SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) in Singapore

The outbreak of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) has brought about several changes in the lifestyle of many Singaporeans. People are more concerned about personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness in its fight against SARS.

Most people have taken some forms of precaution against SARS. The most common method was to avoid crowded places, followed by adhering to more stringent personal hygiene practices like washing of hands more frequent with antiseptic hand soap. Some took more Vitamin C and antioxidants while others avoid travelling overseas especially to severely infected regions.

Many companies also implemented temperature checks at workplace, anyone with symptoms of high fever, above 38 deg C are advised to see a doctor and stayed at home. Here at PAPS, all staff are to take their temperatures every morning before starting work.

On the environmental level, the Singapore government launched the Singapore's OK campaign and dirty public toilets were identified as a public enemy in the fight to contain and control SARS. The campaign was the first step in a nationwide drive to achieve high standards of hygiene in public places that includes wet markets and food outlets. Hygiene campaign was also pressed ahead where litterbugs and spitters will be taken to court and be penalized if they were caught littering and spitting in public areas.