Singapore’s seniors told to stay home to avoid Covid-19

 

Senior citizens were told to minimise activities where they might remove their masks, such as eating at hawker centres. (AFP pic)

PETALING JAYA: All seniors in Singapore over the age of 60 and those living with them have been urged to stay at home, especially if they are unvaccinated.

The government made the appeal saying it was necessary until the Covid-19 situation in the republic stabilises.

Cases in Singapore have spiked this month, having gone from just 180 cases on Sept 1 to a record 2,268 yesterday.

This surge in Covid-19 cases has seen more seniors experiencing serious symptoms when infected, the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) said in a statement today.

“Seniors are at a higher risk of developing serious health complications if they are infected with Covid-19 and should take additional precautions to protect themselves,” AIC added.

According to a Straits Times report, seniors were reminded to go out only for essential activities and to avoid crowded places, as well as being advised to minimise group activities and gatherings.

AIC also encouraged seniors to minimise activities where they might remove their masks, such as eating at hawker centres, adding they should opt for takeaways instead.

“Seniors should wear surgical-grade masks properly at all times and maintain good hygiene practices such as frequent hand-washing.

“To minimise their exposure to other infections, we also urge seniors to visit hospitals only if necessary,” the AIC said, adding that those who may have Covid-19 but are asymptomatic, should self-isolate at home.

AIC also encouraged unvaccinated seniors to get their shots as soon as possible as the risk of getting seriously ill for the unvaccinated is significantly higher, and urged those who have already been jabbed to get their booster doses.

“The seniors will greatly benefit from this added protection to mitigate against waning immunity and help reduce the likelihood of severe illness if infected,” the AIC said.

“For home-bound seniors requesting home vaccination, AIC works with the relevant agencies to arrange for the eligible senior to be vaccinated at home.” - FMT