SINGAPORE: The limit on group sizes for social gatherings will be increased from two to five people from Jun 14, as Singapore begins to ease restrictions after a fall in the number of COVID-19 community cases.
Similarly, five distinct visitors per household will be allowed.
This is the first step in Singapore’s plan to move back to Phase 3 (Heightened Alert) from Jun 14, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Thursday (Jun 10).
More restrictions will be eased in the second step from Jun 21, when dining in can resume if the COVID-19 situation remains under control in the coming weeks.
“F&B establishments are reminded to strictly observe at least 1-metre safe distancing between groups of diners (of no more than five persons) so as to mitigate the risk of transmission between unmasked persons,” MOH said in a media release.
“We will be significantly stepping up enforcement and will take firmer enforcement action for any breaches. Patrons are reminded to keep their masks on at all times, except when eating or drinking.”
On why dining-in will only be allowed later, co-chair of the COVID-19 multi-ministry task force Gan Kim Yong said that the Government wants to make sure that the situation is “stable” before allowing dining-in to resume.
“Dining is considered a high-risk activity because masks are off,” he said during a press conference.
Gyms and fitness studios may similarly resume indoor sports activities with masks off from Jun 21, with safe distancing of at least 2m between individuals and at least 3m between groups of up to 5 people.
Sports classes – both indoors and outdoors – will be capped at 30 people including the instructor, in groups of no more than five people.
In-person tuition and enrichment classes for those aged 18 and below will be allowed to resume from Jun 21 with enhanced safe management measures, which will be announced by the Education Ministry, MOH said.
Working from home remains the default; targeted support measures to continue
Employers must ensure that employees who can work from home continue to do so even as Singapore reopens gradually, MOH said.
This is so overall footfall and interactions in public are kept low, thereby reducing the risk of infections.
For those who need to return to the workplace, their start times should be staggered and they should be allowed flexible working hours.
Employers will still not be allowed to cross-deploy workers to multiple work sites.
