In the two weeks since circuit breaker measures were tightened, we’ve seen the number of community transmission decrease even as the total number of Covid-19 cases rise mainly linked to the foreign worker dorms. As such, the government has announced that some of the measures will be progressively eased on May 5, 12 and 19.
These measures, which kicked in on April 7 and ended yesterday (May 4), were introduced to stem the spread of the coronavirus, which has seen more than 17,000 cases in Singapore as of Friday.
While we should still stay home as much as possible, here’s a breakdown of the activities that you can (or still cannot) do as circuit breaker measures ease from today:
This includes Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) needle acupuncture for pain management only, if assessed by the TCM practitioner to be essential. Cupping, moxibustion, guasha and tuina manipulative therapies are excluded.
The sale of retail products by TCM halls with registered TCM practitioners is also allowed. This is on top of the consultation and herbal dispensary services which they are already allowed to provide.
Exercise within the common areas of strata-titled residential buildings, such as private condominiums. Residents living there can use areas such as footpaths, but must continue to practise safe distancing measures.
The same rules that apply in public areas will also apply within the common areas of these developments.
Previously removed from the list of “essential services” on April 21, retail food outlets, including shops selling cakes and confectionery, packaged snacks and desserts will be allowed to reopen. Remember, takeaway and deliveries only.
Also allowed to resume: the manufacturing and onsite preparation of all food, including cakes and confectionery, ice cream, cocoa, chocolate and chocolate products, and other snacks.
Home-based food businesses can resume, but only for delivery or collection. Home-based private dining will not be allowed. Delivery and collection of food orders should be done in a safe and contactless manner, by appointment. This will allow pick-ups to be spaced out and prevent bunching. Follow our hygiene tips when receiving deliveries or ordering takeaways.
You can once again visit the laundromat, barbers and hairdressers (for basic haircuts) and buy pet food and supplies from retail stores.
As more essential services resume, workplaces can also have their staff back once their premises have been judged to have put in place the necessary measures. These selected companies are likely the ones that were allowed to operate before tightened circuit breaker measures were introduced two weeks ago.
The list of activities allowed to operate will be updated on the GoBusiness website. Individual shops need to get exemption specifically from the Ministry of Trade and Industry before they can start resuming operations.
Students from graduating cohorts can return to schools in small groups for face-to-face consultations and lessons. Priority will be given to students requiring school facilities for coursework and practical sessions, and those who need additional support and remediation during the school vacation period.
Institutes of higher learning (IHLs), especially the Institute of Technical Education, can bring back small groups of students on campus for critical consultations, projects or practicums.
- The use of condominium facilities, including swimming pools and gyms. They will remain closed, as will public sports facilities.
- Dining in at food and beverage establishments.
- Socialising in group settings such as at canteens or in pantries for workplaces that are allowed to reopen from May 12.
- Businesses offering other forms of alternative medicine, such as Indian traditional medicine and chiropractic care. While TCM outlets can reopen with some conditions, these other businesses will have to remain closed for the time being.
- Activities, events or premises that will create large groups gathering in close proximity or close contact between people.
You can also check www.gov.sg for official updates.
Text: Janice Tai and Toh Ting Wei, Additional reporting: Elizabeth Liew
A version of this post first appeared on The Straits Times.