S'pore economy likely to have "below potential" growth in 2013: MAS
By Linette Lim | Posted: 30 October 2012 2129 hrs
SINGAPORE: Singapore's economy may likely see another year of "below potential" growth in 2013, according to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in its half-yearly macroeconomic review.
MAS said the economy is under pressure from two fronts -- weak export demand globally, and rising business costs due to domestic restructuring.
Large scale public projects such as the construction of the Downtown Line and new Build-To-Order flats have helped cushion Singapore from the global downturn.
Such domestic-oriented activities contributed to almost 70 per cent of economic growth in the first half of the year, even though it only accounts for a third of Singapore's GDP.
Still, that is not enough to fully offset the slowdown in the trade-related activities, the IT cluster, and regionally-exposed services.
Saktiandi Supaat, head of FX Research (Global Markets) at Maybank, said: "Growth is about one to three per cent next year for Singapore. Potential growth, as you know, MAS has always highlighted that it is about three to five per cent, and still maintains that three to five per cent potential growth.
"So there may be some upside to that one to three per cent if things work out in the second half."
For this year, the central bank is sticking to its projection that Singapore will grow 1.5 per cent to 2.5 per cent.
The cyclical downturn in the world economy -- especially in advanced nations -- is affecting Singapore at a time when it is undergoing domestic restructuring.
Jimmy Koh, head of Economics (Treasury Research) at UOB, said: "Liquidity has pushed up asset prices, pushed up CPI and is likely to remain so. At the same time you're trying to restructure your economy to enhance productivity and some sort of wage increase is being seen, (as we are) cutting down our reliance on foreign workers. So you have a lot of moving parts all coming at the same time."
MAS said that "it is important for medium-term restructuring in the domestic economy to proceed even as Singapore faces short-term cyclical headwinds."
Domestic restructuring, which saw the tightening of foreign worker policies, has boosted demand for local workers in the low- and mid-skilled segments, especially in domestic industries like construction and services.
MAS said unit labour costs could rise by as much as three to four per cent in 2013, following the four to five per cent increase this year -- which in turn could be passed on to consumers.
As a result, the sequential increase in core prices, while unlikely to reach the highs in early 2012, is expected to pick up, driving core inflation which excludes accommodation and private road transport, to the range of two to three per cent in 2013, from 2.5 per cent this year.
At the same time, CPI-All Items inflation is expected to ease from slightly above 4.5 per cent to the 3.5 to 4.5 per cent range next year.
-CNA/ac
- wong chee tat :)
Showing posts with label worried. Show all posts
Showing posts with label worried. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
US firms post best job gains in three years
US firms post best job gains in three years
Posted: 01 December 2010 2153 hrs
WASHINGTON : US private sector employment saw strong gains in November, with payrolls expanding by 93,000 -- the largest jump in three years, payrolls firm ADP said Wednesday.
"This month's ADP national employment report shows an acceleration of employment and suggests the nation's employment situation is brightening somewhat," the firm said.
The 10th consecutive month of gains offered hope that the job sector, still convalescing after a brutal economic recession, was on the mend.
But ADP warned "employment gains of this magnitude are not sufficient to lower the unemployment rate".
That echoes concerns by Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke, who on Tuesday warned current high levels of unemployment could become entrenched and have a "very long-term effect" on the US economy.
Describing job creation as "probably the most important economic issue facing America today," Bernanke cautioned on the risks of long-term unemployment.
With nearly 40 percent of the US workforce unemployed for more than six months, fears are growing that that high jobless rates may be more than a temporary result of a brutal recession.
"This is very unusual and very worrisome," Bernanke said, warning that workers could become detached from the workforce, skills could erode over time and firms become more skeptical about the unemployed.
"This could have a very long-term effect on people's wages, on their employability," Bernanke said.
He added the world's largest economy was not growing fast enough to handle even the number of people entering the workforce, with 2.0 percent to 2.5 percent growth needed to just to keep up.
The Fed has predicted gross domestic product growth will hit 2.4-2.5 percent this year.
The unemployment rate remained stuck at 9.6 percent in October for the third month in a row.
The November jobs report is due on Friday.
- AFP/ch
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 01 December 2010 2153 hrs
WASHINGTON : US private sector employment saw strong gains in November, with payrolls expanding by 93,000 -- the largest jump in three years, payrolls firm ADP said Wednesday.
"This month's ADP national employment report shows an acceleration of employment and suggests the nation's employment situation is brightening somewhat," the firm said.
The 10th consecutive month of gains offered hope that the job sector, still convalescing after a brutal economic recession, was on the mend.
But ADP warned "employment gains of this magnitude are not sufficient to lower the unemployment rate".
That echoes concerns by Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke, who on Tuesday warned current high levels of unemployment could become entrenched and have a "very long-term effect" on the US economy.
Describing job creation as "probably the most important economic issue facing America today," Bernanke cautioned on the risks of long-term unemployment.
With nearly 40 percent of the US workforce unemployed for more than six months, fears are growing that that high jobless rates may be more than a temporary result of a brutal recession.
"This is very unusual and very worrisome," Bernanke said, warning that workers could become detached from the workforce, skills could erode over time and firms become more skeptical about the unemployed.
"This could have a very long-term effect on people's wages, on their employability," Bernanke said.
He added the world's largest economy was not growing fast enough to handle even the number of people entering the workforce, with 2.0 percent to 2.5 percent growth needed to just to keep up.
The Fed has predicted gross domestic product growth will hit 2.4-2.5 percent this year.
The unemployment rate remained stuck at 9.6 percent in October for the third month in a row.
The November jobs report is due on Friday.
- AFP/ch
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, March 1, 2010
February 2010 is driest month for S'pore since records began in 1869
February 2010 is driest month for S'pore since records began in 1869
By Joanne Chan, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 01 March 2010 1840 hrs
By Joanne Chan, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 01 March 2010 1840 hrs
 |
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 Motorists travel over the bridge against the view of Singapore skyline. |
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SINGAPORE: February was the driest month in 140 years, since 1869,
when records of rainfall first started for Singapore.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) said 6.3 millimetres of rain fell in the month.
1968 and 2005 had the next driest Februaries when 8.4 mm of rain fell.
February also saw the hottest day so far this year.
The mercury hit 35 degrees Celsius on the 26th of the month.
NEA said February is traditionally one of the driest months, made worse this year by the El Nino effect.
NEA said rainfall for the first half of March is expected to be below average for most parts of the island.
Climate researcher from the National University of Singapore Matthias Roth said the El Nino effect is expected to last till May.
Coupled with the El Nino effect, which may last for a few more months, an extended heatwave is expected.
"Getting into March and April, those are generally drier months, or drier tail-end of the Northeast Monsoon," explained associate professor Matthias Roth, climate researcher from the National University of Singapore. "So this together with the El Nino effect, would result in relatively dry and warm conditions for the coming couple of months."
- CNA/yb
The National Environment Agency (NEA) said 6.3 millimetres of rain fell in the month.
1968 and 2005 had the next driest Februaries when 8.4 mm of rain fell.
February also saw the hottest day so far this year.
The mercury hit 35 degrees Celsius on the 26th of the month.
