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SINGAPORE – The opening of Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) 2020 on Monday (October 26) took place the first Covid-19 swab prior to the event.
On October 20, the multi-ministry working group announced a pilot run of pre-event tests using Antigen Rapid Tests (ART).
At the time, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said that a successful pilot test could help loosen group size limits for social gatherings.
But he cautioned that the tests, which are less sensitive than conventionally used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, may not detect all cases of Covid-19 and that safe distancing measures would still need to be observed. .
When The Straits Times arrived at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, where SIEW 2020 is taking place, on Monday morning, there were no long lines or crowds typically associated with Mice events (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions).
There were posters on various levels of the center reminding participants to download the TraceTogether app.
TraceTogether tokens were delivered free of charge at the hall entrance where the event was taking place. The Straits Times were told that participants were allowed to keep the chips.
After registering with SafeEntry and taking their temperature, the participants entered a main room where they separated into different areas to take samples.
Each zone had its own set of swab stations and detection registration desk, where participants received a confirmation SMS from the Ministry of Health (MINSA) and a set of labels for their tests.
They then sat at a swab station, where a swab explained the testing process and carried out the procedure.
Participants had a swab of about 2.5 cm inserted into their nostrils and rotated several times, and then asked to wait for the results, which were sent via SMS.
The test seats were cleaned and disinfected after each test.
People were not prevented from mingling with each other while waiting for their results in the main hall, but had to present their results at a registration desk before their credentials were issued and allowed into the ballroom where they were held. they were conducting the speeches.
Inside the ballroom, the guests were seated at tables of no more than five people, separated into different areas and had to keep their masks on.
Eight safe distancing ambassadors were also present to ensure safe management measures, such as wearing masks and ensuring that everyone remains one meter away from each other.
About 215 tests were carried out on Monday, and most people didn’t seem to have a problem with them. Nobody tested positive.
“I think it is bearable and quite fast and the (swab) was very soft. I am quite happy with it, I did not worry about anything,” said Senior Vice President of Solar Singapore and Southeast Asia (Power Division) at Sembcorp Solar Singapore, Mrs. Jen Tan.
She added: “I was prepared for the worst because my friends told me it’s really awkward and terrible, but I thought the (ART) swab was small so it was bearable.”
Sembcorp Vice President Eddie Tan said he found the experience smooth and relatively enjoyable. “I wouldn’t say it was comfortable, but it wasn’t bad … I was almost on the verge of sneezing or tearing, but it didn’t cause it.”
Hosted by the Energy Market Authority (EMA), SIEW 2020 is a week-long platform for energy professionals and policy makers to discuss and share strategic perspectives on issues in the industry and their impact.
This is the thirteenth year that SIEW has been held, but it is the first time that it has been transformed into a hybrid event with both virtual and face-to-face participants.
More than 10,000 virtual attendees from around the world are expected to join the 250 guests present at the Sands Expo and Convention Center.
“I am very happy that the exhibitions are recovered and I hope that everything goes well,” said another participant, Arturo Coloma, international trade advisor at the Spanish embassy in Singapore.
Similar sentiments were shared by Jurong Port’s Chief Strategy Officer Mr. Desmond Lim, who said: “I think nothing is better than a real conference where you can physically interact. This is a good start for Mice events to come back. “.
In a Facebook post later Monday, Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing, who delivered the keynote address at SIEW 2020, said the event went off without a hitch.
“The successful start of SIEW could not have happened without the full support of all the partners involved, from the event companies that have quickly adapted to provide the services required for a hybrid event to the participants who demonstrated understanding and patience of the new Safe Management Measures required, “he said.
He added that the mouse industry supports more than 34,000 jobs in Singapore.
Mr. Chan said: “We will carefully study the lessons learned from the successful organization of SIEW and apply them to other future events to ensure a safe, seamless and enjoyable MICE experience for all of our guests.”
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