Singapore will be moving into the second phase of the circuit breaker reopening from this Friday (June 19).
This announcement comes about two weeks after phase one started on June 2.
“Phase 2 is a significant step in moving towards a new ‘Covid-19-safe’ normal,” said Health Minister Gan Kim Yong in a virtual press conference.
The minister previously said that the second phase could last several months.
Depending on how the Covid-19 situation develops, measures will continue to be eased further until the country reaches the third and final phase.
The multi-ministry taskforce have said phase three will be the “new normal” until a vaccine or treatment is found for Covid-19.
What Activities Can Resume On June 19?
- Retail and F&B businesses can reopen their physical outlets.
- F&B dine-in can resume, but each table can sit only up to five table. Safe distancing of at least 1 metre must be followed.
- Liquor sales and consumption must cease at 10.30pm, while live music and television and video screenings will not be allowed in all F&B outlets.
- Social gatherings of up to five people can resume. Households can receive up to five visitors at any one time.
- Retail outlets can reopen. Malls and large outlets must prevent crowds or long queues.
- Sports, parks and other public facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, playgrounds, beaches and bowling centres can reopen. This also applies to facilities in condominiums and clubs.
- Personal health and wellness services such as massages and spas can resume.
- Students from all levels will return to school daily from June 29. Institutes of higher learning will gradually increase the number of students back on campus.
- For workplaces, telecommuting must remain the default for all businesses where feasible.
- Tuition and other private enrichment classes can resume, except singing or voice training classes.
- All healthcare services can resume. Face-to-face visits at elderly residential facilities such as nursing and welfare homes will also be allowed.
- Up to 20 people may be present at any one time for weddings, wakes and funerals, up from the current 10 people.
But Here’s What You Still Cannot Do:
A small number of activities where large numbers of people are likely to come into close contact, often in enclosed spaces, and for prolonged periods of time, will not yet be allowed.
These include:
- Religious services and congregations
- Large cultural venues such as libraries and museums
- Large-scale events and venues such as conferences, exhibitions, concerts and trade fairs
- Entertainment venues such as bars, nightclubs, karaoke outlets, cinemas, theatres, as well as indoor and outdoor attractions
Featured Image Credit: Roslan Rahman / AFP via Getty Images
