How to survive if the DORSCON level is raised to Red?

On 7 Feb 2020, the Singapore government raises the DORSCON level to Orange. The Government is prepared for a scenario involving community spread. Existing measures will be strengthened, and additional measures implemented, to minimise the risk of further community transmission and reduce the risk of imported cases.

DORSCON, or the ‘Disease Outbreak Response System Condition’, is a colour-coded framework that shows the current disease situation.

Under DORSCON Orange, the virus is severe and spreads easily from person to person, However, there is no widespread transmission in Singapore and the virus is being contained.

What are the additional measures to be introduced?

Under DORSCON Orange, additional precautionary measures will be introduced to minimise the risk of further transmission of the virus, and raise the protection of vulnerable groups.

Cancel or defer large-scale events, or put in place necessary precautions if proceeding

Event organisers are advised to cancel or defer non-essential large-scale events.

For those who choose to continue, necessary precautions should be put in place. Organisers should carry out temperature screening, look out for individuals exhibiting respiratory symptoms such as cough and runny nose, and deny unwell individuals entry to the event.

Organisers should remind participants who have recently travelled to mainland China not to attend events. Unwell individuals, those on a Leave of Absence, or those with recent travel history to mainland China should not attend events.

If practical, travel declaration should be required from participants, and a registration list of participants should be maintained.

Organisers should also ensure event venues are well-ventilated, and commonly used areas are cleaned more frequently. There should also be adequate facilities for hand-washing.

Daily health checks at workplaces, and enhanced business continuity capability plans

All employers should ensure employees take their temperatures at least twice daily, and check that they do not have respiratory symptoms, such as cough or runny nose.

Unwell employees, or those with a fever, should leave the office immediately to see a doctor.

To prepare for widespread community transmission, all workplaces should step up business continuity plans, which can include allowing employees to telecommute or dividing the workforce into segregated teams.

What should 1 do if the DORSCON level is increased to RED ALERT

1. Stay Calm

The most important thing to do is to stay calm! When a person is anxious or flustered, the likelihood of he/she making a mistake is very high!

Gather your family members. Share with them on the latest findings or reports released by authorised websites. Do not spread falsehood or share your anxiety with your family.

2. Stock up on Food and Necessities
If we ever go into DORSCON level RED, then we will definitely be staying indoors more frequently, and for a longer period of time. It is then crucial for you to stock up important food sources such as your basic Rice, Sugar, Oil, and etc.

However, there is no need to buy in bulk like what you see in the accompanying image. You can calmly order online from various websites or via your mobile applications!

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We also recommend that you label clearly the food stuff that you have for easy reference, as well as usage. Use or consume those that are nearing expiry so that you can last longer throughout the DORSCON level Red!

3. Liaise with your employers
Call your employer (for SMEs) or your Human Resource personnel (For MNCs/Government) and check with them on what the protocols are? Should you still continue to go to work or should you work from home? What are the arrangements like? Give a call to your direct superior to get instructions and know-how.

In bad times, it is even more important for Singaporeans to unite together and work together towards a common goal. We cannot let Coronavirus defeat us! Work continues and we should all contribute towards the greater good!