How Singapore flattened the curve through the eyes of overseas Filipino workers
It is a nightmare that won't go away.
Since going on lockdown in March, the Philippines is nowhere near solving the COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc across the country.
As of August 11, there are 139,538 confirmed cases in the Philippines as reported by the Department of Health (DOH), with 68,432 recoveries and 2,312 deaths.
These figures pale in comparison with that of Singapore, which only has 6,319 active COVID-19 cases as of August 8. A total of 48,583 people have been discharged, with only 27 recorded deaths.
How did Singapore, a tiny nation, manage to put COVID-19 under control?
GMANetwork.com got the chance to talk to two overseas Filipino workers, Fritz Hernandez and former Down To Mars member Nasser Amparna, to share their thoughts and observations on how the Singaporeans tackled the virus from the very beginning.
Rules are strictly implemented
Fritz Hernandez, a sales account manager for a multinational company in Singapore, credits the Singaporean government for their strict implementation of rules and their decisive actions in successfully containing the virus.
She told GMANetwork.com, “Very strict and very organized in terms of procedures. The government [is] very strict at saka very supportive of the people, of the companies.
“Maalaga sila sa mga tao, and at the same time, clear 'yung rules, clear 'yung policies.
“'Yung mga walang mask lang nagkaka-penalty, 'yung nahuhuli.
“Tapos monitored talaga lahat ng tao, may mga CCTV around. They monitor kung nasaan 'yung mga tao from one place to another."
Fritz has only been working in Singapore for a year but she has observed that the locals abide by the rules set by the government, like the mandatory wearing of face masks.
“The people also are very disciplined, sumusunod [sila]. Mas madali here in Singapore in terms of managing the situation, kasi si government is okay and the people are also following.”
Impressive healthcare
Another interesting fact on why Singapore is winning its battle against COVID-19 and has recorded a few number of deaths is because of its phenomenal healthcare.
In our chat with singer-composer Nasser, a lab specialist in a government-run school in Singapore, he was at a loss for words in praising the quality of healthcare in the country.
He explained, “My God, healthcare in Singapore is one of the best!
“I mean, the COVID right now that we are experiencing 'di ba? Singapore has around 46,000 cases nowadays, pero 40,000 dun recovered already.
“So saludo ako, I can only wish for the Philippines to have the same healthcare.”
Fritz echoed Nasser's observation about Singapore's healthcare system and said that foreign workers receive the same benefits provided to the citizens.
According to Fritz, the country is now on the road of going back to normal as they gradually reopen the nation.
She explained that the government is taking it slowly but they are already getting a semblance of normal life--a relief after a long lockdown.
She said, “Maaga nag-lockdown si Singapore. Actually 'yung mga companies na iba, even before the lockdown, they have allowed people to work from home already, kasi nga may care sa mga tao.
“Ang nangyari is matagal-tagal din 'yung lockdown tapos nag-lift sila nang konti. Ang tawag kasi nila dito [sa lockdown] 'circuit breaker,' tapos may mga phase.
“'Yung recent circuit breaker policies, more on nag-open na sila slowly. 'Yung mga restaurant puwede na mag-dine in. Bukas na 'yung mga swimming pools, gyms.
“Pero controlled pa rin. For example, 'yung mga taong lalabas not more than five, 'yung mga visitors within the house not more than five.”
These are just some of the safety measures that Singapore implemented for their fight against COVID-19. Everyone worked hand-in-hand to flatten the curve.
If they can do it, maybe we can, too.