PM Lee Hsien Loong at the 8th WPRO Meeting of Health Ministers

Colleagues and friends.

We are in an unprecedented global crisis.

Singapore has taken COVID-19 very seriously since the start. We have done our best to detect cases and isolate them, and to trace their contacts and quarantine them, to stop further transmission. We have encouraged people to keep safe distances apart, wash their hands, and now to wear masks when going out. But this is a very difficult fight. Despite all our efforts, our case numbers continue to rise.

So we have just implemented a circuit breaker – substantially tighter safe distancing measures. We have closed all non-essential workplaces, and required telecommuting wherever possible. We have also closed schools and childcare centres. We have told everyone to stay home. These measures are painful but essential. The next few weeks will be crucial.

Many other countries have done the same. Each country has different circumstances, social norms and resources. But we are all fighting the same enemy – COVID-19. We must cooperate closely with one another, and learn from one another’s experiences. This is the only way humanity can bring this pandemic under control.

The battle is far from won. But it can be won, if we fight together. Singapore will do our part. We greatly appreciate the leadership and expertise of the World Health Organization under Director-General Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus and Western Pacific Regional Director Dr Takeshi Kasai. We depend on the WHO to mobilise and coordinate an effective global response, including by convening today’s meeting.

I wish everyone strength and wisdom as we deliberate and forge a way forward, to good health and a new normal.

Thank you.