NEA said February is traditionally one of the driest months, made worse this year by the El Nino effect.
NEA said rainfall for the first half of March is expected to be below average for most parts of the island.
Climate researcher from the National University of Singapore Matthias Roth said the El Nino effect is expected to last till May.
Coupled with the El Nino effect, which may last for a few more months, an extended heatwave is expected.
"Getting into March and April, those are generally drier months, or drier tail-end of the Northeast Monsoon," explained associate professor Matthias Roth, climate researcher from the National University of Singapore. "So this together with the El Nino effect, would result in relatively dry and warm conditions for the coming couple of months."
- CNA/yb
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Watching curvaceous women feels like drugs to men: study
Watching curvaceous women feels like drugs to men: study
February 25, 2010 by Lin Edwards hourglass
(PhysOrg.com) -- It has long been known that men find an "hourglass" figure the most attractive shape for the female body, and now scientists have found out why.
Research across a variety of cultures has demonstrated that men typically find the curvaceous female form sexually attractive. Other studies have shown that wide hips in women are associated with health and reproductive potential, so the attraction makes evolutionary sense.
Scientists from Georgia Gwinnett College in Lawrenceville, Georgia, studied the responses of 14 men with an average age of 25 to nude photographs of women before and after undergoing cosmetic surgery that redistributed fat from their waists to the buttocks to give them more of an hourglass figure. The operations did not reduce the weight of the women, but gave them an “optimal” Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR) of about 0.7.
The fMRI brain scans of the male subjects showed the post-surgery pictures activated the same regions of the brain that are activated by rewards, alcohol and drugs. Changes to women’s body mass index (BMI) did not affect the reward centers, but instead activated brain areas associated with the visual recognition of shape and size. This suggests judgments of female attractiveness based on body fat are based on society expectations rather than being hard-wired in the brain.
Steven Platek, an evolutionary cognitive neuroscientist, said the research may help explain why some men are addicted to pornography, and may also shed some light on other disorders “such as erectile dysfunction in the absence of pornography,” and add to our study of sexual infidelity. It also helps explain phenomena such as sexual harassment and whistling at curvaceous girls in the street. Platek said the BMI results suggest the female form projected by the media, of skinny waif-like models, is not the most attractive to men, and curves are worth their reproductive weight in gold.
The research paper, by Platek and Devendra Singh, presents the first description of the effect of WHR on men’s brains. It was published online in PLoS One on February 5.
More information: http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0009042
© 2010 PhysOrg.com
February 25, 2010 by Lin Edwards hourglass
(PhysOrg.com) -- It has long been known that men find an "hourglass" figure the most attractive shape for the female body, and now scientists have found out why.
Research across a variety of cultures has demonstrated that men typically find the curvaceous female form sexually attractive. Other studies have shown that wide hips in women are associated with health and reproductive potential, so the attraction makes evolutionary sense.
Scientists from Georgia Gwinnett College in Lawrenceville, Georgia, studied the responses of 14 men with an average age of 25 to nude photographs of women before and after undergoing cosmetic surgery that redistributed fat from their waists to the buttocks to give them more of an hourglass figure. The operations did not reduce the weight of the women, but gave them an “optimal” Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR) of about 0.7.
The fMRI brain scans of the male subjects showed the post-surgery pictures activated the same regions of the brain that are activated by rewards, alcohol and drugs. Changes to women’s body mass index (BMI) did not affect the reward centers, but instead activated brain areas associated with the visual recognition of shape and size. This suggests judgments of female attractiveness based on body fat are based on society expectations rather than being hard-wired in the brain.
Steven Platek, an evolutionary cognitive neuroscientist, said the research may help explain why some men are addicted to pornography, and may also shed some light on other disorders “such as erectile dysfunction in the absence of pornography,” and add to our study of sexual infidelity. It also helps explain phenomena such as sexual harassment and whistling at curvaceous girls in the street. Platek said the BMI results suggest the female form projected by the media, of skinny waif-like models, is not the most attractive to men, and curves are worth their reproductive weight in gold.
The research paper, by Platek and Devendra Singh, presents the first description of the effect of WHR on men’s brains. It was published online in PLoS One on February 5.
More information: http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0009042
© 2010 PhysOrg.com
Monday, December 21, 2009
Harder to find jobs
Dec 16, 2009
Harder to find jobs
More degree-holders are without jobs and taking longer to find one
By Kor Kian Beng, Political Correspondent
More university graduates are without jobs and taking longer to land a job. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE
DESPITE signs of a turnaround in the job market, university graduates are no better off.
In fact, more of them are without jobs and taking longer to land a job, according to revised official figures released on Tuesday.
Part of the reason is that they often tend to seek jobs that pay close to what they used to earn, said MP Josephine Teo, who is also assistant secretary-general of the National Trades Union Congress.
However, economists interviewed foresee their lot improving in the new year, when growth is expected to hit 5.5 per cent, according to a recent poll of 20 private-sector economists by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Meanwhile, the labour market in the third quarter, following Singapore's exit from recession, shows 'encouraging signs of a turnaround', said the Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
The revised figures show more jobs were added, fewer people were laid off and there were more vacancies between June and September.
Read the full story in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times.
kianbeng@sph.com.sg
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
2008 saw largest number of marriages since 2000
2008 saw largest number of marriages since 2000
By 938LIVE
Posted: 28 September 2009 1839 hrs
SINGAPORE: Last year saw the largest number of marriages since 2000. The Department of Statistics (DOS') latest population trend report said nearly 24,600 marriages were registered last year.
About 75 per cent of these marriages were first marriages compared to 81.5 per cent in 1998.
DOS said this indicated that remarriages were becoming more common, especially among men here.
However, marriage rates fell for both men and women below the age of 30, marking the largest fall since 2000 for men aged 25 to 29 and women aged 20 to 24.
Mirroring the trend of marrying later, the peak age group for marriage among men moved from the 25 to 29 age bracket in 2000 to 30 to 34 in 2008.
However, the peak age group for marriage among women remained the same for the 25 to 29 age group. There was a delay in first marriage across all age groups.
The report also showed that divorce rates were up across all age groups, with the most cases among younger couples in the 20 to 24 age bracket.
More than half of the divorces were of marriages which lasted less than 10 years. A third of divorces occurred within five to nine years of marriage.
- 938LIVE/vm
- wong chee tat :)
By 938LIVE
Posted: 28 September 2009 1839 hrs
SINGAPORE: Last year saw the largest number of marriages since 2000. The Department of Statistics (DOS') latest population trend report said nearly 24,600 marriages were registered last year.
About 75 per cent of these marriages were first marriages compared to 81.5 per cent in 1998.
DOS said this indicated that remarriages were becoming more common, especially among men here.
However, marriage rates fell for both men and women below the age of 30, marking the largest fall since 2000 for men aged 25 to 29 and women aged 20 to 24.
Mirroring the trend of marrying later, the peak age group for marriage among men moved from the 25 to 29 age bracket in 2000 to 30 to 34 in 2008.
However, the peak age group for marriage among women remained the same for the 25 to 29 age group. There was a delay in first marriage across all age groups.
The report also showed that divorce rates were up across all age groups, with the most cases among younger couples in the 20 to 24 age bracket.
