From reduced mask requirements to the repeal of 377A: 7 key takeaways from NDR 2022
22 August, 2022
In his 2022 National Day Rally speech on Sunday (Aug 21), Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong addressed the COVID-19 situation in Singapore and the rising cost of living amid geopolitical tensions.
The repeal of Section 377A of the Penal Code and the amendment of Singapore's Constitution to protect the definition of marriage were among the key policy and legislative announcements Mr Lee made during his speech at the Institute of Technical Education headquarters in Ang Mo Kio.
A significant portion of the Prime Minister’s speech was also dedicated to upcoming infrastructure projects that will help the country retain its status as a hub for trade and aviation.
Expressing gratitude for the public's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Lee said Singapore has come a long way in its fight against the coronavirus. With the situation stabilising, and in an effort to “prevent people from getting tired”, the wearing of masks will soon become optional in most indoor and outdoor settings.
Going forward, masks will only be required on public transport and in healthcare settings, such as clinics, hospitals and nursing homes.
“But please don’t take your masks off this very moment,” Mr Lee said. “Please wait for the detailed announcement from the (COVID-19 task force).”
While safe management measures have gradually been lifted, the Prime Minister said the country must learn lessons from COVID-19 and be prepared for the next pandemic.
“The most important lesson is to maintain the spirit of personal and social responsibility,” Mr Lee said.
“Continue to nurture trust in our society, day in, day out, during normal times, so that during the next crisis, we can again draw upon a deep reservoir of trust to see us through.”
During his National Day Rally speech, Mr Lee gave several examples of how individuals and organisations have contributed to Singapore’s response to the pandemic.
From a volunteer who accompanied senior citizens on their visits to vaccination centres, to companies that provided resources and industry expertise, and public officers who carried out demanding operations - sometimes at short notice.
To recognise these efforts, the Government will present a special state award to those who participated directly in the fight against the pandemic: The COVID-19 Resilience Medal.
Those who made “exceptional contributions” will also receive existing state awards such as the Commendation Medal, the Public Service Medal and the Public Administration Medal, Mr Lee said.
“We will add a special indication to the name and the insignia, to show that, this time, the medal was presented for service fighting COVID – maybe on the ribbon for the medal we will add two red lines!” the Prime Minister added.
The awards list will be released at the end of the year, with award ceremonies to be held in 2023.
Source: www.channelnewsasia.com
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