Phase 2 of reopening will start on Jun 19

Singapore will move into Phase 2 of its reopening on Friday (Jun 19).

On Monday, authorities said that Phase 1 will end on Jun 18, 11.59pm. This comes after authorities previously hinted that Phase 2 may begin earlier than expected.

It was reported that the COVID-19 multi-ministry task force made the decision after community infection rates remained generally stable, despite the increase in workplace activity in Phase 1.

“The incident of cases in migrant worker dormitories has also declined, and there are no new large clusters emerging,” said the Ministry of Health.

As part of Phase 2, social gatherings are allowed in small groups of five individuals. For gathering at homes, households can host up to five visitors at any one time.

Retail businesses are allowed to reopen their physical outlets.

Dining in at food and beverage outlets will be allowed too, with up to five people allowed to sit at the same table. However, tables must be placed one metre apart.

However, no live music, television and video screenings will be allowed at any food and beverage outlets yet. Tuition and private enrichment classes can resume, apart from singing and voice training classes.

Personal health and wellness, and home-based services are allowed to resume its operations too.

Individuals will also be allowed to visit the elderly at nursing homes, welfare homes, sheltered homes and adult disability homes.

All playgrounds, beaches, stadiums, swimming complexes, sports halls, gyms, fitness studios will be allowed to open too. The same applies to facilities in condominiums and clubs.

However there will be a cap on individuals allowed to be in large public venues that will attract crowds, such as shopping malls or large standalone retail outlets at the same time. All operators will be required to prevent crowds or long queues from building up within and in the immediate vicinity of their premises.

Safe distancing measures will still need to be observed. When safe distancing cannot be applied between individuals, it should be enforced between groups.

No mixing between groups will be allowed, said MOH.

The wearing of masks in public places is still mandatory, while working from home should be default too, the task force added.