More than half of the divorces were of marriages which lasted less than 10 years. A third of divorces occurred within five to nine years of marriage.
- 938LIVE/vm
- wong chee tat :)
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Job seekers in their 30s need reality check
Jos seekers in their 30s need reality check (Sunday Times 27 Sep)
Job seekers in their 30s need reality check
Experts advise lowering pay expectations as jobless rate for those in 30-39 age group goes up
By Shuli Sudderuddin
When Ms Cindy Lim was retrenched from her job in logistics in April, she realised that she had to lower her expectations if she were to get a new job quickly.
Rising unemployment
The labour market report for the second quarter of this year shows that the jobless rate for the 30 to 39 age group rose to 4.7 per cent, from 2.9 per cent last year. About 24,000 people were out of work, compared to 14,600 for the same period last year.
… more
Initially, the 34-year-old, who has a degree in logistics and supply chain management from the University of South Australia, expected to be paid close to what she got in her old job.
But this was a downturn and she did not get many responses despite sending resumes to many would-be employers.
She eventually landed a job in customer service last month. It was recommended by a friend and she took a $1,000 pay cut.
‘We can’t afford to be fussy,’ she said, referring to those in her age group.
Indeed, a readjustment of expectations is in order as statistics from the Ministry of Manpower show that those in the 30 to 39 age group have been hit hard by unemployment.
The labour market report for the second quarter this year shows that the jobless rate for this group rose to 4.7 per cent, from 2.9 per cent last year.
About 24,000 people in that age group were out of work, compared to 14,600 for the same period last year.
This represents an increase of 62.1 per cent, versus 39.4 per cent (for those below 30) and 48.5 per cent (for those aged 40 and over).
The jobless ranks among the 30 to 39 age group were across all educational groups, in particular those with degrees, polytechnic diplomas and below secondary school education.
HR experts said they could be shut out of new jobs because of pay expectations – even as the economy has hit a rough patch.
Mr David Ang, executive director of the Singapore Human Resource Institute, said they ask for higher pay as they are at the stage of their lives when they may need to care for young children and finance a home purchase.
‘They may only accept lower-paying jobs for a period because of this,’ he said.
Professor Richard Arvey, head of the department of management and organisation at NUS Business School, noted that employers are now cost-conscious and there might be a ’sensitivity to hiring older employees as they’re more expensive’.
Some in their 30s may also be reluctant to consider venturing into new careers, observed human resource firms.
But Mr Dhirendra Shantilal, senior vice-president (Asia-Pacific) at Kelly Services, feels that the jobless figures may be rooted in structural unemployment from the loss of jobs in certain sectors, which did not recover quickly enough and bore the brunt of the global crisis.
‘It is not an issue of employer attitude towards a certain age group or demographic segment,’ he said, noting that business clusters like finance, retail and manufacturing have suffered in the economic slowdown.
A spokesman for the Workforce Development Agency said that as of end-August, 19,000 job seekers were registered at the career centres at the community development councils.
About 4,600, or slightly above 20 per cent, were aged between 30 and 40.
The spokesman added that there are problems unique to this age group, such as childcare, which can hinder their ability to go for training, for instance.
‘There can also be mismatches in pay expectations between them and employers,’ she added, noting that some also lack the skills, such as resume writing and interview techniques, to secure a new job.
From December last year to last month, the career centres assisted and placed about 13,000 job seekers, of whom about 20 per cent were in their 30s.
Experts reassure those in this age group that they are a valuable asset to any company.
Said Mr David Wee, managing director of Lee Hecht Harrison, which helps clients recruit staff: ‘Companies know that it is important to retain high performers in their 30s – especially those who may have spent several years within an organisation and have gained considerable experience and expertise.’
He advised 30-somethings to make themselves more marketable by upgrading themselves with new skills and being more open to fresh opportunities.
For those out of work, he said: ‘In these formulative years, working on a contract or temporary basis for a while may also be a way back into the workforce.’
shulis@sph.com.sg
Changing dynamics.
- wong chee tat :)
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Rise in the chronic jobless
Sep 16, 2009
Rise in the chronic jobless
Grads in their 30s and 40s and lowly-educated find it hard to get hired
By Goh Chin Lian
In all, Singapore has 13,900 jobs in the first half. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
SINGAPORE'S job market is stabilising after a wave of layoffs, but two groups continue to struggle to find jobs. They are university graduates in their 30s and 40s, and the lowly-educated in their 40s.
Together, they formed the majority - eight in 10 - in a swelling rank of local residents who were chronically unemployed as of June this year. These are people who, after 25 weeks of job-hunting, failed to find a job or preferred to wait for a better option.
These figures, when coupled with a record low rate of re-employment, send a sobering note of caution when interpreting the stable unemployment rate and fewer layoffs given in a Ministry of Manpower (MOM) report released on Tuesday.
The report provides finalised job market figures for the April to June period, including the first half. In all, Singapore lost 13,900 jobs in the first half. This is 26 per cent fewer than MOM's estimate of 18,800 in July.
Looking ahead, Nanyang Technological University economist Choy Keen Meng sees the job market improving as the economy has been showing initial signs of a recovery in the past three to four months. Unemployment has stabilised, he added.
The latest MOM report shows unemployment stayed at 3.3 per cent as in the previous three months. At the same time, the resident unemployment rate fell from 4.8 per cent to 4.6 per cent.
But the reason for the decline, said MOM, is that many stopped seeking jobs to pursue courses, which means they are no longer counted as unemployed.
Other positive signs of an economic pick-up: Layoffs and premature release from contracts fell by more than half in the second quarter compared to the first three months.
Layoffs fell from 10,900 to 5,170, and early contract release, from 1,860 to 810. Job vacancies, on the other hand, soared 17 per cent to 24,500. Also, for the first time in six quarters, the ratio of job vacancies to unemployed people improved, from 31 to 33 openings for every 100 job-seekers.
Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong told reporters during a factory visit on Tuesday that he expects fewer layoffs in the third quarter. But it is not time to celebrate yet, he said. 'The outlook remains uncertain. The labour market is likely to remain weak for the rest of the year,' he said, pointing out that bosses are still cautious about hiring.
Read the full story in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times.
chinlian@sph.com.sg
- wong chee tat :)
Rise in the chronic jobless
Grads in their 30s and 40s and lowly-educated find it hard to get hired
By Goh Chin Lian
In all, Singapore has 13,900 jobs in the first half. -- PHOTO: REUTERS
SINGAPORE'S job market is stabilising after a wave of layoffs, but two groups continue to struggle to find jobs. They are university graduates in their 30s and 40s, and the lowly-educated in their 40s.
Together, they formed the majority - eight in 10 - in a swelling rank of local residents who were chronically unemployed as of June this year. These are people who, after 25 weeks of job-hunting, failed to find a job or preferred to wait for a better option.
These figures, when coupled with a record low rate of re-employment, send a sobering note of caution when interpreting the stable unemployment rate and fewer layoffs given in a Ministry of Manpower (MOM) report released on Tuesday.
The report provides finalised job market figures for the April to June period, including the first half. In all, Singapore lost 13,900 jobs in the first half. This is 26 per cent fewer than MOM's estimate of 18,800 in July.
