TL;DR – Instead, let us stand behind them and show them our support.
Last Friday (Feb 7) saw Singapore raising its disease outbreak response up a level to Orange.
Shortly after the announcement, social media was plastered with images of people snatching items from the various supermarkets, crazy long queues, and empty shelves.
Unfortunately, the Disease Outbreak Response System Condition (DORSCON) wasn’t the only thing that was moved up a notch. Rudeness and unreasonableness also seemed to have gotten better of some Singaporeans, according to frontliner workers who have experienced mistreatment from fellow Singaporeans.
Don’t believe me?
Here are some accounts shared by frontliner workers who are victims of these unwarranted abuses:
Having said that, while there are people who mistreat the frontliners workers, there are also people who appreciate the hard work and dedication of these unsung heroes and hopes to demonstrate their appreciation in their own ways.
Here’s an initiative by #BraveHeartSG, which collates letters of appreciation for the frontline healthcare workers as they work very hard to keep Singaporeans and Singapore safe.
Local initiatives such as Contribute SG and Mask Go Share have also been set up for the public to donate extra masks and other sanitizing items for those working in the frontline sectors, as well as those in need.
National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) secretary-general Ng Chee Meng takes caring for workers into his own hands by distributing masks to the frontline workers at Changi Airport.
That’s not all!
Did you know that the non-operations staff of FairPrice as well as from NTUC HQ have also stepped forward to help the supermarket staff to stack shelves in the stores?
Quick PSA here, the supermarket chains have stocks but the panic buying over the weekend has stressed the supply chain and logistics. So please buy only what you need, no need to do your own stockpiling when the nation has done it for us!
And yes, let’s not forget the hardworking supermarket staff who are working hard to replenish stocks so that Singaporeans can continue to buy their daily essentials.
In the face of stigma, fear, and panic, let’s all stay calm, stand together and show our support for the people braving the heat for us all instead!
Together, we can overcome this.
Infectious diseases physician, Dr Leong Hoe Nam, on what we need to know about 2019-Coronavirus
