Not having a computer or an Internet connection, it might be argued, is symbolic of the many challenges faced by low-income Singaporean households (with school-going children). And even with government assistance – beyond the provision of such technological necessities – individuals and community groups have also stepped up, offering other forms of assistance to Singaporeans who may have fallen through the cracks.

Mutual aid initiatives – facilitating the exchange of resources and services for mutual benefit – started as Google spreadsheets, but could potentially evolve into virtual and ground communities which last beyond the coronavirus pandemic.