The world of Tzu Chi March 2020(Vol.120)

2020 • 03 38 Reported by Tzu Chi Documenting Team Translated by Translating Team Photograph provided by Tzu Chi Singapore F ollowing the confirmation of three additional cases of the novel coronavirus infection across the Causeway, the Singapore government has raised the Disease Outbreak Response System Condition (DORSCON) level from yellow to orange on February 7, 2020, indicating that the disease is severe and contagious in nature, but has yet to spread widely in Singapore and remains under control. Tzu Chi Singapore responded promptly to the increasing severity of the epidemic by intensifying precautionary measures and stepping up efforts to defend against the virus outbreak, besides launching the “Warding Off an Epidemic with Prayers of Sincere Piety” campaign to deliver well wishes and blessings to staff members serving the organization’s missions of medicine and education, as well as members of the Tzu Chi International Medical Association (TIMA), educators and volunteers on duty as a token of gratitude in recognition of their contributions throughout such testing times. Tzu Chi Singapore CEO Low Swee Seh expressed his hope that the initiatives would help to lift the spirits and boost the morale of medical personnel toiling tirelessly on the frontlines, who are faced with not only gruelling working hours, but also the risk of infection. He also acknowledged the pressure educators contend with in protecting themselves and their young charges from the contagion. In an effort to convey blessings, staff from Tzu Chi Singapore’s General Affairs Department prepared care packages for distribution, each consisting of a card Singapore 2020.02.14 Battling Coronavirus with Love lobal News