Is MOH Effectively Managing Its Social Media Amid the Omicron Wave?
On February 6, the Ministry of Health (MOH) shared an infographic on Facebook outlining guidelines for the public in response to the Omicron wave in the community. The post quickly gained traction, amassing approximately 7,500 shares and nearly 250 comments.
This announcement came in light of reports indicating that general practitioners (GPs) are experiencing an increase in Covid-19 patients seeking medical certificates (MCs) to justify their absences from work, even though official guidelines state that such documentation is unnecessary.
Despite the flood of comments and questions directed at MOH by Facebook users, the ministry has yet to respond to any inquiries over a week later.
The MOH post stated, “With an Omicron wave in the community, a surge of infections is expected. But fret not if you are fully vaccinated and boosted! If you do get infected, follow (protocol 2). High-risk individuals should still see a doctor even if they are feeling well.”
Protocol 2 advises that individuals who test positive for Covid-19 and are deemed low-risk with mild or no symptoms can recover at home. It clarifies that there is no need to consult a doctor or obtain an MC, and that employers (or schools) will accept the patient’s ART result as proof of vaccination.
In light of the Omicron wave, the infographic urged readers to preserve healthcare capacity for those most in need, including high-risk individuals, the acutely unwell, and the elderly.
Many commenters raised concerns, questioning how to determine whether they fall into the high or low-risk categories. One freelancer noted that his employer still required an MC. Others echoed sentiments from the employer’s perspective, with one commenter asking who would cover the costs if all employees tested positive and needed to stay home for 5 to 10 days. They also questioned the reliability of ART tests.
Some commenters indicated that they sought MCs because “no employee wants to go on unpaid leave; it’s about getting paid.” They urged MOH to “educate employees first.”
Several comments expressed skepticism regarding employers’ acceptance of ART results, highlighting that many individuals visit clinics for documentation rather than treatment, as employers often do not trust their self-reported results.
Overall, the comments reflect a mix of frustration and reasoned feedback regarding why ART-positive patients still visit GPs. There is a growing sentiment that MOH may not be adequately addressing social media engagement amid the ongoing Omicron wave.
The public discourse appears to highlight two critical issues: employees feeling pressured by their employers to provide verification for sick leave and those needing travel documentation, where positive PCR tests—whether in Singapore or at their destination—could lead to unnecessary complications and confusion.
