Group of 5 limit for social gatherings to remain throughout CNY 2022

The current safe management measures (SMMs) will continue to be in place during the Chinese New Year period, said Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, co-chair of the Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) on Jan 5. 

The last update on the current COVID-19 restrictions was made in November 2021. Group sizes for social gatherings and dining in were capped at five pax in the last update, and will remain through the upcoming Chinese New Year festivities.

“We will try our very best to ride through the upcoming wave of Omicron infections with our current SMM posture,” said Mr Wong. He added that the Government plans to maintain this posture as far as possible, with no intention of tightening or relaxing the restrictions at this time.

Mr Wong also acknowledged the crowding at Clarke Quay during New Year’s Eve as a “potential super spreader event”, and foresees the upcoming Omicron wave to ride through Chinese New Year.

“Chinese New Year may be a time when Omicron cases are rising, so we cannot afford to have more super spreader events taking place during that time,” he said. 

As of Jan 5, there have been 440 new Omicron cases reported in Singapore, 138 of which were locally transmitted.

“Let’s all do our part to keep our family members or friends and our loved ones safe even as we usher in the New Year,” said Mr Wong, who urged everyone to continue exercising personal and social responsibility and to comply with all SMMs.