Hello.
Hong Kong has lifted all COVID-19 movement curbs for incoming travellers, in line with China relaxing measures last week. Could Hong Kong serve as the trial balloon China needs to open up to the rest of the world? While Beijing will watch closely, it will likely exercise caution, says analyst Bo Zhiyue.
As experts warn of an oncoming surge in COVID-19 cases in China, a “tripledemic” of COVID-19, flu and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) may be on the horizon for other countries. While we should be vigilant about a fresh wave of COVID-19 infections in Singapore this holiday season, it’s also important to take your yearly flu shot, says Dr Yvonne Su of Duke-NUS Medical School.
Indeed, Singapore is shifting its focus from treating illnesses to preventing their onset under the Healthier SG vision. This helps redistributes tasks from doctors to health coaches and behavioural therapists, which could go some way in easing the healthcare manpower crunch, say doctors Benjamin Lee and Jeremy Lim.
While the pivot to preventive care should be celebrated, doctors may find themselves in an ethical bind: They have to take more responsibility for their patients’ lifestyles, yet also respect patients’ individual values and choices, says NUS Medicine’s Michael Dunn.
And what if other people’s choices impinge on your health and well-being – as those with the misfortune of having noisy neighbours can attest to? Tracy Lee shares how her neighbour’s pet rooster deprived her of sleep for months, until she took matters into her own hands.
We hope you enjoy the selection of commentaries this week.
Erin Low
Commentary, CNA Digital
