Further Restrictions Under Phase 2 (Heightened Alert)
Over the past two weeks several clusters of infections have emerged, coupled with a pattern of local unlinked community cases. These developments have demonstrated higher attack rates and secondary transmission occurs in “mask-off” settings, households, and at eateries. Given this, the Multi-Ministry Taskforce announced additional measures and restrictions under Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) to minimise transmission of the virus in a swift and decisive manner. These measures are additional measures to what was announced on 4 May 2021.
To reduce risks of community transmission, indoor “mask-off” activities such as dine-in F&B establishments will cease. Other activities which will also not be allowed during this period include strenuous indoor exercise class or strenuous individual and group indoor sports and exercise activities. In addition, personalised services which require masks to be removed (e.g. facials and saunas), singing, and the playing of instruments that require intentional expulsion of air (e.g. wind or brass instruments) will also not be allowed.
The following measures will take effect from Sunday, 16 May 2021 through to Sunday, 13 June 2021.
| Current measures From 8 May | Phase 2 – Heightened Alert |
Community Measures
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Social gatherings and interactions |
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Workplace |
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| Current measures From 8 May | Phase 2 – Heightened Alert |
Sector Measures
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Food & Beverage incl hawker centres, food courts |
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Congregational and worship services |
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| Shopping malls and showrooms |
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| Attractions and shows |
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| Museums |
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| Public libraries | ||
| Cinemas |
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| Massage establishments (E.g. spas, saunas) & Hairdressers’ salons |
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| Home Based Businesses (HBBs) |
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| Tour groups |
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| Outdoor barbeque pits and campsites (in parks, HDB estates, condominiums, and country clubs) |
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| Current measures From 8 May | Phase 2 – Heightened Alert |
Event Parameters
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MICE Events |
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Live Performances | ||
Weddings |
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| Funerals |
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| Spectator and participatory sports events |
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Targeted Support Measures for Affected Businesses
Given the cessation of dining-in at F&B establishments, the Government will increase the Jobs Support Scheme support rate to 50% of the first $4,600 of gross monthly wages paid to local employees during the period for which dining-in is prohibited.
Additionally, the Government will provide one month of rental waiver for hawker stall and coffeeshop tenants of Government agencies. Commercial landlords are urged to support their F&B tenants through this period.
Expansion of Testing Strategy for Quicker Response
For swifter detection of possible cases, the Antigen Rapid Testing (ART) will be administed to all who present themselves with Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) symptoms at the Swab and Send Home (SASH) Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs), Polyclinics, Emergency Departments and Regional Swab Centres (RSCs). This ART will be done together with the COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test that all such patients will already have been subjected to.
Both the ART and the PCR tests will be funded by the Government for all individuals with ARI symptoms. While the ART is less accurate than the PCR test, it has a quicker turnaround time which will allow for the authorities to take swifter public health actions for those who test positive for the ART test.
Vaccination Remains Critical
Vaccination remains critical in the fight against COVID-19. As of 13 May, about 1.9 million individuals have received at least one dose of the vaccine, of whom about 1.3 million individuals have received their second dose and completed the full vaccination regimen. The recent cases illustrate that vaccination may not eliminate the risks of the infection completely, but it does provide significant protections against infections and helps to reduce the severity of the disease and onward transmission. It is therefore important to be vaccinated when offered.
For more information, click here for MOH’s press release.
