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SINGAPORE: While 2020 has been an “exceptionally testing year” for Singapore, there is now light at the end of the tunnel, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in his New Year’s message on Thursday (December 31).
Singapore is in Phase 3 of its reopening, Mr. Lee noted. COVID-19 vaccines have started and the economy is beginning to see signs of stabilization, he added.
READ: COVID-19: Social gatherings of up to 8 people allowed starting December 28, additional reopening of activities in Phase 3
“COVID-19 has been a relentless fight that has tested our resources and our resolve to the utmost,” said Mr. Lee.
“Through enormous effort and sacrifice, we have stabilized our situation in Singapore, even as the virus continues to rage in other parts of the world.”
Singapore’s death rate from COVID-19 is “very low,” Lee said. Currently, many days, there are no new local infections. The imported cases are mainly returning Singapore citizens and permanent residents, as well as foreign construction workers and domestic workers.
“Now, we have entered Phase 3. The first batch of vaccines has arrived in Singapore and they have already started. Now we can see the light at the end of the tunnel, ”said Mr. Lee.
“But it will still take some time for enough people to get vaccinated before we are safe from another major uncontrolled outbreak. In the meantime, we must maintain discipline and continue with safe distancing and all the other precautions we have been taking. “
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THE CONFIDENCE OF THE SINGAPORE IN THE SYSTEM
While COVID-19 has caused Singapore’s most severe economic downturn since independence, it expects a rebound in 2021, although the recovery will be uneven and activity will remain below pre-pandemic levels “for some time,” Lee said.
To support workers and businesses, he noted that the government approved five budgets totaling close to S $ 100 billion, adding that employers and the National Congress of Trade Unions have worked hard to keep Singaporeans employed.
“We will continue to ensure that in these difficult times, Singaporeans get the proper support they need,” said Lee.
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What stood out in Singapore’s response to COVID-19 is people’s trust in the system and in each other, the Prime Minister said.
“In many countries, COVID-19 has deepened old fault lines and created new tensions. Singapore, fortunately, has avoided the great divisions between our people and the pessimism and loss of confidence that has occurred elsewhere, ”he said.
“Confidence in our system remains high. Singaporeans have cooperated with the government and complied with the COVID-19 rules, because the government has been open and direct about the facts, and justified its faith that it is doing everything possible to face the crisis.
Mr Lee added that Singaporeans renewed the government’s mandate from the Popular Action Party (PAP) as they were confident that the team could see the country through COVID-19 and beyond.
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“My team and I will strive to continue to earn your trust, continue to strengthen our social compact, keep Singapore’s promise as a just and equitable society and help you achieve your hopes and dreams,” he said.
“We are determined to give all Singaporeans the same opportunities to do well, to prepare them to seize opportunities in a different world and to help them cope with life’s inevitable setbacks.”
THE POST-COVID-19 WORLD
While the post-COVID-19 world is uncertain, Singapore “must emerge strengthened by the shared experience of this crisis,” said Mr. Lee.
“Whether we truly become a more vibrant economy and a resilient society will depend on us and the decisions you and I make in this crisis and beyond.”
Just as people in Singapore have come together and overcome the challenges of the pandemic, they must also come together to rebuild “better and stronger,” he said, adding that the fight against COVID-19 “is not yet won.”
“In the months and years to come, we will face new and unexpected obstacles. Things can happen that force us to change our plans, he said. “But as long as we are together as one Singapore, I am sure we will pave a way forward.”