Looking ahead, Nanyang Technological University economist Choy Keen Meng sees the job market improving as the economy has been showing initial signs of a recovery in the past three to four months. Unemployment has stabilised, he added.
The latest MOM report shows unemployment stayed at 3.3 per cent as in the previous three months. At the same time, the resident unemployment rate fell from 4.8 per cent to 4.6 per cent.
But the reason for the decline, said MOM, is that many stopped seeking jobs to pursue courses, which means they are no longer counted as unemployed.
Other positive signs of an economic pick-up: Layoffs and premature release from contracts fell by more than half in the second quarter compared to the first three months.
Layoffs fell from 10,900 to 5,170, and early contract release, from 1,860 to 810. Job vacancies, on the other hand, soared 17 per cent to 24,500. Also, for the first time in six quarters, the ratio of job vacancies to unemployed people improved, from 31 to 33 openings for every 100 job-seekers.
Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong told reporters during a factory visit on Tuesday that he expects fewer layoffs in the third quarter. But it is not time to celebrate yet, he said. 'The outlook remains uncertain. The labour market is likely to remain weak for the rest of the year,' he said, pointing out that bosses are still cautious about hiring.
Read the full story in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times.
chinlian@sph.com.sg
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Project Status / Updates
It is quite some time that I provided updates about the project. Most of the time are spent on HRM and BOS.
In these few months, most of the simulations are tested and they are consolidated and the results sent to advisor for checking.
The simulation results using low work function on the model don't seem to consistent with the typical work functions. Low work functions materials are promising because of power savings.
Some portions of code are cleaned up.
- wong chee tat :)
In these few months, most of the simulations are tested and they are consolidated and the results sent to advisor for checking.
The simulation results using low work function on the model don't seem to consistent with the typical work functions. Low work functions materials are promising because of power savings.
Some portions of code are cleaned up.
- wong chee tat :)
Thursday, July 23, 2009
2 more deaths bring H1N1-related fatalities in S'pore to 3
2 more deaths bring H1N1-related fatalities in S'pore to 3
Posted: 22 July 2009
SINGAPORE: Two patients died on Wednesday, bringing the total number of H1N1-related deaths in Singapore to three.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) said a 13-year-old boy, who was admitted to National University Hospital's Paediatric ICU on Sunday, died on Wednesday morning. He had epilepsy and the cause of death was due to prolonged seizures, with H1N1 as a contributing factor.
The second H1N1-related death on Wednesday was a 55-year-old man. He was admitted to Changi General Hospital's ICU last Saturday. The MOH said the cause of his death was severe pneumonia with advanced motor neuron disease and underlying H1N1.
Singapore's first H1N1-related death was a 49-year-old man with severe heart disease and multiple health problems. He died from a heart attack with H1N1 infection on July 18.
Meanwhile, one more H1N1 patient was admitted into ICU on Wednesday. She is a 42-year-old foreigner with a history of hypertension and who is overweight.
She sought treatment at Tan Tock Seng Hospital's Emergency Department, after suffering three days of shortness of breath. She was found to have low oxygen saturation and low blood pressure.
The MOH has been reminding people in the high-risk groups who develop flu-like symptoms to seek medical treatment early.
Elsewhere, a 42-year-old woman with hypertension and thyroid disease - who was admitted to Changi General Hospital's ICU on July 18 - remains in critical condition.
A 46-year-old foreigner with hypertension and kidney disease on dialysis, who was admitted to Mount Elizabeth's ICU on July 20, is in stable condition.
Also in stable condition is a 51-year-old woman with asthma. She was admitted to Tan Tock Seng Hospital's ICU on July 20.
Of the three patients in Singapore General Hospital's ICU, one has been transferred to the general ward. The other two who are still in the ICU are in stable condition.
Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan had said more people in Singapore were expected to be infected with H1N1 as the transmission peaks within the next one to two weeks.
Recent data showed that more than half of all flu cases in Singapore were H1N1 positive.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 22 July 2009
SINGAPORE: Two patients died on Wednesday, bringing the total number of H1N1-related deaths in Singapore to three.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) said a 13-year-old boy, who was admitted to National University Hospital's Paediatric ICU on Sunday, died on Wednesday morning. He had epilepsy and the cause of death was due to prolonged seizures, with H1N1 as a contributing factor.
The second H1N1-related death on Wednesday was a 55-year-old man. He was admitted to Changi General Hospital's ICU last Saturday. The MOH said the cause of his death was severe pneumonia with advanced motor neuron disease and underlying H1N1.
Singapore's first H1N1-related death was a 49-year-old man with severe heart disease and multiple health problems. He died from a heart attack with H1N1 infection on July 18.
Meanwhile, one more H1N1 patient was admitted into ICU on Wednesday. She is a 42-year-old foreigner with a history of hypertension and who is overweight.
She sought treatment at Tan Tock Seng Hospital's Emergency Department, after suffering three days of shortness of breath. She was found to have low oxygen saturation and low blood pressure.
The MOH has been reminding people in the high-risk groups who develop flu-like symptoms to seek medical treatment early.
Elsewhere, a 42-year-old woman with hypertension and thyroid disease - who was admitted to Changi General Hospital's ICU on July 18 - remains in critical condition.
A 46-year-old foreigner with hypertension and kidney disease on dialysis, who was admitted to Mount Elizabeth's ICU on July 20, is in stable condition.
Also in stable condition is a 51-year-old woman with asthma. She was admitted to Tan Tock Seng Hospital's ICU on July 20.
Of the three patients in Singapore General Hospital's ICU, one has been transferred to the general ward. The other two who are still in the ICU are in stable condition.
Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan had said more people in Singapore were expected to be infected with H1N1 as the transmission peaks within the next one to two weeks.
Recent data showed that more than half of all flu cases in Singapore were H1N1 positive.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
July eclipse is best chance to look for gravity anomaly
July eclipse is best chance to look for gravity anomaly
18:00 19 July 2009 by Phil McKenna
From remote observatories on the Tibetan plateau to a cave in a Shanghai suburb, Chinese researchers are poised to conduct an audacious once-in-a-century experiment. The plan is to test a controversial theory: the possibility that gravity drops slightly during a total eclipse.
Geophysicists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences are preparing an unprecedented array of highly sensitive instruments at six sites across the country to take gravity readings during the total eclipse due to pass over southern China on 22 July. The results, which will be analysed in the coming months, could confirm once and for all that anomalous fluctuations observed during past eclipses are real.
"It sounds like what is really necessary to break the uncertainty," says Chris Duif of Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands. "I'm not really convinced the anomaly exists, but it would be revolutionary if it turned out to be true," he says.
Pendulum anomaly
The first sign that gravity fluctuates during an eclipse was in 1954. French economist and physicist Maurice Allais noticed erratic behaviour in a swinging pendulum when an eclipse passed over Paris.
Pendulums typically swing back and forth as a result of gravity and the rotation of the Earth. At the start of the eclipse, however, the pendulum's swing direction shifted violently (see diagram), suggesting a sudden change in gravitational pull.
Fluctuations have since been measured during around 20 total solar eclipses, but the results still remain inconclusive.
