On the front line against the disease

[BabyBlade]

Not forgetting our cleaners!

Many people who do not bin their own trash think that this justifies the employment of cleaners. It is a very narrow view to think that cleaners will have nothing to do if we bin our trash. Besides sweeping and litter picking, cleaners also perform tasks such as clearing trash bins and de-silting of drains. When we bin our trash at public spaces, we leave the area litter-free for the next person to enjoy.

Singapore has 58,000 cleaners clearing up our mess every day. These unsung heroes work diligently behind the scenes to keep our public spaces clean. Without cleaners, Singapore might not enjoy the reputation of a clean garden city. However, we cannot take it for granted that this is sustainable. Many of our cleaners are not getting any stronger and many are retiring. There might come a day where we will not have enough cleaners and thus no one to rely on.

With the additional precautionary measures put in place to prevent the spread of the COVID-19, cleaners are now cleaning public spaces and other areas the public touch more frequently.

One way to show our appreciation to the cleaners is simply by practising good hygiene habits. Remember to throw your rubbish into bins, and return trays and crockery after eating at hawker centres. We can all play our part to keep Singapore clean and reduce our dependency on cleaners.

https://www.publichygienecouncil.sg/news/2020/03/02/the-unsung-heroes-in-keeping-singapore-clean

[Fitvip]

1 hour ago, BabyBlade said:

Reema Razif - SPF (From her Facebook page)

30 weeks pregnant in my 3rd trimester with my 3rd child. But still hustling with no complaints, Every day. Would I like to be at home? Be with my kids? Of course! I too feel worried and anxious. But, selflessness is fulfilling.

We work insanely long & irregular hours of duties, adhering to new unprecedented regulations, trying to prevent/minimise crime, protecting the innocent, rendering assistance & advise, being exposed to unpredictable dangers, facing a widespread of personalities, public scrutiny, prone to media humiliation, to get an earful and through it all, remaining calm & composed at all times.

I give my respect especially to all fellow essential frontline workers, my husband & my love to every.single.individual. Let’s be kind, let’s cooperate & This shall be over, soon. 🤍

I feel strange and worried on seeing this picture of pregnant uniformed officer (this is the first time I see this). Has the SPF changed its policy on pregnant lady officers? In the past, when a lady officer reported her pregnancy to the supervisor, she would be put on light duty, doing clarical work. 

I can't imagine what will happen if she were to encounter any violent situation while on active duty!

 

 

Edited April 22, 2020 by Fitvip

[BabyBlade]

Just now, Fitvip said:

I feel strange and worried on seeing this picture of pregnant uniformed officer. Has the SPF changed its policy on pregnant lady officers? In the past, when a lady officer reported her pregnancy to the supervisor, she would be put on light duty, doing clarical work. 

I can't imagine what will happen if she were to encounter any violent situation while on active duty!

She probably isn't out there doing enforcement works. With a tummy so big should be doing administrative stuff.

[Fitvip]

6 minutes ago, BabyBlade said:

She probably isn't out there doing enforcement works. With a tummy so big should be doing administrative stuff.

So, the picture is some what misleading. With that stage of pregnancy, she should not be in uniform, just maternity dress.

[Silver_blade]

16 minutes ago, Fitvip said:

So, the picture is some what misleading. With that stage of pregnancy, she should not be in uniform, just maternity dress.

Uniform is correct. Setting is wrong

 

[Fitvip]

Just now, Silver_blade said:

Uniform is correct. Setting is wrong

 

Normally when a lady officer is pregnant, she is put on light duty and she does not need to wear uniform.

[Silver_blade]

3 minutes ago, Fitvip said:

Normally when a lady officer is pregnant, she is put on light duty and she does not need to wear uniform.

Not sure what SPF do, but in other organisations, they have have maternity uniform for those doing backend work eg. call station, admin, planning, etc.. 

 

[Fitvip]

3 minutes ago, Silver_blade said:

Not sure what SPF do, but in other organisations, they have have maternity uniform for those doing backend work eg. call station, admin, planning, etc.. 

