At the crossroads

Countries such as Australia, China, Hong Kong, Macau, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam backed policies aimed at eliminating COVID‑19 through strict containment measures, extensive testing, contact tracing and firm international border controls. Such efforts strived to curb the spread of the virus.

While today most of the world expects COVID-19 to become endemic, China continues to maintain this approach. Public support for the zero-COVID approach in China appears strong, possibly due to the social stigma and discrimination of those who contract COVID-19. A study even estimates that China would have to cope with over 600,000 cases a day if travel restrictions are lifted, highlighting China’s argument that its approach is one driven by necessity.

Countries fear being left behind in social and economic pursuits as the zero-tolerance strategy has a significant impact on work and life for millions of people.

Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and Vietnam, for example, have shifted their prior zero-COVID policy approach as scientists expect that COVID-19 will become endemic over time – meaning that it will continue to circulate within pockets of the global population for years to come.

73% of the respondents of a survey conducted by the International Air Transport Association reported that their quality of life was suffering due to travel restrictions. They had missed many “family moments, personal development opportunities and business priorities.”

Sweden, Norway, and Denmark are among the countries that have decided to live with COVID-19. Denmark was the first country in the European Union that lifted all COVID-19 restrictions. Norway said that “the time has come to return to a normal daily life” and does not require proof of vaccination for citizens to enter nightclubs, bars or restaurants. Sweden also abolished all COVID-19 related restrictions, announcing that the pandemic has been brought under control.

Optimistic projections estimate that by mid-2022, death and disease rates for COVID-19 may be lower than that of the seasonal common flu owing to the increase in global immunity resulting from high vaccination rates of a population, or moderate vaccination levels coupled with significant prior COVID-19 infections. As a result, this has encouraged the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in many countries across the globe.

Yet, the capacities of public health systems remain a concern for most governments, who resort to keeping a close watch on COVID-19 case numbers, ready to re-impose restrictions whenever deemed necessary. People and businesses are thus caught in confusion when these policies are adjusted.

Additionally, while there is a resumption of international activities as borders open up following vaccine rollouts, the lack of harmonised border measures, restrictions and procedures is a cause of confusion for travellers—who resort to finalising plans as late as possible to keep up with rapidly changing regulations, incited by new virus strands. Fragmented rules about vaccine acceptance, documentation, as well as testing requirements are costly and difficult to navigate.

The return to normalcy is fragile. Countries that are reopening faster have reported a higher death toll in the earlier stages of the pandemic. As individuals begin to integrate back into society — balancing their work and personal lives — the risks of cluster infections remain. Vaccine inequality also remains a concern, especially as it creates unvaccinated pockets where the virus can continue to mutate and spread.

Dr Cherie Chan is a clinical psychologist at Thrive Family. She is registered with the Singapore Register of Psychologist (SRP) and is an SRP approved clinical supervisor. With nearly a decade of experience in public and private mental health settings across Singapore and Australia, Cherie has worked extensively with adolescents and adults presenting with a range of psychological issues. She is the current President of the Singapore Psychological Society and holds various roles in the international psychology scene including being the Secretary for the Asia Pacific Psychology Alliance (APPA), and represents psychologists in Singapore as a member of the ASEAN Regional Union of Psychological Societies (ARUPS).

Quanda Ong is the founder and CEO at Gnome & Bow, renowned for its unique bags and wallet designs inspired by storybook classics. Over the years, Quanda has grown his brand’s presence to 9 countries and over 40 point-of-sales internationally. He was awarded as Finalist for Designer of the Year (Accessories) in 2017 and has successfully launched numerous collaborative collections with global corporations such as American Express, Tiger Beer and Knight Frank.

Susie Chua is one half of the duo, 2TravellingAunties who travelled to 3 continents, 27 countries in 2 years. In 2019 Susie chose to leave her corporate world and travelled the road less trodden living in a motorhome through Europe, United Kingdom, North Africa and Turkey, while smashing stereotypes with every mile on the clock. Five lockdowns, multiple PCR tests and many denied entries at borders did not slow her down. The 2TravellingAunties are planning and preparing their next road adventure, The Americas.

Sean Tan is the Outreach Director at Debate Association (Singapore) and a second year student at Singapore Polytechnic. Sean has represented his school in debating tournaments around the world and adjudicated at local tournaments, including the Singapore Secondary Schools Debating Championship and NYP's Inter-school Tournament. Since joining DA(S), Sean has worked on several projects including Youth Debate Open and December Debate Camp. In school, Sean is the President of the Singapore Polytechnic Debating Club, conducting weekly trainings for aspiring debaters.