Relative doubt
Most physicists doubt the anomaly's existence, because it would challenge our ideas about how gravity works.
As a result, a number of conventional explanations have been suggested. "There could be different reasons: atmospheric changes in temperature or air pressure, people suddenly moving or not moving, or other sudden changes," says C. S. Unnikrishnan of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai, India.
However, in 2004, Duif posted a theory online concluding that none of the suggested external factors could account for the magnitude and timing of observed anomalies (see www.arxiv.org/abs/0408023).
Best chance
In the run up to July's eclipse, Chinese researchers have prepared eight gravimeters and two pendulums spread across six monitoring sites. The team hopes that the vast distance between the sites (roughly 3000 kilometres (1864 miles) between the most easterly and westerly stations), as well as the number and diversity of instruments used, will eliminate the chance of instrument error or local atmospheric disturbances.
"If our equipment operates correctly, I believe we have a chance to say the anomaly is true beyond all doubt," says Tang Keyun, a geophysicist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The opportunity won't come again soon. At over five minutes, the event will be the longest total solar eclipse predicted for this century. What's more, the event will occur when the sun is high in the sky; a time when, according to Tang, any potential gravitational anomaly should be greatest.
-NS
-wong chee tat :)
18:00 19 July 2009 by Phil McKenna
From remote observatories on the Tibetan plateau to a cave in a Shanghai suburb, Chinese researchers are poised to conduct an audacious once-in-a-century experiment. The plan is to test a controversial theory: the possibility that gravity drops slightly during a total eclipse.
Geophysicists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences are preparing an unprecedented array of highly sensitive instruments at six sites across the country to take gravity readings during the total eclipse due to pass over southern China on 22 July. The results, which will be analysed in the coming months, could confirm once and for all that anomalous fluctuations observed during past eclipses are real.
"It sounds like what is really necessary to break the uncertainty," says Chris Duif of Delft University of Technology in The Netherlands. "I'm not really convinced the anomaly exists, but it would be revolutionary if it turned out to be true," he says.
Pendulum anomaly
The first sign that gravity fluctuates during an eclipse was in 1954. French economist and physicist Maurice Allais noticed erratic behaviour in a swinging pendulum when an eclipse passed over Paris.
Pendulums typically swing back and forth as a result of gravity and the rotation of the Earth. At the start of the eclipse, however, the pendulum's swing direction shifted violently (see diagram), suggesting a sudden change in gravitational pull.
Fluctuations have since been measured during around 20 total solar eclipses, but the results still remain inconclusive.
Relative doubt
Most physicists doubt the anomaly's existence, because it would challenge our ideas about how gravity works.
As a result, a number of conventional explanations have been suggested. "There could be different reasons: atmospheric changes in temperature or air pressure, people suddenly moving or not moving, or other sudden changes," says C. S. Unnikrishnan of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai, India.
However, in 2004, Duif posted a theory online concluding that none of the suggested external factors could account for the magnitude and timing of observed anomalies (see www.arxiv.org/abs/0408023).
Best chance
In the run up to July's eclipse, Chinese researchers have prepared eight gravimeters and two pendulums spread across six monitoring sites. The team hopes that the vast distance between the sites (roughly 3000 kilometres (1864 miles) between the most easterly and westerly stations), as well as the number and diversity of instruments used, will eliminate the chance of instrument error or local atmospheric disturbances.
"If our equipment operates correctly, I believe we have a chance to say the anomaly is true beyond all doubt," says Tang Keyun, a geophysicist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The opportunity won't come again soon. At over five minutes, the event will be the longest total solar eclipse predicted for this century. What's more, the event will occur when the sun is high in the sky; a time when, according to Tang, any potential gravitational anomaly should be greatest.
-NS
-wong chee tat :)
Monday, July 20, 2009
New H1N1 strain found
June 17, 2009
H1N1 FLU PANDEMIC
New H1N1 strain found
SAO PAULO - BRAZILIAN scientists have identified a new strain of the H1N1 virus after examining samples from a patient in Sao Paulo, their institute said on Tuesday.
The variant has been called A/Sao Paulo/1454/H1N1 by the Adolfo Lutz Bacteriological Institute, which compared it with samples of the A(H1N1) swine flu from California.
The genetic sequence of the new sub-type of the H1N1 virus was isolated by a virology team lead by one of its researchers, Terezinha Maria de Paiva, the institute said in a statement.
The mutation comprised of alterations in the Hemagglutinin protein which allows the virus to infect new hosts, it said.
It was not yet known whether the new strain was more aggressive than the current A(H1N1) virus which has been declared pandemic by the World Health Organization.
The genetic make-up of the H1N1 virus and its subvariants are important for scientists.
Pharmaceutical companies are working to mass produce a vaccine against the current A(H1N1) flu.
There are fears though that it could mutate into a deadly strain, much in the same way as the 1918 Spanish flu - also an A(H1N1) virus type - did when it killed tens of millions around the planet.
According to the WHO, 36,000 people in 76 countries have been infected with the H1N1 virus, causing 163 deaths.
-- AFP
- wong chee tat :)
H1N1 FLU PANDEMIC
New H1N1 strain found
SAO PAULO - BRAZILIAN scientists have identified a new strain of the H1N1 virus after examining samples from a patient in Sao Paulo, their institute said on Tuesday.
The variant has been called A/Sao Paulo/1454/H1N1 by the Adolfo Lutz Bacteriological Institute, which compared it with samples of the A(H1N1) swine flu from California.
The genetic sequence of the new sub-type of the H1N1 virus was isolated by a virology team lead by one of its researchers, Terezinha Maria de Paiva, the institute said in a statement.
The mutation comprised of alterations in the Hemagglutinin protein which allows the virus to infect new hosts, it said.
It was not yet known whether the new strain was more aggressive than the current A(H1N1) virus which has been declared pandemic by the World Health Organization.
The genetic make-up of the H1N1 virus and its subvariants are important for scientists.
Pharmaceutical companies are working to mass produce a vaccine against the current A(H1N1) flu.
There are fears though that it could mutate into a deadly strain, much in the same way as the 1918 Spanish flu - also an A(H1N1) virus type - did when it killed tens of millions around the planet.
According to the WHO, 36,000 people in 76 countries have been infected with the H1N1 virus, causing 163 deaths.
-- AFP
- wong chee tat :)
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Singapore confirms first H1N1—related death
Singapore confirms first H1N1—related death
Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE: A 49—year—old H1N1 patient, with multiple health problems, died on Saturday afternoon. The Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a statement that he died of a heart attack, contributed by severe pneumonia and H1N1 infection.
The victim, who had diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, was admitted to Changi General Hospital on July 16 after four days of flu—like symptoms.
MOH added that a 55—year—old man, also with multiple health problems, is the latest H1N1 patient to be admitted to intensive care.
He was tested positive for H1N1 after being admitted into Singapore General Hospital’s (SGH) intensive care unit.
He went to SGH on July 17, complaining of shortness of breath and fever, and was admitted after investigations showed that he had suffered an acute heart attack. The patient is currently in stable condition.
MOH said while the majority of H1N1 cases remains mild, the virus can cause complications and even death in high—risk individuals with underlying medical conditions.
