Singapore tightens COVID-19 measures, social gatherings should be limited to two a day

In light of the recent surge of COVID-19 cases in the community, Singaporeans should limit their social gatherings to two a day, the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced on Friday (Apr 30). 

“Over the past week, we have seen an increase in the number of local cases, some of which are currently unlinked and have resulted in the formation of community clusters,” said MOH. 

“We therefore have to move quickly to reduce the level of interactions in the community and break the chains of transmission.

“Going forward, all individuals should limit their overall number of social interactions, to not more than two per day, whether visiting another household or meeting with friends/family members in a public place.”

However, there will be no change to the current eight-person limit on unique household visitors and gatherings in public places. 

There are also additional measures that will be implemented for the next two weeks until May 14. 

From May 1, the occupancy limit at malls and large standalone stores will be reduced to one person per 10 sq m of gross floor area, down from one person per 8 sq m. 

At popular malls Lucky Plaza and Peninsula Plaza, odd and even date entry restrictions on Sundays will be reinstated. 

Outdoor barbecue pits and campsites will be closed to the public. These include barbecue pits in parks, Housing Board estates, condominiums and country clubs. 

All attractions that received prior approval from the Ministry of Trade and Industry to operate at 65 per cent of their operating capacity will have to reduce this to 50 per cent between May 7 and 14. 

Employers should also allow employees to work from home if they are able to do so. Social gatherings at workplaces should be avoided too. 

MOH added that employers should continue to stagger start times of employees who need to return to their workplaces and implement flexible working hours.