 

That is what they used to do. That is why I am surprised to her picture!

[PSP415]

16 minutes ago, Fitvip said:

That is what they used to do. That is why I am surprised to her picture!

Sure glad she's happy to be there when needed, in uniform or out of one.

She's definitely going to have a meaningful tale or two to share with her baby when child is older.

And this picture of her will be a good keepsake of her part in this war. 

Thank you, mum-to-be! 

Take care all.

Have a good week.

Cheers 

[BabyBlade]

Our social distancing/safety ambassadors, often abused by the nonconforming individuals. These roles are new, started because of this pandemic. I think of it as on the job training. You learn as you go along. It's hectic out there and these people are putting their lives at risk to ensure we stay safe.

"A patron expressed his appreciation for our efforts and bought us soft drinks as a gesture of his appreciation. It was very encouraging!", shared a volunteer who was deployed at Adam Road Food Centre. During the weekend deployment, our SG Clean Ambassadors, were also heartened to see that most of the patrons - young and old - were wearing their masks and keeping at least 1m apart when queuing. Many have also brought their own containers for takeout and helped reduce the use of disposables. Thank you for doing your part!

Much thanks to the Ambassadors too for giving up your weekend to help remind patrons to follow the important measures. Your important contribution is much appreciated.

Let's all do the right thing. The health of all depends on us.
#SGUnited #SGClean

 

[BabyBlade]

Ng Eng Hen's Facebook

A week ago when visiting SAF’s medical team in S11 Dormitory @ Punggol, I gave the assurance that the SAF will do more, if needed. Today, the SAF stood up the newly built community isolation facility at Singapore EXPO & MAX Atria. About 100 medical personnel from the SAF Medical Corps will be taking care of up to about 1800 COVID-19 patients. I emphasised to the SAF medical personnel during my visit last week to be vigilant over their own safety, even as they take care of these recovering patients.

CNA

About 100 medical personnel from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Medical Corps have begun their deployment at the community isolation facility at the Singapore Expo and MAX Atria.

They will look after around 1,800 COVID-19 patients at the facility, and help healthcare workers from the Ministry of Health to provide primary healthcare services and monitoring, said Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said in a Facebook post on Wednesday (Apr 22).

The new community isolation facility began operating earlier this month, amid rising COVID-19 cases in Singapore.

It is meant to house two types of patients - those who have been in hospital but who have more or less recovered, as well as "early" patients who are confirmed to have COVID-19 but are mostly well. 

Some of the latter group will be taken directly to community care facilities - such as the Singapore Expo - without having to go to hospital first.

In addition to the community isolation facility, SAF medical personnel have also been deployed to a few foreign worker dormitories.

Dr Ng had said earlier this month that the armed forces would contribute more to the country's fight against COVID-19 "if there is a need to do more", and that the SAF would see what else it could contribute.

As of Wednesday, Singapore has reported 10,141 cases of the novel coronavirus. Eleven people have died of complications related to the disease.

MINDEF

Given the national need to scale up community isolation facilities, we are also reaching out to seek the participation of Operationally Ready National Servicemen (NSmen) who have the relevant skillsets and are currently not involved in COVID-19 efforts or related work.

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/coronavirus-covid-19-saf-medical-deployment-expo-12667630?cid=FBcna&fbclid=IwAR0IBDqQ8x6_H1Q_ZcPhjDJsegPcw0aGj7a9BhTFFN6rr3vr43LcB2GIaSc

#SGUnited

[BabyBlade]

1. Portrait of Nurse from Major Operating Theatre (MOT), Singapore General Hospital (SGH).
2. Portrait of Nurse from Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Changi General Hospital (CGH).
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Thank you for fighting for us at the frontline.
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#sgunited #braveheartsg #sgartforhcw

[BabyBlade]

To help the workers staying at foreign worker dormitories affected by the #COVID19 outbreak, Forward Assurance and Support Teams (FAST) have been deployed at all 43 purpose-built dormitories. These teams include officers from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF), Singapore Police Force and the Singapore Ministry of Manpower.