Individuals in the high—risk group are advised to seek prompt medical attention if they suffer flu—like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat and runny nose.
Members of the public who develop influenza—like illness can visit their nearest Pandemic Preparedness Clinic or their GP clinics for initial assessment and treatment.
If symptoms are severe, such as breathlessness and chest pains, members of the public are advised to call 995 immediately for an emergency ambulance.
— CNA/so
Channel NewsAsia
SINGAPORE: A 49—year—old H1N1 patient, with multiple health problems, died on Saturday afternoon. The Ministry of Health (MOH) said in a statement that he died of a heart attack, contributed by severe pneumonia and H1N1 infection.
The victim, who had diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol, was admitted to Changi General Hospital on July 16 after four days of flu—like symptoms.
MOH added that a 55—year—old man, also with multiple health problems, is the latest H1N1 patient to be admitted to intensive care.
He was tested positive for H1N1 after being admitted into Singapore General Hospital’s (SGH) intensive care unit.
He went to SGH on July 17, complaining of shortness of breath and fever, and was admitted after investigations showed that he had suffered an acute heart attack. The patient is currently in stable condition.
MOH said while the majority of H1N1 cases remains mild, the virus can cause complications and even death in high—risk individuals with underlying medical conditions.
Individuals in the high—risk group are advised to seek prompt medical attention if they suffer flu—like symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat and runny nose.
Members of the public who develop influenza—like illness can visit their nearest Pandemic Preparedness Clinic or their GP clinics for initial assessment and treatment.
If symptoms are severe, such as breathlessness and chest pains, members of the public are advised to call 995 immediately for an emergency ambulance.
— CNA/so
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
H1N1 cases rise to 701 in Singapore
H1N1 cases rise to 701 in Singapore
Posted: 30 June 2009 1951 hrs
SINGAPORE: Singapore has confirmed 72 new H1N1 flu cases, bringing the tally to 701 so far.
The Health Ministry says most cases are mild and to date, 281 patients have fully recovered and the rest are recuperating.
Singaporeans should carry on with their usual activities whilst observing good personal hygiene at all times. If unwell, they should see a doctor, stay away from work, school or crowded places, and rest at home.
Investigations are on-going for the 72 new cases. Of the 64 cases investigated on Tuesday, there were 42 local cases and 22 imported ones.
Of the latest cases investigated, the largest number of new cases were linked to the Republic Polytechnic, bringing the total number of cases there to 77.
Over 1,900 second- and third-year students have signed an online petition calling on the polytechnic to suspend classes, not just for first-year students but for them as well.
The polytechnic said it understands the students' concerns and has also received feedback from them through internal channels although it has not received any petition formally.
The school added that it is monitoring the situation closely and is prepared to take additional measures if required to safeguard the well-being of staff and students.
Another three new H1N1 cases were found linked to an orientation camp at the National University of Singapore, bringing the number of cases in that cluster to seven.
Clementi Camp had two new cases raising the total there to 55, while there was one new case each from the Raffles Institution Boarding School, Butter Factory, Maju Camp and Pulau Tekong Camp clusters.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Posted: 30 June 2009 1951 hrs
SINGAPORE: Singapore has confirmed 72 new H1N1 flu cases, bringing the tally to 701 so far.
The Health Ministry says most cases are mild and to date, 281 patients have fully recovered and the rest are recuperating.
Singaporeans should carry on with their usual activities whilst observing good personal hygiene at all times. If unwell, they should see a doctor, stay away from work, school or crowded places, and rest at home.
Investigations are on-going for the 72 new cases. Of the 64 cases investigated on Tuesday, there were 42 local cases and 22 imported ones.
Of the latest cases investigated, the largest number of new cases were linked to the Republic Polytechnic, bringing the total number of cases there to 77.
Over 1,900 second- and third-year students have signed an online petition calling on the polytechnic to suspend classes, not just for first-year students but for them as well.
The polytechnic said it understands the students' concerns and has also received feedback from them through internal channels although it has not received any petition formally.
The school added that it is monitoring the situation closely and is prepared to take additional measures if required to safeguard the well-being of staff and students.
Another three new H1N1 cases were found linked to an orientation camp at the National University of Singapore, bringing the number of cases in that cluster to seven.
Clementi Camp had two new cases raising the total there to 55, while there was one new case each from the Raffles Institution Boarding School, Butter Factory, Maju Camp and Pulau Tekong Camp clusters.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Samsung Singapore confirms its first H1N1 case
Samsung Singapore confirms its first H1N1 case
By 938LIVE | Posted: 30 June 2009 1927 hrs
SINGAPORE: Samsung Singapore has confirmed its first H1N1 case. The person is an employee from South Korea who is in Singapore for training.
In an email reply to 938LIVE, the company said the employee was diagnosed as being infected on Friday.
He displayed symptoms of the virus when he reported for work and was immediately sent to hospital.
Samsung said he is currently recovering well in hospital.
All 25 employees from Samsung Singapore were tested for H1N1 and all tested negative for the virus.
As a precautionary measure, all 25 employees are exempted from office duties, and will operate from home until Friday, July 3.
The company said it has since thoroughly disinfected its office.
- 938LIVE/vm
- wong chee tat :)
By 938LIVE | Posted: 30 June 2009 1927 hrs
SINGAPORE: Samsung Singapore has confirmed its first H1N1 case. The person is an employee from South Korea who is in Singapore for training.
In an email reply to 938LIVE, the company said the employee was diagnosed as being infected on Friday.
He displayed symptoms of the virus when he reported for work and was immediately sent to hospital.
Samsung said he is currently recovering well in hospital.
All 25 employees from Samsung Singapore were tested for H1N1 and all tested negative for the virus.
As a precautionary measure, all 25 employees are exempted from office duties, and will operate from home until Friday, July 3.
The company said it has since thoroughly disinfected its office.
- 938LIVE/vm
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, June 29, 2009
Nightclub operators put in place H1N1 precautionary measures
Nightclub operators put in place H1N1 precautionary measures
By Lynda Hong & Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 29 June 2009 0006 hrs
SINGAPORE : Several nightspot operators have put in place H1N1 precautionary measures.
Nightclub operator Lifebrandz has put up posters updating patrons on the current H1N1 situation at all 10 of its outlets.
Patrons are also given temperature checks and offered hand sanitisers before entering.
Patrons with a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius will not be allowed to enter.
As of Saturday, Lifebrandz has not turned away any patrons.
Several other nightclub operators Channel NewsAsia spoke to said they are carrying out similar measures.
Operators added that they are confident that business will not be affected.
Lifebrandz's CEO, Bernard Lim, said: "We know that this is going to be a long-drawn process - fighting the H1N1 virus.
"So long as everyone is socially responsible and they take care of their own health, maintaining certain level of hygiene, we are quite sure that our patrons will come out and have a good time regardless."
- CNA /ls
- wong chee tat :)
By Lynda Hong & Cheryl Lim, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 29 June 2009 0006 hrs
SINGAPORE : Several nightspot operators have put in place H1N1 precautionary measures.
Nightclub operator Lifebrandz has put up posters updating patrons on the current H1N1 situation at all 10 of its outlets.
Patrons are also given temperature checks and offered hand sanitisers before entering.
