In this webinar Q&A session, Q&M dentists reveal insights and moving anecdotes from the COVID-19 quarantine zones. (Edit: This answer has been moved into separate answers) What propels you to volunteer as frontline workers at the quarantine zones? Dr. Raymond: Basically, we feel that it is necessary. And I think the fact that we are volunteering as a company, as a group, makes a difference as (compared to) if we volunteer as individuals, it can be a little bit intimidating. But because we are all doing it, like 70 plus of us together as a group.

The N95 mask is used in high risk areas in the hospital, but for other areas a basic surgical mask provides a barrier. For the general public, it is only really recommended if you are unwell. Apart from a mask, general hygiene and hand washing form the cornerstone of protecting yourself. Hope this helps.

It could very well be, as anosmia appears to be a distinctive symptom of COVID-19 infection. In Germany, it has been reported that 2 in 3 confirmed cases have a loss of sense of smell. In South Korea, approximately 30 percent of cases have anosmia as a symptom. You should consult a doctor immediately and inform him of your symptoms. He will take a detailed history and refer you for further investigations, if required. This is even more crucial if you have previous contact history with a COVID-19 positive patient.

Currently, the polyclinic and A&E conduct Covid tests if you fulfil some or all of the following criteria: Symptoms such as cough > 4 days, fever, shortness of breath, etc Significant contact history with someone with Covid Significant travel history to places with high incidence of Covid such as USA, UK, etc. A nurse or doctor will take a swab from the back of your throat or nose using a long cotton bud like stick, and send it to the laboratory for further testing. The turn around time of such tests is usually within 24 hours, and you will be contacted with the results.

Dear Reader,There is no evidence to suggest that going to a sauna frequently canprevent COVID-19. Unless you have a sauna built at home and you are stayingat home at all times. It is a good leisurely activity but not necessarily ameans to prevent disease.

No. Follow the common sense guidelines to limit the spread of droplet-borne infectious disease: Avoid crowds. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently, or if water is unavailable, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Cover your face if you are coughing, or sneezing. Wear a surgical mask if you are unwell. Dispose of soiled (wet) masks or tissues promptly into designated waste containers. Do not leave these lying around where someone else may come into contact with this contaminated waste.

Microwaving your food will help to kill bacteria and viruses. If there are coronavirus organisms present on your food packaging, a short microwave session will eliminate most, if not all viruses.

I will tell my patients to practise the following measures: Wash hands frequently Practise social distancing, avoid crowded areas Stay home unless it is absolutely necessary to go out Wear a mask if possible Avoid touching your hands, face and mouth Seek medical attention early if you are feeling unwell You may also use this newly-launched website, sgcovidcheck. gov. sg, to guide you on where to seek medical attention, depending on your symptoms and risk factors.

Some ways to entertain yourself during these trying times include: Learning a new hobby Reading Exercise at home Playing an instrument Listening to music Online gaming Cooking Writing a diary Calling your friends on the phone There are many interesting things to do during a lockdown especially in the realm of self-improvement. Very often, we are too busy with our day to day lives.

There are many ways we can understand this question. Firstly from the legal aspect, as of 20 April 2020, we are still allowed to participate in recreational activities in parks like walking and running. But remember to wear a mask (unless your kid is 2 years old, then it's not needed as of now). But be mindful, the government can change this law at the drop of a hat. Secondly medically speaking, the risk is low as long as you maintain the social distancing rules and you maintain good hand hygiene while outside. Once you return home, immediately go and bathe.

Basically, we feel that it is necessary. And I think the fact that we are volunteering as a company, as a group, makes a difference as (compared to) if we volunteer as individuals, it can be a little bit intimidating. But because we are all doing it, like 70 plus of us together as a group. So we’re going into the dormitories and going into the various areas together with your friends, you know what I mean? It does make a big difference, and everybody helps each other, everybody supports each other. I think that’s one of the things that make a difference for us.

The government subsidizes COVID-19 testing if referred by a GP or PHPC clinic under suspect case definitions. If it is for casual testing, then one may have to pay for it at the private laboratories. The most widely used COVID-19 test in the hospitals and NCID is the PCR Fortitude test kit which is developed by A*Star. Serology test kits are beginning to emerge in private clinics but they are to be used cautiously as the clinical evidence is not well-established as yet.

Dear Reader,As a Western doctor, I do not know of any TCM remedies that can help totreat COVID-19 specifically. However, neither do my TCM practitionerfriends. Some TCM concoctions may help in treating flu and fever symptomsbut I would not recommend them as prevention or treatment measures.

It depends on whether you have travelled anywhere recently or if you have any positive contact history. If your answer is no, you may still visit your GP or the nearest PHPC clinic. The A&E is best reserved for emergency cases, especially in a pandemic.

Certainly not. The typical symptoms of a COVID-19 infection are fever dry cough and runny nose. Anosmia has also been described as a symptom in a significant percentage of patients. However, many people with COVID-19 infections have also turned out to be asymptomatic, with little or no symptoms. Hence in short, you may not have a fever or flu symptoms to have a COVID-19 infection.