Suspend in-camp training amid first local transmissions of novel coronavirus

Singapore has reported its first cases of limited local transmission of the novel coronavirus (“Novel coronavirus: Singapore reports first local transmissions, 4 cases linked to Jalan Besar shop visited by Chinese tour groups”; Feb 4).

The Ministry of Health has said that the virus could spread more broadly in the community despite the authorities’ best efforts.

The ministry added: “Should that happen, we will consider additional measures to reduce human-to-human interactions, such as cancelling mass gatherings, suspending schools and paring down non-essential care services, to slow the spread of the disease.”

In schools, assemblies and camps have already been scrapped, and breaks between classes are being staggered. Activities involving groups of people, such as excursions and mass celebrations, have also been suspended at preschools and eldercare centres.

In this vein, I wish to ask the Ministry of Defence if it is necessary to continue in-camp training for reservists during this critical period.

National defence is important, and we are grateful for our regular and full-time national servicemen. Our reserve soldiers also contribute to national security.

Nevertheless, I believe in-camp training for reservists should be suspended.

To be sure, I am not saying in-camp training is inessential.

But as the World Health Organisation has declared the coronavirus a global health emergency and there is no treatment or vaccine for the disease yet, we should put in-camp training on hold until we have a better idea of what we are up against.

It is unnecessary to have large congregations of reserve soldiers during in-camp training, especially in peacetime. I am sure regular and full-time servicemen can hold the fort.

Why should reserve medics, for instance, expose themselves to a camp’s medical facilities unnecessarily?

Some businesses are already asking employees to work from home where possible. For workers who do not have this option, they can ask for no-pay leave.

Soldiers do not have a choice. They will be charged with going Awol (absent without official leave).

More importantly, this is about our national security.

What if one of our many reserve soldiers unfortunately contracts the coronavirus? Other people in the camp must be quarantined.

That will bode ill for our national security.

Reserve soldiers will appreciate the care and concern shown by the authorities if in-camp training is halted. This is a pre-emptive measure against what could be a public relations disaster if a soldier were to catch the virus during training.

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