Patrons with a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius will not be allowed to enter.
As of Saturday, Lifebrandz has not turned away any patrons.
Several other nightclub operators Channel NewsAsia spoke to said they are carrying out similar measures.
Operators added that they are confident that business will not be affected.
Lifebrandz's CEO, Bernard Lim, said: "We know that this is going to be a long-drawn process - fighting the H1N1 virus.
"So long as everyone is socially responsible and they take care of their own health, maintaining certain level of hygiene, we are quite sure that our patrons will come out and have a good time regardless."
- CNA /ls
- wong chee tat :)
500 students at RI Boarding School on leave of absence
500 students at RI Boarding School on leave of absence
By Lynda Hong, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 29 June 2009 1944 hrs
SINGAPORE: All 500-odd students and 20 teachers at Raffles Institution Boarding School are on Leave of Absence.
This is because a majority of the boarders are foreigners who have been to H1N1-affected countries during the recent school holidays.
Raffles Institution Boarding School has two H1N1 cases, who did not enter the school premises.
They showed symptoms upon arrival in Singapore.
The entire RI campus, with a student population of 4,500, is now segregated into three sections - Junior College, Secondary and Boarding School.
RI said tests and classes were carried out in these segregated groups on Monday to minimise interaction.
All students were also asked to leave immediately after school ended.
Junior college students who are boarders on Leave Of Absence sat for their Common Tests at the boarding school.
RI said it is doing everything it can to ensure the well-being of students by maintaining social distancing and grouping wherever possible.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
By Lynda Hong, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 29 June 2009 1944 hrs
SINGAPORE: All 500-odd students and 20 teachers at Raffles Institution Boarding School are on Leave of Absence.
This is because a majority of the boarders are foreigners who have been to H1N1-affected countries during the recent school holidays.
Raffles Institution Boarding School has two H1N1 cases, who did not enter the school premises.
They showed symptoms upon arrival in Singapore.
The entire RI campus, with a student population of 4,500, is now segregated into three sections - Junior College, Secondary and Boarding School.
RI said tests and classes were carried out in these segregated groups on Monday to minimise interaction.
All students were also asked to leave immediately after school ended.
Junior college students who are boarders on Leave Of Absence sat for their Common Tests at the boarding school.
RI said it is doing everything it can to ensure the well-being of students by maintaining social distancing and grouping wherever possible.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Monday, June 22, 2009
Local clusters of H1N1 transmission take measures to minimise spread of virus
Local clusters of H1N1 transmission take measures to minimise spread of virus
By Ng Lian Cheong/Valarie Tan, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 21 June 2009 2139 hrs
SINGAPORE : Singapore's first two clusters of local H1N1 transmission have taken measures to minimise the spread of the virus.
The National University of Singapore which had three cases - all exchange students - said it is monitoring the situation closely.
The students are in stable condition, and close contacts placed on Home Quarantine Orders are doing well.
Riverlife Church - which had five cases - saw a relatively quieter Sunday service.
As a precaution, the church had asked those aged 18 and below not to attend services for now.
Those older must undergo mandatory temperature screening before entering the church.
City Harvest Church, which has about 27,000 members, said it spent some S$10,000 on sanitisers and 60,000 masks.
Derek Dunn, Executive Pastor of City Harvest Church, said: "Those (who) may be exposed to someone who may have contracted H1N1, we request that they do not come for the services and do the voluntary quarantine. We have 'live' streaming for all services; they can actually watch it at home from the Internet."
The Asian Youth Games organising committee said the infected Filipino football player is also in stable condition.
His team mates have tested negative for the virus. But they will remain quarantined until June 26.
The committee said no further tests will be done on the players, unless they develop flu-like symptoms.
- CNA/ms
- wong chee tat :)
By Ng Lian Cheong/Valarie Tan, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 21 June 2009 2139 hrs
SINGAPORE : Singapore's first two clusters of local H1N1 transmission have taken measures to minimise the spread of the virus.
The National University of Singapore which had three cases - all exchange students - said it is monitoring the situation closely.
The students are in stable condition, and close contacts placed on Home Quarantine Orders are doing well.
Riverlife Church - which had five cases - saw a relatively quieter Sunday service.
As a precaution, the church had asked those aged 18 and below not to attend services for now.
Those older must undergo mandatory temperature screening before entering the church.
City Harvest Church, which has about 27,000 members, said it spent some S$10,000 on sanitisers and 60,000 masks.
Derek Dunn, Executive Pastor of City Harvest Church, said: "Those (who) may be exposed to someone who may have contracted H1N1, we request that they do not come for the services and do the voluntary quarantine. We have 'live' streaming for all services; they can actually watch it at home from the Internet."
The Asian Youth Games organising committee said the infected Filipino football player is also in stable condition.
His team mates have tested negative for the virus. But they will remain quarantined until June 26.
The committee said no further tests will be done on the players, unless they develop flu-like symptoms.
- CNA/ms
- wong chee tat :)
Schools to re-open as scheduled despite H1N1 situation
Schools to re-open as scheduled despite H1N1 situation
By S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 22 June 2009 1823 hrs
SINGAPORE: Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan has said schools will re-open and the Asian Youth Games and National Day celebrations will carry on.
But recently-returned students who have travelled to affected countries will stay at home for one week before joining their classmates when schools re-open on Monday.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) will provide more details soon, added Mr Khaw.
The health minister was speaking at a news conference on Monday to give an update on the latest developments on the Influenza A(H1N1)situation.
Mr Khaw said that overall, life must continue as normally as possible with targeted control measures.
One of them would be to close a school when a significant cluster is found so as to break the transmission or to isolate a competing team from other athletes as was done with the Filipino and the Hong Kong football players.
Mr Khaw also revealed that the scientific committee, chaired by the Director of Medical Services, is effectively evaluating the characteristics and the genome of the virus.
The committee has determined that the H1N1 virus in Singapore remains identical with that in North America.
Hence, the consensus view was that the virus remains moderate-risk and Singaporeans need not panic over the development that there is now community spread in the country.
Mr Khaw is confident that almost all infected cases will be able to recover fully and that Tamiflu and Relenza remain effective against the disease.
He, however, added: "But I thought I should explain that moderate risk does not mean no death. Just like the seasonal flu, there will be some deaths. That's why we need to target the high-risk patients, especially those with underlying medical conditions and to render the best chance of a full recovery. And that is why we need to allow our hospitals to be able to focus on the high-risk cases and not be distracted or overwhelmed by hundreds of mild cases."
Among those in the high risk include pregnant mothers, people with asthma, those on kidney dialysis or on chemotherapy.
The Health Ministry intends to advise these groups of patients with direct mailers of what they can do to protect themselves.
On its part, the Health Ministry is also gearing up all its polyclinics and a few hundred general practitioners to treat suspected H1N1 cases in Singapore.
Giving details of measures to tackle a wider community spread of the influenza, Mr Khaw explained that these will be called Pandemic Preparedness Clinics or PPCs and they can be recognised by their decal to handle walk-in suspect cases.
These clinics will only refer some categories of high-risk suspect patients to public hospitals.
Mr Khaw said the Health Ministry would publicise to Singaporeans where these clinics are so they know where to seek advice.
