The Singapore Government has handled the COVID 19 situation in Singapore relatively well when one compares with neighbouring countries and even some 1st world countries. There are businesses and livelihoods which are affected but we are by-and-large doing alright as a nation. It is understood that we must eventually open up and treat COVID 19 as an endemic and we will have to live alongside with it just like normal flu. When Minister Ong Ye Kung says "Open up we must!", some of us may have stood up and applauded it. We cannot remain shut as an economy as it is not sustainable in the longer run, this is clear. 

On 6th Aug, the government of Singapore has announced the relaxing of measures and transitory stages of opening up which seem measured and controlled. We have also been "psychologically prepared" for the expected rise in COVID cases and death tolls (although we may no longer be able to see the stats on news in the future). We've been forewarn. The government is prepared to sacrifice some of us in view of the benefits for the larger group. 

It is in this "haste" of returning to normal that may trip us. There are more that should be done and can be done before we open up to win this COVID battle. 

This petition calls for delay in opening up or relaxation of current measures ONLY WHEN we have met the below 2 criterias, 

1) Safe vaccines are available for all kids under 12-years-old,

2) Over the counter antiviral drug is available for all. We need to be able to take a "panadol-like" drug before we fall critically-ill with this so-called endemic then.

These should be two basic requirements in face of a deadly virus. Thank you. 

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Updated on 3rd Sep 2021

Recent news show that there are increasing immunity or vaccine breakthroughs as immunity from vaccination wanes over time. There are also more children falling sick to due COVID-19. It is now more pertinent than ever that we adopt a multi-prong approach to tackle COVID-19!

Relevant links, 

https://www.science.org/news/2021/08/grim-warning-israel-vaccination-blunts-does-not-defeat-delta

https://ktvz.com/news/2021/08/27/very-scary-c-o-pediatrician-says-more-kids-testing-positive-falling-ill-with-covid-19/

https://cdn.pfizer.com/pfizercom/2021-09/First_Participant_Dosed_in_Phase_2_3.pdf

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00958-4

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/there-are-few-good-covid-antivirals-but-that-could-be-changing/