After more than two weeks of being clear of Covid-19 cases in the community, Singapore has seen a resurfacing of such cases - a sign that the virus has yet to be eradicated. It underscores the need for vigilance and to stick to safe distancing and other measures. Experts note there could be undiscovered asymptomatic cases in the community. And while most infected travellers will be detected, a small number - although they undergo quarantine and are tested - may not be picked up because of a long incubation period. The new community cases show how virulent the disease is and how easily cases can flare up. So as the economy and borders gradually open up, more community cases can be expected.

The way to prevent significant community spread is for individuals to exercise caution when going out, particularly in crowded places, taking necessary precautions such as mask-wearing, keeping a safe distance from others and ensuring proper hygiene. Importantly, they should also adhere to measures such as keeping gatherings small - by observing the current limit of five persons to a group - and being part of the track and trace scheme through the TraceTogether app or token. Taking these and other sensible steps will ensure that smaller numbers are affected should anyone be found to be infected, as well as faster tracing of close contacts. The need to minimise spread cannot be overemphasised.