COVID-19 Circuit Breaker: What’s Allowed and Not Allowed?

From 7 April 2020 to 4 May 2020, Singapore will enter a “circuit breaker” phase, to prevent the COVID-19 infections from spiralling upwards. So, what can you do or not do during this period? The Tropika Club team sifts through the various guidelines from the Singapore government agencies and has compiled it into a simple FAQ for your easy reference.

No Time to Read? Here’s a Snappy Summary of This Article

• Essential activities allowed: During the COVID-19 circuit breaker, essential activities such as buying groceries, seeking medical assistance, and going to work (for essential workers) are allowed.
• Restrictions on social gatherings: Social gatherings, including parties, weddings, and other events, are not allowed during the circuit breaker period to prevent the spread of the virus.
• Closure of non-essential businesses: Non-essential businesses such as retail stores, entertainment venues, and gyms are not allowed to operate during the circuit breaker, with exceptions for online services.
• Remote work and online learning encouraged: To minimize physical contact, companies and educational institutions are encouraged to implement remote work and online learning arrangements wherever possible.
• Limited outdoor exercise: Individuals are allowed to engage in outdoor exercise activities such as jogging or walking, but in a limited capacity and while adhering to social distancing measures.
• Travel restrictions: Non-essential travel is generally discouraged during the circuit breaker, with restrictions on both domestic and international travel to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

1. Eating Out

Can I still dine out? No, you cannot dine out. While food and beverage outlets are still open, and can still operate, they are only able to prepare for takeaways and deliveries. Hence, while you can go purchase a takeaway, you are not allowed to eat or drink at any F&B premises.

What F&B outlets are operational? All F&B outlets include the following: coffee shops, food centers, food courts as well as any other food outlets with a valid food license. All cafes, bakeries, bubble tea chains, etc. are open, but for you to order and collect as takeaway only.

Are food delivery services still operational? Yes, they are. You can choose from the usual food delivery services from the list below:

• Food Panda
• Deliveroo
• Grab Food
• MyFood
• WhyQ (for Hawker Food delivery)
• AMGD (for healthy bento sets)
• Grain

2. Delivery

What about wine deliveries? Yes, wine deliveries are also operational during this period. You can try from the list of wine and booze merchants below:

• Straits Wine Company
• Temple Cellars
• Vinomofo
• BottlesXO

3. Buying Groceries

Are the markets and supermarkets still open? Yes, all wet markets, supermarkets, wholesale markets as well as provision shops and the like would still be open for Singaporeans to make essential purchases. The food supply chain would be maintained to ensure that there will be adequate food supply for everyone in Singapore.

Can I purchase groceries online too? Yes, you can, but do note that many online grocers have suspended or delayed deliveries due to demand. Nevertheless, you can check the list of online grocers here:

• NTUC Fair Price
• Cold Storage
• Sheng Siong
• Redmart by Lazada
• Giant
• Open Taste

Are there any deliveries for specific fresh produce? Yes, you can choose from the following grocers for specific fresh produce besides the usual supermarkets:

• Kuhlbarra (seafood and smoked salmon)
• Apollo Marine (seafood of all kinds)
• Song Fish (seafood, meats, and others)
• Market Fresh (Direct from wet markets)
• Purely Fresh (Fresh product with free delivery over $100)
• The Fish Wives (Seafood with also vegan and deli foodstuff)

Are there any deliveries for halal fresh produce? Yes, there are companies specialising in halal groceries and deliveries. Check them out below:

• Halal Mart SG
• Adam Halal
• Suzy Ameer Online
• SYB Meat (they also provide cooked satay here)

4. Going to Work

Can I still go to work? All businesses, with the exception for businesses that provide essential services, must close for this period. If you are able to work from home, you can still work. For businesses that provide essential services, they must submit a general application at this link, and get a reply within 48 hours to inform whether the business is able to continue with the support of essential services.

5. Moving around Singapore

Am I able to move around Singapore? Yes, you can still move around Singapore, but for only essential services, such as the purchase of groceries. If you are going to drive, the Electronic Road Pricing charges to all gantries will be removed until 4 May 2020.

Will public transport still be available? Yes, public buses and MRT will still operate as normal. Also, taxis and private-hire cars are still going to roam the streets.

6. General Shopping

Can I still shop in Singapore? As all non-essential services are to close from 7 April 2020 onwards, only stores providing essential services will be open. Here is an updated list of stores that would be open:

• Capital Optical – All stores open with new opening hours (11 am-8 pm)
• Owndays – All stores open with revised opening hours
• Spectacle Hut – All stores open
• Watsons – All stores open
• Guardian – All stores open
• 7-Eleven – All stores open

7. Entertainment and Recreation

Will I be able to go to museums or tourist attractions? All attractions, theme parks, museums, casinos, etc. will be closed. All sports and recreational facilities, such as public swimming pools, gyms, fitness studios and country clubs will be closed. Singapore’s two integrated resorts would also be closed, including the ArtScience Museum, Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, Adventure Cove Waterpark and Dolphin Island. Parks are still open if you are keen to go for a job or exercise but always observe safe distancing.

Am I able to go on a staycation in one of the hotels in Singapore? Unfortunately, you will not be able to do that as all hotels are not permitted to accept new guests during this period. Some hotels would be used to house returning Singaporeans who have to be on stay-home notices.

8. Banking and Finance

Can I still withdraw cash? Yes, you can still make cash withdrawals and make deposits. You can also do fund transfers. Other services such as insurance and financial advisory services can still proceed.

9. Visiting Friends and Relatives

Can I meet my relatives or my friends? The government has instructed everyone to stay at home and avoid visiting friends and relatives. Instead of meeting them in person, you can try to use video or phone to get in touch with them. This is to prevent any further transmission of the COVID-19 virus. For seniors especially, it is crucial for them to stay at home as they are most vulnerable to the virus.

Can I visit someone in the hospital? You are strongly advised not to visit someone in the hospital. While ward visits allow, there will be strict control, so in the rare event you need to visit someone in the hospital, be prepared for long waiting times. Please wear your face masks when visiting in the hospitals.

Read: 7 Free things to do in Singapore

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