I’ve probably used the phrase “precautionary measures” more in the past two weeks than I have in my entire life.
Why is this?
Mostly because I only learned the word “precautionary” at age 16 and the word “measures” last month.
But it’s also because Singapore has been introducing more and more precautionary measures to deal with the growing number of Covid-19 cases in the country and around the world.
At the time of writing, the coronavirus has infected over 340,000 people and claimed more than 14,500 lives across 192 countries and territories.
And yes, I know you’ve been washing your hands a lot more, having fewer KTV sessions, and avoiding contact with other people, but there’s one more thing you should do now, according to our Transport Minister:
Shut the hell up while on public transport.
Transport Minister Asks S’poreans To Avoid Taking Public Transport During Peak Hours & Speak Softly
Speaking at a tour of the upcoming Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) station Bright Hill on Monday (23 Mar), Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan said that more needs to be done to reduce crowding on public transport during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Khaw outlined three ways in which Singaporeans can help to reduce peak hour demand.
Do not travel if unwell
This is pretty straightforward, isn’t it? If you’re sick, you shouldn’t even be out of your house, let alone on a bus or train with numerous other people who you could infect.
Khaw urged Singaporeans not to use public transport if they are unwell, as doing so will endanger other commuters.
Cut down on unnecessary travels
Do you really need to endanger others by taking three separate buses from your house to Bedok just because it has some amazing Kway Chap?
Reader: Oh hell yes
Please keep it in your stomach, dear reader. If you can avoid travelling, please do. You can avoid contracting and spreading the disease that way.
Talk softly or don’t talk at all
Khaw also advised Singaporeans to talk softly on public transport because it increases the chance of droplets being dispersed.
“Best, don’t talk,” he said. “Let fellow commuters have a quiet journey.”
To be honest, this is something we should all follow even when there isn’t a deadly disease spreading all over the country.
So, the next time that annoying man on the bus starts talking to you, ask him to shut up, and tell him it’s for the good of the country.
Working from home
Khaw said that employers here can also help to reduce peak-hour demand by implementing staggered working hours, flexible work timings, and telecommuting.
Khaw noted that many were working from home, but more could do so. He said that two-thirds of the Transport Ministry is working from home, and “productivity is not affected”.
In fact, less commuting time means more time for work, he said.
That’s definitely what I want, more work.
Boss: Are you being sarcastic?
Of course not, I’d work more if it were possible, but there are only 24 hours in a day.
Boss: Good employee
TEL Stage 2 on track to open in 2020
We have a pandemic on our hands, but that doesn’t mean life comes to a standstill.
The second stage of the Thomson-East Coast Line is set to open this year, with Bright Hill MRT being one of their stations.
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According to Straits Times, the first stage of Thomson-East Coast Line — Woodlands North, Woodlands, and Woodlands South — will close earlier and open later on the weekends from 3 Apr to 26 Jul 2020.
These stations will close at 10.00pm every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and start later at 6.30am every Saturday and Sunday.
This is to facilitate testing of all nine stations on Stages 1 and 2 of the TEL.
TEL Stage 2 will have six stations – Springleaf, Lentor, Mayflower, Bright Hill, Upper Thomson, and Caldecott – and will benefit more than 60,000 households.
While you wait for these spanking new stations to open, please continue to adopt all the precautionary measures advised by the authorities.
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Maintain good hygiene, practise social distancing, and see a doctor if you’re unwell.
And don’t forget to shut up if you’re on public transport.
