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Singapore tightens restrictions following rising Covid-19 cases

Gyms and fitness studios to close and social gatherings of five are allowed – instead of the usual eight

Delfina Utomo
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Delfina Utomo
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Amid the increasing cases in Singapore, the government are working to tighten Covid-19 measures to stop the spread in the community. The new restrictions take Singapore back to Phase 2 again – but without a circuit-breaker period, according to the co-chair of the Covid-19 multi-ministry task force, Lawrence Wong. The new restrictions will kick off from May 8 and last till May 30. 

Here are some of the restrictions that are being rolled out: 

Social gatherings

From May 8 to 30, people are allowed to gather only in groups of five – down from the current eight. This also applies to house visits where each household is able to receive only five distinct visitors a day. On top of that, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has advised to keep to a maximum of two social gatherings daily. 

Public places

During this period, indoor gyms and fitness studios will also be temporarily closed. Outdoor organised classes may continue but with a limit of 30 attendees and safe distancing measures in place. 

Other high-risk settings and activities like indoor sports halls, and wellness treatments such as massages, spas and facials will be monitored closely. If the number of cases continues to rise, the task force will consider tightening restrictions further. The capacity will also be reduced at popular attractions, places of worship, libraries, tours, MICE events and more.

Workplace 

From May 8 to 30, more people will be required to work from home. Only 50 percent of the employees are allowed at the workplace, down from the current 75 percent. Social gatherings at the workplace should also be avoided. While split team arrangements are not required, employers should continue to stagger start times of employees and implement flexible working hours. 

Digital check-ins

TraceTogether will now be mandatory for checking in at venues and places from May 17. This means that from May 17, you will no longer be allowed to digitally check into a venue via scanning the SafeEntry QR code on your phone camera or through the Singpass app. Scanning of personal identification cards to enter venues will still be allowed till May 31. 

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