Singapore to start phase 2 reopening on June 19

JAKARTA

Singapore moves to phase two of its reopening on Friday, as some coronavirus restrictions will be eased to allow more social and economic activities, authorities said.

The country will see the resumption of most activities while maintaining hygiene and safe management principles.

“This decision was taken as the infection rates remained generally stable despite the increase in workplace activity in phase one of re-opening,” the Ministry of Health said in a statement on Monday.

The incidence of cases in migrant worker dormitories has also declined, and there are no new large clusters emerging, according to the ministry.

"Measures should be put in place to ensure that individuals maintain safe distancing of at least one meter at all times," it said.

Small-group social gatherings can resume, and households may receive up to five visitors at a time.

Retail businesses, parks, sports and other public facilities, will also be able to reopen. These include playgrounds, beaches, lawns and fields, stadiums, swimming complexes, sports halls and gyms.

Food and beverage dine-in will be allowed to resume but each table will be limited to five people. However, live music and television and video screenings will not be allowed at this stage.

Larger public venues with high human traffic such as malls and large standalone retail outlets, meanwhile, will be subject to capacity limits.

The resumption of activities where a large number of people are likely to come into close contact, however, will take more time. These include religious services and congregations, large cultural venues such as libraries and museums, and other entertainment venues including cinemas.

Students from all levels will return to school daily from June 29.

Weddings and funerals can also take place with up to 20 persons.

Washing hands and wearing a mask will remain a must when people head outdoors.

Meanwhile, the multi-ministry virus task force tackling the virus will continue to monitor the situation, with the aim of continuing to ease measures.

Based on US-based Johns Hopkins University data, Singapore remains the country with the highest COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asia with 40,818 infections, including 26 deaths and 29,589 recoveries.