'We're now in a stage of heightened alert'
Singapore will face a further tightening of restrictions amidst a new wave of COVID-19. The virus taskforce today (May 14) announced new rules that will take effect from Sunday onwards. The updated measures comes just a week after a return to Phase 2 of COVID-19.
READ MORE: Singapore forced back into ‘phase 2’ of COVID
“We strongly encourage everyone to stay home as much as possible, go out only for essential reasons,” Minister Lawrence Wong said in a press conference. He added that the taskforce will do a review of the ongoing situation two weeks after the new measures go into force. They will then adjust the measures accordingly.
“We are in a stage of heightened alert,” said Minister Gan Kim Yong. “I would urge everyone to be vigilant and minimise unnecessary social interactions.”
Below are several measures under the updated Phase 2 (Heightened Alert). They will take effect from May 16 to June 13.
- Social gatherings to be capped at two people per group. Households can only receive two visitors per day. This is down from five people per day.
- Work-from-home to be the default arrangement as much as possible.
- Indoor “mask-off” activities, such as dining in restaurants, gym sessions, and spa treatments are prohibited.
- Only takeaway and F&B delivery options will be allowed.
- Event sizes will be reduced, with additional safety requirements. Up to 100 people may be allowed with pre-event testing, and up to 50 people may be allowed without pre-event testing. Unmasking is not allowed for speakers and performers.
