China is opening up after being under strict zero-Covid policy for 3 years. With a largely uninfected population, the sudden reopening will bring about new variants.
Many Chinese nationals are eager to travel and picked Singapore as one of their top 10 destinations. Although other countries have imposed restrictions on travelers from China, Singapore does not plan to do so. We continue to welcome them despite knowing there will be new variants and mutations.
If you are worried by our open-leg policy, fret not. We have Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, who has been reassuring Singaporeans since the start of Covid-19 at every step of the way. Let us relive some of his quotes* to tell ourselves that we are in good hands.
*All except the last quote were made in Dec 2022
They (China) are taking very decisive steps to open up their economy and society. This (is) bound to drive up infections, which we are not so worried (about), because our resilience is high and we’ve gone through three waves this year.
With 1.3 billion people mostly uninfected, when the disease starts to spread, we are bound to get mutations. So there will be a new wave, but it is not something that we have not seen before.
Ong Ye Kung thinks the best we can do is to get vaccinated with the new bivalent vaccine.
Everything in general is calm, but at the same time, we also want to be prepared (by getting vaccinated).
He urged people to understand the government’s decision on border measures and promised to “monitor the situation”, as always.
We are closely monitoring the international Covid-19 situation and will adjust our border health measures as appropriate should the need arise.
For the past year, our direction has been very clear and I hope people see that too. Whenever we can open, we will open up further.
Last but not least:
Imagine that at the height of SARS… other countries (decide) to get Singaporeans out of the country. We will become a target as well and can be hit hard. Do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you.
How heartwarming. It is no wonder so many China nationals want to come here. Do you think it is the right thing to do? Are you worried or is it not a big deal at all?
