In response to the growing COVID-19 clusters, the Government will be tightening community safe management measures by going back to Phase Two (Heightened Alert) – with effect from 22 July to 18 August 2021.
The Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) made the announcement on 20 July 2021.
The new measures will bring permissible group sizes for social gatherings down to two from five; household visitations to two distinct visitors per household per day; working from home to remain the default; cessation of all mask-off activities including dining-in, facials and high intensity sports.
MTF Co-Chair Gan Kim Yong said: “I know today’s announcement feels like a huge setback to many who have been observing the rules and doing whatever it takes to keep themselves and the larger population safe. We deeply appreciate your efforts. Once we have slowed down the new clusters and hit higher vaccination rates, we will be able to continue with our re-opening then.”
A support package is in the works to help affected businesses and workers.
According to Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, the package will take reference from the support provided in the previous Phase Two (Heightened Alert). The Ministry of Finance (MOF) will announce more details in the next few days.
At the time of reporting, the Ministry of Health (MOH) had preliminarily confirmed 179 new cases of locally transmitted COVID-19 infections.
Within the community, several clusters are emerging around multiple nightlife establishments, the Jurong Fishery Port (JFP), and several wet markets and hawker food centres.
As of 19 July 2021, 139 cases were detected from the JFP and the Hong Lim Market and Food Centre.
The MTF said that all JFP workers have been placed under quarantine. The Government has begun mass surveillance testing of stallholders and assistants of all stalls at markets and hawker centres managed by the National Environment Agency (NEA) or NEA-appointed operators.
The reversion to Phase Two will supersede the measures introduced on 19 July 2021.
The Government will review the measures again on 3 August 2021 and adjust the measures accordingly based on the situation then.
Aside from reducing social gatherings group sizes, the Government is also encouraging members of the public to limit their overall number of social gatherings to no more than two per day, whether it is to another household or meeting with friends and family members in a public place.
To minimise the likelihood of large cluster formations, the Government will scale down event sizes.
Pre-event testing (PET) remains essential to ensure that events can proceed safely for attendees.
For live performances and MICE, up to 100 persons may be permitted with PET, and up to 50 persons may be allowed without PET. Unmasking is not allowed for speakers and performers, and there should be no singing or playing of instruments that require intentional expulsion of air.
For spectator and participatory sports events, up to 100 persons may be allowed for spectator and participatory sports events with PET implemented. PET will not be required if there are 50 persons or fewer.
Marriage solemnisations may continue for up to 100 participants with PET, and 50 participants without PET. The Government will make special provisions for wedding receptions, allowing up to 100 persons with PET and a group size of up to five persons per table.
The operating capacity of attractions that have received the Ministry of Trade and Industry’s (MTI’s) prior approval will be reduced to 25 per cent from the current permissible capacity of 50 per cent. Indoor and outdoor shows may proceed with up to 100 persons with PET, and up to 50 persons without PET.
Up to 100 persons may be allowed into cinemas with PET implemented and only up to 50 persons may be allowed without PET. The prevailing group size of two persons applies, and food and beverages may not be sold or consumed in the cinema.
Congregational and other worship services may continue with up to 100 persons with PET, and up to 50 persons may be allowed without PET.
Museums and public libraries will be allowed to operate at a reduced capacity of 25 per cent, and the occupancy limits for shopping malls will be reduced from the current limit of 10sqm per person of Gross Floor Area, to 16sqm per person.
