The first case of Covid-19 was confirmed in Singapore on Jan 23, 2020, with the Dorscon Orange disease alert level declared on Feb 7. Since then, our MPs, grassroots leaders and residents have stepped up efforts to help residents cope with the pandemic. Petir features some of the initiatives to encourage Singaporeans to stay united and get through this health crisis together.
Baking cookies to thank frontline workers
Yew Tee (Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC)
When Dorscon Orange was declared on Feb 7, Yew Tee volunteers came up with the idea of baking cookies to thank frontline heroes, said its MP Mr Alex Yam. About 140 residents baked 11,000 cookies. In late April, Mr Yam started a live music programme “Happy Kopitiam” on his Facebook to keep in touch with his residents. Twice a week, he invites entertainers and even ministers to his programme to keep his audience informed about current issues and entertained.
Delivering meals to elderly residents
Kampong Glam (Jalan Besar GRC)
When news broke in mid-March that Kampong Glam had a Covid-19 case, its MP Ms Denise Phua activated the town council to thoroughly clean the housing blocks and common areas. The residents also volunteered to clean the exercise area and playgrounds. Meanwhile, more than 100 elderly residents living in rental flats now get their meals delivered to them by volunteers instead of collecting the meals themselves.
Distribution of care packs
Henderson-Dawson (Tanjong Pagar GRC)
“Our elderly are a vulnerable group that we must take special care of during the Covid-19 outbreak. While distributing care packs with useful items to them, we are also using the opportunity to check in on them and let them know help is available if they require it,” said MP Ms Joan Pereira. The care packs include items such as hand sanitiser, towel and soap.
Care pack for cleaners
Tampines North (Tampines GRC)
Cleaners from Tampines Town Council are working extra hard to clean and disinfect facilities during this period. To show appreciation for their hard work, Tampines North MP Mr Baey Yam Keng gave them care parks which were put together by the Women’s Wing and PAP Community Foundation.
DIY hand sanitiser workshop for residents
Bukit Batok SMC
Volunteers in Bukit Batok organised hand sanitiser Do-It-Yourself courses to teach residents how to make their own. Sanitisers have bee placed in lifts in the estate. Cleaners have doubled up on their efforts to clean the estate. MP Mr Murali Pillai and his
Advisory note to residents
Jurong Central (Jurong GRC)
MP for Jurong Central Mr Ang Wei Neng has been visiting his residents almost every night since early February to check on their well-being and to assure them about the situation. After Dorscon Orange kicked in, he distributed packets of dried chrysanthemum to encourage them to drink healthily and to consume more water. He also sent an advisory note with pictures in different languages.
Online Meet-the-People sessions
Pasir Ris West (Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC)
Online Meet-the-People sessions (MPS) have replaced regular MPS at some constituencies. For example, in Pasir Ris West, Mr Teo Chee Hean, who is also Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, has been meeting his residents via video-conferencing. Residents register online before meeting their MP. Video-conferencing has allowed Mr Teo to continue serving his residents.
*Some photos in this article were taken before social distancing was implemented.
This story first appeared in our latest edition of Petir. Read more stories in Petir June 2020: Saving Lives and Jobs.
