Suspension of public masses and other religious gatherings in some areas could be lifted in weeks time. It is a trying period. We expect the pandemic lo last until the summer months of May or June wen the weather gets hotter.

The danger is that there are people who are infectious but may be asymptomatic. We are gearing up the church for temperature screening, contact tracing and providing hand sanitizers and masks. The disease is like a flu but with more dyspnoea, with dry nose and muscular pain, with a 1- 2 weeks incubation period but a speedy development once begun. The type patient is a man, 45 years old, not a child.

We expect the COVID-19 to mutate into a less virulent form as the more virulent form will kill the host. Therefore we will have to wait for a vaccine to be developed which will take at least 6 months to develop. Israel says it will have the vaccine in weeks.

There are many types of treatment being tried including anti HIV drugs and anti malarial (cloroquine). Also the elderly and those with co morbidities are more susceptible and have higher mortality rates.

The death rate in Wuhan is 3% but the rest of the world is 0,70% (15% among older than 80).

For the latest information:
https://www.catholic.sg/coronavirus/

PS/ Prayer and adoration are of the utmost importance too. We encourage on line streaming and TV masses, spending half an hour of reflexion on the Scripture texts or having a Liturgy of the Word without distractions. They are ways of praying and worship in solitude or family. Let us be patient and generous. Manpower needs the help of God.

Catholic shoud be now more appreciative of the Eucharist. Crucifix, candles and reflexion or on line homilies can help. We can reflect on the beauty of the Mass. God works in mysterious ways. The Lord knows how to come into our open hearts…