• Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong delivered his annual Chinese New Year message with an appeal for people to get the Covid-19 vaccine when their turn comes
• With enough people in Singapore vaccinated, the population can achieve herd immunity
• Around 250,000 people have received the first dose of the vaccine — the rest will be able to get the jab by the year’s end as long as supplies are on schedule
• Mr Lee also reminded people to keep to stricter safe distancing guidelines during the festive period

SINGAPORE — A quarter of a million people here have received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine so far, and the rest of the population will be able to be vaccinated within this year should supplies arrive as scheduled, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Thursday (Feb 11).

Urging people to take the vaccine when their turn comes, Mr Lee said: “Vaccination protects ourselves and our loved ones. Furthermore, if enough of us are vaccinated, our population will have herd immunity.”

Most frontline and essential workers have been vaccinated and Singapore has begun to vaccinate seniors above 70, he added, referring to the pilot vaccination programmes for older residents at Ang Mo Kio and Tanjong Pagar, which started on Jan 27.

Mr Lee has completed his vaccination regimen, after getting his jabs on Jan 8 and 29.

He said: “We can look forward to more carefree celebrations when the pandemic is over. The Year of the Ox brings new hope. Countries with serious outbreaks, which have started mass vaccinations, have begun to bring down their new cases.”

Mr Lee gave the update on Singapore’s vaccination programme as part of his Chinese New Year greetings, which he delivers every year on the eve of the festivities.

His message last year, which was delieverd while he was attending the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, occurred a few weeks after the coronavirus was first detected in Singapore.

In his message on Thursday, he said: “This year, with Covid-19, it is perhaps more important than ever to show our appreciation to our family members. The warmth, comfort and support of our families have given all of us strength to get through the most trying times of Covid-19.”

With “tremendous effort”, Singapore has stabilised its Covid-19 situation and avoided the outbreaks and suffering experienced elsewhere.

“As we welcome the Year of the Ox, we can look back and give thanks that we have come through the Year of the Rat, not without trouble, but relatively unscathed.” 

Mr Lee then reminded people of the new safe distancing restrictions that kicked in on Jan 26: Each household can receive no more than eight visitors a day, and each person can visit at most two households daily — and only to relatives.

These measures are needed due to the continued spread of Covid-19 around the world, especially considering the new waves of infection observed after the year-end celebrations globally, he said.

“I know these restrictions will dampen the festive atmosphere somewhat. Bigger extended families will be especially inconvenienced, but the precautions are essential to keep our loved ones safe.

“I am sure you will find other ways to hold your reunions and connect with family members and friends, perhaps through video calls or teleconferencing.”

Mr Lee reiterated the importance of keeping up with safe distancing precautions even if one has been vaccinated, since Singapore is not at the stage where herd immunity has been achieved through mass vaccination.

He also reminded people of the personal sacrifices made by essential workers — healthcare and transport workers, cleaners, migrant workers, delivery riders and others — during the festive period.

“Many of our Malay, Indian and Eurasian friends will be working, covering for their Chinese colleagues. They deserve our heartfelt thanks. I wish all Singaporeans good health and a very happy Chinese New Year.”