and booster jabs. A/Prof Alex Cook, Vice Dean of Research, NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health opined that vaccination is much more protective than the other measures in place and less economically and socially damaging. He added that it would seem odd to enforce weaker and more costly measures if vaccination is not enforced.

• Reuters, 21 September 2021, Calls grow among experts in Singapore for a vaccine mandate as COVID-19 spikes

Social science and humanities research in Singapore receive S$457m boost in funding

​Dr Wang Wenru, Associate Professor at NUS Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, developed and conceptualise a study to help achieve better health outcomes and quality of life for elderly living alone, funded by the Social Science Research Thematic Grant. Dr Wang shared that the pilot programme, Salutogenic Healthy Aging Program Embracement (SHAPE), comprises 12 weekly group sessions on ageing related topics with at least two home visits as well as a health resource book.

• Channel 8 News, 21 September 2021, 10pm

Patients, caregivers get more resources

​On World Alzheimer's Day, which falls on Tuesday, 21 September, the National University Health System's Mind Science Centre opened the Mind Art Experiential Lab (MAELab), a mental wellness centre focusing on the Asian culture, lifestyle, phenotype and issues, at Alexandra Hospital.

A curated showcase of multi-sensorial interventional therapy programmes titled "Arts, Mindfulness And The Ageing Brain" was also unveiled at the MAELab. The exhibits show how local research has found that early psychosocial intervention and creative arts can bring about interesting engagement and participation for people who are experiencing mental health challenges. They can also reduce the incidence of dementia and depression, improve quality of life and reduce the burden of disease on families and society.

The launch was attended by Senior Minister of State for National Development and Foreign Affairs Sim Ann, who is also an MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC. Ms Sim also announced that her ward in Bukit Timah will be adopting the Mind Science Centre's Age Well Everyday programme early next year, joining eight other community clubs who have already done so. The programme is a depression and dementia risk prevention programme designed to delay cognitive deterioration, reduce anxiety and increase socialisation.

• Lianhe Zaobao, 22 September 2021, Page 6, 亚洲首个思维艺术体验馆 结合科学艺术促进心理健康 (First Mind Art Experiential Lab in Asia combines science and art to enhance mental wellness)
• Channel News Asia, 21 September 2021, Singapore Tonight, Mind Art Experiential Lab: New mental wellness centre aims to help seniors prevent dementia
• The New Paper Online, 22 September 2021,New online resource portal, app for dementia patients, caregivers
• Mediacorp 8World, 21 September 2021, 亚洲首座思维艺术体验馆开幕 通过非药物疗法改善身心健康 (First Mind Art Experiential Lab in Asia opens; Aims to improve mental wellness through community-based interventions)
• Mediacorp Channel 8 News, 21 September 2021, 亚洲首座思维艺术体验馆开幕 通过非药物疗法改善身心健康 (First Mind Art Experiential Lab in Asia opens; Aims to improve mental wellness through community-based interventions)
• Seithi Mediacorp, 21 September 2021, சிங்கப்பூரில் முதன்முறையாகத் திறக்கப்பட்டுள்ள மனநலம் பேணும் நிலையம் (The first mental health centre to open in Singapore)
• SURIA Berita, 21 September 2021

Perkembangan lewat bagi anak yang banyak guna alat digital? (Do children suffer developmental delays from high exposure to digital devices?)

​Semasa Steve Jobs ditanya pada 2010 sa-ma ada anak-anak beliau suka bermain dengan model baru iPad yang baru, beliau menjawab: “Mereka tak menggunakannya. Kami had-kan penggunaan teknologi bagi kanak-kanak di rumah.”  Sebagai digital natives atau generasi yang membesar dengan teknologi, memang tidak munasabah jika ibu bapa tidak dedahkan anak-anak zaman sekarang kepada teknologi.

Some public hospitals in S’pore seeing surge in Covid-19 positive & suspect cases at A&E

​Mothership quoted an National University Hospital Facebook post noting that the hospital has put in place extra precautionary measures in its emergency department to ensure the safety of the patients, and waiting time will be longer than expected. Patients with more serious conditions and who require admission will be prioritised. National University Hospital also encouraged patients with non-critical conditions to visit a GP or polyclinic, or the 24-hour Urgent Care Centre at Alexandra Hospital.