He explained: "When the local bio-surveillance data confirms significant community spread and we need to move from containment to full mitigation, we will signal to the public to use these PPCs instead of going to the hospitals if their flu conditions are mild. And this may happen over the next few days."
The Health Minister also revealed that the government would secure adequate supplies of the H1N1 vaccine for the population.
Besides the existing supply contract with the vaccine manufacturer, Mr Khaw said the ministry is also in active negotiations with other vaccine manufacturers. The aim is to diversify the supply of H1N1 vaccines.
Concluding, Mr Khaw said that last week has been eventful in the development of the outbreak in Singapore and the ministry expects this development.
That's because June would be challenging, given the large number of travellers returning from their holidays.
But the seven-week head start in battling the virus has been extremely useful, Mr Khaw said, to allow the government to gear up its system for the community spread phase of the outbreak.
His advice to Singaporeans: just carry on with your lives normally but keep up the high standard of personal hygiene.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
By S Ramesh, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 22 June 2009 1823 hrs
SINGAPORE: Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan has said schools will re-open and the Asian Youth Games and National Day celebrations will carry on.
But recently-returned students who have travelled to affected countries will stay at home for one week before joining their classmates when schools re-open on Monday.
The Ministry of Education (MOE) will provide more details soon, added Mr Khaw.
The health minister was speaking at a news conference on Monday to give an update on the latest developments on the Influenza A(H1N1)situation.
Mr Khaw said that overall, life must continue as normally as possible with targeted control measures.
One of them would be to close a school when a significant cluster is found so as to break the transmission or to isolate a competing team from other athletes as was done with the Filipino and the Hong Kong football players.
Mr Khaw also revealed that the scientific committee, chaired by the Director of Medical Services, is effectively evaluating the characteristics and the genome of the virus.
The committee has determined that the H1N1 virus in Singapore remains identical with that in North America.
Hence, the consensus view was that the virus remains moderate-risk and Singaporeans need not panic over the development that there is now community spread in the country.
Mr Khaw is confident that almost all infected cases will be able to recover fully and that Tamiflu and Relenza remain effective against the disease.
He, however, added: "But I thought I should explain that moderate risk does not mean no death. Just like the seasonal flu, there will be some deaths. That's why we need to target the high-risk patients, especially those with underlying medical conditions and to render the best chance of a full recovery. And that is why we need to allow our hospitals to be able to focus on the high-risk cases and not be distracted or overwhelmed by hundreds of mild cases."
Among those in the high risk include pregnant mothers, people with asthma, those on kidney dialysis or on chemotherapy.
The Health Ministry intends to advise these groups of patients with direct mailers of what they can do to protect themselves.
On its part, the Health Ministry is also gearing up all its polyclinics and a few hundred general practitioners to treat suspected H1N1 cases in Singapore.
Giving details of measures to tackle a wider community spread of the influenza, Mr Khaw explained that these will be called Pandemic Preparedness Clinics or PPCs and they can be recognised by their decal to handle walk-in suspect cases.
These clinics will only refer some categories of high-risk suspect patients to public hospitals.
Mr Khaw said the Health Ministry would publicise to Singaporeans where these clinics are so they know where to seek advice.
He explained: "When the local bio-surveillance data confirms significant community spread and we need to move from containment to full mitigation, we will signal to the public to use these PPCs instead of going to the hospitals if their flu conditions are mild. And this may happen over the next few days."
The Health Minister also revealed that the government would secure adequate supplies of the H1N1 vaccine for the population.
Besides the existing supply contract with the vaccine manufacturer, Mr Khaw said the ministry is also in active negotiations with other vaccine manufacturers. The aim is to diversify the supply of H1N1 vaccines.
Concluding, Mr Khaw said that last week has been eventful in the development of the outbreak in Singapore and the ministry expects this development.
That's because June would be challenging, given the large number of travellers returning from their holidays.
But the seven-week head start in battling the virus has been extremely useful, Mr Khaw said, to allow the government to gear up its system for the community spread phase of the outbreak.
His advice to Singaporeans: just carry on with your lives normally but keep up the high standard of personal hygiene.
- CNA/ir
- wong chee tat :)
Singapore changes tactics to battle H1N1 influenza
Singapore changes tactics to battle H1N1 influenza
Channel NewsAsia
Channel NewsAsia - Tuesday, June 23
SINGAPORE: Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan has spelt out measures in the country’s tactics to battle the H1N1 virus as circumstances in the country change.
Speaking at a news conference on Monday, he said as the numbers in the country escalate, agencies have to shift their resources to focus on detecting and treating infected cases, paying special attention to high—risk patients.
From now, there will be a shift from alert level of Yellow Containment to Yellow Mitigation, and Singaporeans can expect some adjustments in the next few days.
Firstly, Mr Khaw said the Health Ministry (MOH) will take a much more focused approach on contact tracing. Most of the contact tracing efforts thus far concern flight passengers who sit close to confirmed cases.
But with community spread, the likelihood of infection has now shifted to the local community, instead of only the plane cabin.
Mr Khaw said MOH has started to scale down such contact tracing and it would henceforth decide on a case—by—case basis, taking into account the medical condition of the infected patients while they were on board a flight.
The minister, however, stressed that isolating close family members of confirmed cases remains a useful control measure. Temperature screening is also effective as one in four of those detected were picked up by the scanners.
Secondly, the hospitals have ramped up their laboratory facilities, so they are all capable of testing and confirming H1N1 cases.
Thirdly, the government has geared up all the public hospitals to handle H1N1 cases.
Mr Khaw said the 993 ambulances have begun sending suspect patients to all public hospitals, not just to Tan Tock Seng Hospital and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
— CNA/so
- wong chee tat :)
Channel NewsAsia
Channel NewsAsia - Tuesday, June 23
SINGAPORE: Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan has spelt out measures in the country’s tactics to battle the H1N1 virus as circumstances in the country change.
Speaking at a news conference on Monday, he said as the numbers in the country escalate, agencies have to shift their resources to focus on detecting and treating infected cases, paying special attention to high—risk patients.
From now, there will be a shift from alert level of Yellow Containment to Yellow Mitigation, and Singaporeans can expect some adjustments in the next few days.
Firstly, Mr Khaw said the Health Ministry (MOH) will take a much more focused approach on contact tracing. Most of the contact tracing efforts thus far concern flight passengers who sit close to confirmed cases.
But with community spread, the likelihood of infection has now shifted to the local community, instead of only the plane cabin.
Mr Khaw said MOH has started to scale down such contact tracing and it would henceforth decide on a case—by—case basis, taking into account the medical condition of the infected patients while they were on board a flight.
The minister, however, stressed that isolating close family members of confirmed cases remains a useful control measure. Temperature screening is also effective as one in four of those detected were picked up by the scanners.
Secondly, the hospitals have ramped up their laboratory facilities, so they are all capable of testing and confirming H1N1 cases.
Thirdly, the government has geared up all the public hospitals to handle H1N1 cases.
Mr Khaw said the 993 ambulances have begun sending suspect patients to all public hospitals, not just to Tan Tock Seng Hospital and KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
— CNA/so
- wong chee tat :)
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