Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Singapore Bucks Virus Trend as Schools Reopen

VOA News

   Students in Singapore returned to school on Monday, bucking a global
   trend of coronavirus-driven closures and signaling that the quick
   crisis response may be letting the nation and the economy return to
   normal earlier than others.

   Grade schools began their new term but with extra precautions,
   including 14 days of confinement for those who return from overseas and
   health checks twice a day for kindergartners, said the Ministry of
   Education.

   The ministry also asked companies to help make arrangements for their
   staff if they have to remain in confinement with their school-age
   children. The request highlights the economic impact COVID-19 has had
   on parents in many nations who must stay home with children while
   schools are closed.

   While other nations are still discussing how serious the virus may be,
   Singapore has been responding to it since January, when its first case
   was reported. The island state's response included early and mass
   testing, restricted movement, and financial support as economic
   activity slowed down.

   "We will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with
   schools, preschools, parents and the community to ensure that our
   schools and preschools remain a safe and secure environment," the
   education ministry said. The ministry added that for parents who must
   stay home, "Employers are encouraged to provide flexible work
   arrangements for their employees to accommodate such exceptional
   circumstances."

   Singapore has been able to mostly contain the virus so far, but the
   economic impact has already appeared. Travel, consumption, and trade
   have decreased. Singapore is also highly exposed to the oil market as a
   trading hub, so a price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia is adding
   to the commercial problems set off by the pandemic.

.