Prime Minister Lee Hsieng Loong addressed the nation in Parliament today (April 3) regarding the COVID-19 situation.
While the number of new cases used to be low, the daily number of coronavirus cases has begun to rise, said PM Lee. While there used to be less than 10 new cases a day, we now routinely have more than 50 new cases daily.
Initially, many of the new cases were imported from overseas, mostly returning Singaporeans but last week saw more local cases.
As part of stricter measures to curb the virus, PM Lee announced that all workplaces will be closed for a month from April 7.
“We should not disrupt economic sectors that are strategic, or form part of a global supply chain,” said PM Lee.
“People working in these industries can continue to go to work, with safe-distancing measures in place, but most other work premises must close.”
If the person can work from home, he should do so, he said. But others will not be able to, including foreign workers on construction sites and in shipyards.
These workers live in dormitories, and there will be arrangements to look after them.
He added that food establishments, markets and supermarkets, clinics, hospitals, utilities, transport and key banking services will remain open as they are essential services.
Featured Image Credit: RedWire Times
