Stage 2 of Phase 3 (Heightened Alert) might be delayed because of ‘major’ Bukit Merah cluster

The second stage of the Phase 3 (Heightened Alert), which will allow dining in at food and beverages establishments, may be delayed. 

In a Facebook post on Wednesday (Jun 16), co-chair of the multi-ministry task force (MTF) for COVID-19 Lawerence Wong said that the MTF is “evaluating the timing and scope of the next stage of reopening” because of a rise in cases in the past few days. 

“Unfortunately, we now have new cases breaking out and a major new cluster in Bukit Merah,” Mr Wong said. 

“The MTF is studying the situation carefully with public health experts, and will provide further updates soon.”

The Bukit Merah View Market and Food Centre has 25 cases as of Tuesday and the market will now be shut till Jun 26. It had been slated to reopen on Wednesday. 

Under the second stage of Phase 3 (Heightened Alert), people are allowed to dine in, while gyms and fitness studios can resume indoor activities from Jun 21. Wedding receptions are allowed to resume too, the MTF announced on Jun 10. 

The authorities said then that the reason for resuming dining-in later is to ensure that the situation is “stable” first, as it is considered a high-risk activity.