What measures will you continue to take even after the circuit breaker ends?

The circuit breaker has been extended for another four weeks to Jun 1.

But even when we reach the end of the long circuit breaker, things will still take a while before they go completely back to normal.

In his address to the nation on Apr 21, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong explained how Singapore will eventually exit the circuit breaker. He said: “We must open up incrementally, in small steps, making sure that we are safe each step of the way. This is what New Zealand and Germany are beginning to do, very cautiously.

“They don’t want to open up prematurely after lockdown, only to find COVID-19 coming back and then be forced to lock down a second time.”

In light of the long fight ahead against COVID-19, Youth.SG asked six youths what are some things they have learnt from this circuit breaker that they will continue to practise after Jun 1 as we prepare for a new normal.

“I will still steer away from crowded places, and try to do my activities (such as grocery shopping) during non-peak hours. The end of circuit breaker does not necessarily mean that the virus is gone, so I think it pays to be cautious to lower the rate of exposure.

I will also practise better hygiene habits. I think COVID-19 has really brought to light how important it is to maintain high levels of personal hygiene. By being more aware and conscious of how easily virus and bacteria can be transmitted (e.g. rubbing your face, sneezing in the open), it’s easier to safeguard ourselves in the future.

This is especially important for children and the elderly who are more susceptible.” – Carrie Liu, 25, Student

“I’m someone who often gyms. But during the circuit breaker, I have been exercising at home since all the gyms and stadiums are closed.

While it was difficult to get used to working out at home, I think I may continue to exercise at home, since I bought some gym equipment online for this period.

I miss heading to the gym with friends, but we would just Skype each other as we exercise even after the circuit breaker ends as I think our health is more important.” – Jonathan Tham, 22, NSF

“I don’t plan on meeting up with anyone apart from my girlfriend for at least a month or two after the circuit breaker is lifted, just to be safe. After all, the end of the circuit breaker does not mean that the virus has disappeared. I’ll certainly be staying at home as much as possible, to be safe.

I’m not sure how effective masks are at preventing you from contracting COVID-19 to be honest, but I’ll wear them out in public places if I really have to, and keep hand sanitiser on me at all times. Defiantly carrying around hand sanitisers has been something I’ve picked up during this pandemic.

I think the most important thing is to keep up our good hygiene practices and make sure that I’m being socially responsible and accountable at all times.” – Sathish Murugayah, 25, Recruiter

“It’s important for me to be socially responsible as my father and grandfather have pre-existing health conditions, making them vulnerable during this uncertain time. So I’ll wear a mask once I step out of the house and not meet my friends in big groups, even after this circuit breaker ends.

As much as I miss the normalcy of life, I believe that this pandemic will definitely make us change the way we live our lives for the better. We will be more aware of the underprivileged communities living amongst us, and hopefully lend a helping hand during tough times.

There are lessons to be learnt even in these tough times and hopefully we will see a very different, kinder and more tolerant Singapore after this.” – Charmaine Jacob, 23, Student

“Through online chatting apps, I have been chatting, singing karaoke, and playing games with my friends. I have already developed a habit of not meeting my friends outside, especially during this crisis.

I have also developed a habit of washing hands, and I still prefer the good-old soap and water over using sanitiser. But I do bring a small cute bottle of sanitiser whenever I go out now.

It is definitely inconvenient having to communicate with my friends online (those chatting apps do lag sometimes), and walk to the bathroom many times to wash my hands constantly. But I feel that this is the only way to keep my family and me safe.” – Melissa Wong, 21, Student

“The circuit breaker has taught me to constantly upgrade my skills and knowledge so I can remain employable.

Seeing how so many people have lost their jobs during this pandemic, I realised it is very important to continually upskill oneself to be prepared for scenarios like this.

I’m taking the opportunity during the circuit breaker to pick up new skills, as there are many online tutorials and videos. After the circuit breaker ends, I think I will continue to learn to cook a greater variety of dishes, which is also healthier.” – Charlene Pang, 22, student

ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY: CAMILLIA DASS AND JACELYN CHIA