THERE are some areas where the Singapore government "could have done better" when dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his annual National Day Message on Sunday.

He noted how many Singaporeans were "disappointed" when the authorities had to tighten restrictions again last month, after the discovery of a major cluster of cases at the Jurong Fishery Port.

The cluster - Singapore's largest active one with nearly 1,150 cases as of Aug 7 - resulted in the virus spreading from there to numerous wet markets across the island, putting the country's thousands of unvaccinated elderly at risk.

"We had to tighten up again, to slow down transmission, protect our seniors, and buy time to vaccinate more people," said Mr Lee.

"Many Singaporeans were disappointed at this turn of events. It felt like a setback after all the progress we had made. But our goal was always to protect both lives and livelihoods."

The prime minister stressed that the government has tried its best to strike this difficult balance through a combination of public health measures, social discipline, and financial support for families, workers and businesses.

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"We also depended on the heroic efforts of our healthcare workers and those supporting them. There are certainly areas where we could have done better," he said. "But ultimately, we have kept everyone in Singapore, including migrant workers, safe. Thankfully, very few lives have been lost to Covid-19."

Mr Lee said the country's battle against the "formidable" virus has seen many ups and downs.

"Globally, it has taken millions of lives, sickened hundreds of millions of people, and disrupted countless jobs and businesses. In Singapore, each time we think we are getting it under control, it has surprised us," he said.

On the progress of Singapore's ongoing national vaccination programme, Mr Lee said that 1 per cent of the population is getting their shots each day, with more than two-thirds of residents already fully vaccinated.

Among the elderly, more than 85 per cent have received at least one dose, and Mr Lee said a higher proportion of the population is now better protected.

"We are in a more resilient position. We can now look forward to a careful, step-by-step re-opening of our economy. This is how we can move into the new normal," he said.

He also pointed out how the fight against Covid-19 - now more than 18 months long - has taken a toll on everyone.

"More than ever, we need to watch out for one another, for signs of fatigue, distress or anguish among our friends and family. We should have the courage to ask for help ourselves if we need it," said the prime minister.

"Singaporeans have worked together, looked out for others, and relied on one another throughout this crisis. Our social cohesion has held, but we cannot take this for granted."

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