Covid-19: New Sweeping Measures to Contain Covid-19 Spread

Singapore will implement more border restrictions and social distancing measures to slow the transmission of Covid-19. This was announced by the Multi-Ministry Taskforce on Friday, 13 March.

Most notably, large gatherings of 250 people or more are to be deferred or cancelled. Organisers are also advised to exercise some precautions should they proceed.

“They will all have to adjust to this new principle. I would imagine, for example, if there is a major speech, event, rally, you could potentially have more than one venue. Audiences can sit apart in a room that is not more than 250 (people) in size, and then you can do a video streaming of the speech that's delivered,” said National Development Minister Lawrence Wong while speaking to reporters at the National Press Centre.

The new precautionary measures also include:

• Employers are advised to implement measures to reduce close contact. These could include tele-commuting, video conferencing, or staggered work hours. Just In: MOM Advisory on Social Distancing at the Workplace

• Singaporeans are advised to defer all non-essential travel to Italy, France, Spain and Germany. These four countries have reported a high number of cases and very high rates of increase in the past two weeks.
• From 15 March, 11.59pm, all new visitors with recent travel history to these four countries within the last 14 days will not be allowed to enter or transit through Singapore.
• Singapore residents and work pass holders returning from these countries will be issued a Stay-Home Notice (SHN).
• In addition to undergoing a Covid-19 swab test, travellers entering Singapore who have respiratory symptoms will be issued a 14-day SHN, even if the result of the swab test is negative.
• Effective immediately, Singapore will cease port calls for all cruise vessels.
• All ticketed cultural, sports and entertainment events with 250 participants or more are to be deferred or cancelled. For events that have already been committed, organisers must demonstrate that satisfactory precautionary measures have been put in place before they can proceed.
• For other mass gatherings, organisers are advised to reduce the scale of events to below 250 participants, improve ventilation, put in place temperature screening, and other safety measures
• For public venues, measures to reduce close contact or limit the number of patrons should be put in place. These include dining establishments, tourist attractions, or sports centres.

“Ultimately, all these measures will only work if each of us plays our part and exercise social responsibility – monitor our own health and avoid attending gatherings and events if we are unwell. Let us work together to keep one another safe and healthy,” said Health Minister Gan Kim Yong.