Many of us have been wondering when Phase 2 of Singapore’s reopening after the circuit breaker will be happening. And yes, it has been announced that in just a few days time, most businesses and social activities will be allowed to resume.
“Phase two is a significant step in moving towards a new ‘Covid-19-safe’ normal,” said Health Minister Gan Kim Yong in a virtual press conference on Monday (June 15).
The announcement comes about two weeks after phase one started on June 2. The period saw more workers returning to work, starting with businesses in critical sectors. While schools and places of worship have reopened, most retail outlets remained shut.
Under phase two, retail outlets will be allowed to reopen with safe distancing measures in place.
Are you ready for Phase 2 of Singapore’s reopening?
The multi-ministry task force have said phase three will be the “new normal” until a vaccine or treatment is found for Covid-19.
Here are the activities that can resume from June 19:
Retail businesses can reopen their physical outlets. People should continue to maintain a safe distance of at least 1 metre at all times.
Food and beverage (F&B) dine-in will be allowed, although there must not be more than five diners per table. Liquor sales and consumption must cease at 10.30pm. Live music and television and video screenings will not be allowed in all F&B outlets.
Small-group social gatherings of up to five people can resume. Households can receive up to five visitors at any one time.
Tuition and other private enrichment classes can resume, except singing or voice training classes.
All healthcare services can resume, including eldercare services in the community.
Face-to-face visits at elderly residential facilities, including nursing and welfare homes, can resume.
Sports, parks and other public facilities can reopen, such as stadiums, swimming pools, playgrounds, beaches, lawns and fields, hard courts, gyms, fitness studios, bowling centres, and function rooms. This applies to similar facilities in private settings such as condominiums and clubs.
Registered clubs and societies will be allowed to operate at their registered premises.
Yes, but larger public venues with high human traffic such as malls will be subject to capacity limits. Operators must prevent long queues or crowds from building up.
Personal health and wellness, and home-based services will also be allowed to resume, including massages and spas.
Pet care and training will be allowed.
Wedding solemnisations may take place with up to 20 people at other venues outside of one’s home or the Registry of Marriages and Registry of Muslim Marriages, excluding the solemniser.
Up to 20 people may be present at any one time for wakes and funerals, up from 10 people currently.
Students from all levels will return to school daily from June 29. Institutes of higher learning will gradually increase the number of students back on campus.
Financial institutions can have more staff return to the workplace, but those who can work effectively from home should continue to do so. Branches and customer service locations that had remained closed during phase one will progressively reopen. Financial institutions will also be allowed to resume in-person meetings with their customers on an appointment basis.
Property viewings and car test drives will be allowed/
No, as those activities involve large numbers of people coming into close contact, often in enclosed spaces, and for prolonged periods of time, they will not yet be allowed.
No, large cultural venues such as libraries and museums will remain closed.
No, large-scale events and venues, such as conferences, exhibitions, concerts and trade fairs will not be allowed to operate yet.
No, entertainment venues such as bars, nightclubs, karaoke outlets, cinemas, theatres, and indoor and outdoor attractions will not be allowed to operate. Paintball game centres and billiard halls will remain closed.
Yes, people should maintain a safe distance of at least 1 metre at all times. Where this is not feasible, safe distancing should be maintained between groups, with each group having no more than five people. Groups must maintain 1m distance from each other.
For workplaces, current safe management measures will continue to apply. Telecommuting must remain the default for all businesses where feasible. There must not be social gatherings between employees, and safe distancing of at least 1m must be kept at all times.
Yes, masks must continue to be worn when people are outside and at workplaces. Failure to do so could see you being fined $300. Repeat offenders will face higher fines or prosecution in court.
Seniors should still stay at home as much as possible.
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A version of this article was first published in The Straits Times.