SLTC Tan Shengyang from the SAF, the FAST Lead at Tampines Dormitory, shares with us about this inter-agency effort in this video.

#SingaporeTogether #SGUnited

[BabyBlade]

The ones keeping Singapore safe from external threats

During this Circuit Breaker period, our servicemen and women from The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) continue to work hard to safeguard Singapore. Critical Operation Units (COUs) are keeping up with their operations – in leaner teams and with stricter measures in place.

In addition to safe distancing and performing handovers and takeovers via teleconference, they carry out rotational isolation between cohorted teams. This means COU personnel must be isolated from their homes and loved ones ahead of their duties until their duty period ends.

Special provisions have been put in place to support them. Video calling, once prohibited in base, is now allowed at certain demarcated locations. Duty personnel will be able to make video calls to their loved ones during their rest period. Accommodations furnished with beds and cupboards have also been set up for them.

The next time you see an RSAF aircraft flying past, remember to give a wave from your window and let them know you’re with them! 

F-15SG pilot Captain (CPT) Dominic Lee, 32, has been living in isolation at his bunk in Paya Lebar Air Base for more than a week, away from his wife and their two young girls, aged 21 months and 7 months.

“Operational readiness is necessary to protect Singapore’s skies. As fighter pilots, we also have to continue flying to maintain our competency,” he said of his responsibilities that keep him away from home.

Fortunately, he is able to keep in touch with them through video calls, which the RSAF has permitted in camp during this special period. “Being able to connect with them is the best form of support,” he said.

Aside from receiving updates from his wife about their daughters’ milestones through social media, he is also grateful to his parents and in-laws who have been helping to send essential items to his family while he is away.

CPT Lee carrying out checks on the F-15SG. As part of the first team to be put on isolation while on duty, he admitted that there were teething issues at the start.

However, he and his team are happy to have taken the lead, and learnt to adapt and find solutions to working amid the stricter safety measures: “We felt there was a need to contribute to (help establish the procedures) for the teams that will be rotating through.”

How much time did you have to prepare for the Circuit Breaker? Air Operations Systems Expert Military Expert (ME) 3 Rajeswary D/O Pandian Suppiah, had only one day, after she was told that she would have to remain in isolation while on duty.

But the 42-year-old has taken it all in her stride, and willingly joined the first duty team, to ease the burden of her colleagues who had to see to matters at home.

“Especially among the servicewomen, some of them had to make arrangements for the care of their children. I don’t have children, so I volunteered to go first to give them time to sort out things at home.”

She added: “Being from a COU, I know that it is very critical for us (to stay COVID-19-free). We cannot fail (as a unit).”

Air Defence Weapon Operator Corporal First Class (CFC) Keith Lim, 22, used to be able to book out every weekend and head home to spend time with his family. Now, the Full-time National Serviceman will have to stay in camp until his duty ends.

Thankfully, he is never far from home, as he can video-call them to keep in touch. “The squadron has allowed camera devices to be used so that I can make video calls and continue to communicate with my family. They give me moral support and I’m assured that they are safe at home, so I can focus on the nation’s air defence.”

CFC Lim (right) wears a mask while working alongside his teammate to service the I-HAWKs Ground-Based Air Defence system. This is one of the strict safety measures RSAF personnel must adhere to when on duty and in the base.

[BabyBlade]

Portrait of Nurse from Department of Diagnostic Imaging (DDI), National University Hospital (NUH).

Thank you for the hard work!

[BabyBlade]

Keeping their morale high!

[BabyBlade]

Portraits of two sisters fighting at the frontline:
1. Portrait of Doctor from Singhealth Polyclinic - Sengkang. (Elder sister)
2. Portrait of Doctor from Isolation Ward, Changi General Hospital (CGH). (Younger sister)
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Thank you for your dedication!

[BabyBlade]

Some positivity from students!