The year 2003, started off fine and well just like other years, but it didn’t last for long. In the month of February, came devastating news that shocked the Nation. It was identified as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The disease was contracted by young woman who had holidaying abroad. SARS virus spread rapidly and several fatal cases were reported. Apart from Singapore, several other neighbouring countries were also affected by the SARS virus. It was a global epidemic.
It was a life threatening situation all the healthcare workers. The Government had already guided the healthcare organisations on the safety measures that were to be adhered strictly. It was an overnight turnaround situation. We were both mentally and physically getting ready to fight the battle. We have to follow many safety measures for not only for singular reason but as a collective effort bearing mind our loved ones and the main purpose to protect our country. Instantly, preventive measures were laid down. All of us wore protective gear over our uniform. As such, we were protected from the deadly Virus.
Personally I had in me haunting thoughts as to how will these entire epidemic situation come to an end. Many more questions were running in my mind. However, I told myself that I have a role to play for the country and will do my best. Without any choice, I had to take several preventive measures handling patients, especially those with having temperature. Visitors were screened for temperature and their personal particulars were recorded for contact tracing purposes. The number of visitors in hospitals was minimised. This was to ensure that the Virus was contained in an acute area, as small as possible.
Persons exposed to the virus or who were infected with it were quarantined in locations arranged by the government or even in their own homes whereby they cannot leave their residences at any time or for any reason. Our domestic security company, Cisco, was tasked to