Want to share your views and suggestions for Budget 2020? Come join us at our Pre-Budget 2020 Conversation on 3 December!

Register your interest below by Monday, 25 November 2019 as places are limited.
https://go.gov.sg/prebudget2020conversation

Did you know that Total Defence logo is changing to include a sixth pillar - digital defence?

Have a say in the new logo by casting your vote today! Voting closes on 29 December 2019.

www.asiaone.com/totaldefence

Priorities of Budget 2020

What Budget issues are closest to your heart? Support for your family? Saving enough for your retirement? More than 120 people from all walks of life joined REACH's Pre-Budget Conversation on Tuesday (3 Dec) with Minister Indranee Rajah and REACH Chairman Sam Tan and found out more about our Budget 2020 priorities.

FOMO? Watch this video.

https://youtu.be/T7bVWR7IBFc

What is SG Together? Staying united and coming together to find solutions to challenges and chart a new course for the future of Singapore. More than 120 people who joined REACH's Pre-Budget Conversation on Tuesday (3 Dec) with Minister Indranee Rajah and REACH Chairman Sam Tan experienced it.


https://youtu.be/Uui6cEVp9to

The Government has said that the GST rate will be raised sometime from 2021 to 2025. Why do we need to raise GST? How will the increase help the elderly and low-income?


https://youtu.be/SfC6N1QYTig

In view of the novel coronavirus situation in Wuhan and other parts of China, MOH has issued a public health travel advisory to avoid non-essential travel to Wuhan. The public should also exercise caution and attention to personal hygiene when travelling to the rest of China.

If you need to travel to the affect areas, please regularly check MOH’s website at www.moh.gov.sg for updates. Travellers to China are advised to stay vigilant, monitor developments and heed the advice of the local Chinese authorities while in China. Please monitor your health closely for two weeks upon return to Singapore and seek medical attention promptly if you feel unwell, and also inform your doctor of your travel history.

https://go.gov.sg/moh-travel-advisory

Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF Singapore) has issued advisories to preschools and Student Care Centres to inform them of precautionary measures to ensure the well-being of children and staff.

Parents are reminded not to send their child to school if the child is sick, as infectious diseases can be spread from person to person or through surfaces contaminated by sick individuals. Sick children and staff should rest at home and only return to school or work once they have fully recovered.

https://www.facebook.com/MSFSingapore/posts/3020906264609138

PM Lee wishes all Singaporeans a very happy and healthy Chinese New Year!

In his Chinese New Year Message 2020, PM Lee Hsien Loong spoke about how, despite some anxiety around the world, there was still much to be thankful for in the Year of the Rat.

https://www.pmo.gov.sg/Newsroom/Chinese-New-Year-Message-2020-by-PM-Lee-Hsien-Loong

[Wuhan nCoV situation] Are you travelling to Wuhan?
Travellers to China are advised to stay vigilant, monitor developments and heed the advice of the local Chinese authorities while in China.

Please monitor your health closely for 2 weeks upon return to Singapore and seek medical attention promptly if you feel unwell, and also inform your doctor of your travel history.

Update on the Wuhan coronavirus

False rumours
Several Facebook posts on 28 Jan claimed that Woodlands MRT was closed due to a suspected case of the Wuhan coronavirus.
This is not true. Woodlands MRT was fully operational.

Sufficient supply of masks
There is a sufficient stockpile of masks and the Govt is working with retailers to push out the stocks.
Masks are generally not needed unless you have respiratory symptoms like a cough or a runny nose.

Note⚠
- All 7 confirmed cases in Singapore are Chinese nationals from Hubei.
- There is currently no community transmission in Singapore.
- You need not avoid places where suspected cases have been to.

PM Lee Hsien Loong:
"Experts think the Wuhan virus may be less lethal than SARS.”

Links:
🔘 www.moh.gov.sg (MOH website)
🔘 go.gov.sg/wuhanadvisory (Summary of advisories)
🔘 go.gov.sg/pmfb28jan (PM’s recent Facebook post - "We have been preparing for something like this ever since SARS in 2003.")

*Update on the Wuhan coronavirus*

_False rumours_
Some have circulated falsehoods that quarantine allowances are given to tourists from Wuhan.

This is not true. Quarantine allowances are not given to tourists.

They are given to Singapore-based employers with employees under quarantine, and to self-employed Singaporeans/PRs under quarantine.

_Wearing of masks_
Wear a surgical mask only if you are sick.
If you are well, you do not need to wear a mask.

Read more at:
🔘 www.moh.gov.sg (MOH website)
🔘 go.gov.sg/maskwearing (Mask-wearing guide)

[Sent by Gov.sg - 30 Jan]

Updates on the Wuhan coronavirus

Experts say to wear a mask only if you are unwell. You don’t need to wear a mask if you are well.

The Government will be distributing a pack of four masks to each household at distribution points. These are to be used when you are sick and need to see a doctor.

5.2 million masks will be made available progressively from 1 Feb at 89 CCs and 654 RCs.

Bring along your NRIC for verification.

Grassroot leaders will help distribute to the needy.

We have a national stockpile that is sufficient, if we use it responsibly.

Every family will have access to masks, if they need it.

For the latest updates, go to www.moh.gov.sg

Wuhan virus: 3 new cases confirmed in Singapore, bringing tally to 13
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/wuhan-virus-singapore-new-confirmed-cases-13-12369838

Wuhan virus: Scoot to suspend flights between Singapore and 11 Chinese cities, Singapore Airlines to reduce capacity
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/wuhan-virus-singapore-airlines-sia-scoot-china-flights-12372562