First, ticketed events with 250 participants or more are to be deferred or cancelled. Now, bars, clubs, theatres and cinemas are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. And this is on the order of the Singapore government that gatherings outside of work and school are limited to a maximum of 10 people to minimise the risks of spreading COVID-19. This measure takes effect from Thursday at 11.59pm for a month until April 30.
One of the city's affected institutions is The Projector. The independent cinema is home to an eclectic selection of films including cult classics, occasionally screening mainstream titles on selected evenings. A second home to major movie buffs in Singapore too, The Projector announced via Instagram that it will be going dark from March 27 till the end of April. "It takes over $100k a month to keep The Projector running – we are fully independent, with no government grants, donations or strings attached to stop us from being who we really are."
Such action has a harder impact on small and independent businesses, leaving many business owners and their employees at risk. To show your love and support for businesses such as The Projector, you can purchase its merchandise such as limited edition tote bags, memberships and vouchers with 18-month validity to be used when operations are resumed and adopt a seat to have your name engraved on it. Add them to your basket online at theprojector.sg/gifts. You can also extend your support and solidarity to local restaurants and the community.