Five Things You Might’ve Missed Out About Singapore’s New Phase 2
With a new spate of unlinked COVID-19 cases in Singapore, the government has increased restrictions in the hopes of containing the disease. Well, at least we’re the best place in the world to be during the pandemic by Bloomberg LP last April. And fear not—bubble tea shops will remain open. By now, infographics about the new restrictions have already flooded into your phone. But, Tropika Club wants you to know these Five Things You Might’ve Missed Out About Singapore’s New Phase 2.
Table of contents
- No Time to Read? Here’s a Snappy Summary of This Article
- 1. Dine at Local Hawkers Before Return to Phase 2
- 2. Reduced Capacity at Local Attractions.
- 3. Theatres Can Remain Open in Phase 2 2021
- 4. Wedding Plans for This Sunday Could be Exempted
- 5. Stepping Up Antigen Rapid Testing Program for COVID-19
- Notes from the Editor About the New Phase 2
- Meanwhile, Check Out Tropika Club’s Ecosystem of Websites
No Time to Read? Here’s a Snappy Summary of This Article
- 1. Dine at Local Hawkers Before Return to Phase 2: Since we can’t dine in at eateries from May 16 onwards, why not lend a hand to our beloved hawkers by eating there before the weekend comes.
- 2. Reduced Capacity at Local Attractions: Local attractions that received previous approvals from the Ministry of Trade will have to reduce their operating capacity to 25 per cent, down from the current capacity of 50 per cent.
- 3. Theatres Can Remain Open in Phase 2: Indoor and outdoor shows can continue, albeit with a capacity of up to 100 people with pre-event COVID-19 testing.
- 4. Wedding Plans for This Sunday Could be Exempted: The MOH has stated that the government could exempt couples who already have plans for this Sunday, but wedding receptions are prohibited.
- 5. Stepping Up Antigen Rapid Testing Program for COVID-19: The government is stepping up its Antigen Rapid Testing program for COVID-19.
1. Dine at Local Hawkers Before Return to Phase 2
We were inspired by an infographic by The Smart Local, and we think we should continue supporting this part of Singapore’s heritage. Since we can’t dine in at eateries from May 16 onwards, why not lend a hand to our beloved hawkers by eating there before the weekend comes. That way, we could help them recoup some of their losses. Not to mention, we’d be minimising food wastage too. After all, Singapore’s food waste has grown around 20% in the last decade.
<embed link here to the smart local post here>
But remember to stay safe! The Ministry of Health (MOH) has reported that the attack rates are higher for the recent clusters. Moreover, secondary transmissions do occur in ‘mask-off’ settings, households, and at eateries.
2. Reduced Capacity at Local Attractions.
Local attractions that received previous approvals from the Ministry of Trade will have to reduce their operating capacity to 25 per cent, down from the current capacity of 50 per cent. Looks like the extension for the SingaporeRediscover vouchers came in handy. Museums and public libraries will also follow those capacity requirements. And of course, safe distancing measures still apply, people.
3. Theatres Can Remain Open in Phase 2 2021
The show must go on. Indoor and outdoor shows can continue, albeit with a capacity of up to 100 people with pre-event COVID-19 testing. And venues without pre-event testing may seat up to 50 people. The same goes for movie theatres.
But you might need to watch that new Disney movie without popcorn and soda because no food and beverages can be sold or consumed in the theatre.
Read Also: How I Got Close to My Mother
4. Wedding Plans for This Sunday Could be Exempted
The MOH has stated that the government could exempt couples who already have plans for this Sunday, but wedding receptions are prohibited. Couples may proceed, but pre-event testing is required for all their guests. So for those tying the knot, may your wedding bells continue to ring this Sunday.
A feat, considering they were rehearsing The Year of No Return during the thick of the pandemic. Imagine this, the actress in KL is being filmed in the studio by the crew there, and then Haresh is all the way in Singapore, watching it and giving directions and notes on Zoom.
5. Stepping Up Antigen Rapid Testing Program for COVID-19
COVID-19 Testing is one of the most crucial tools to track how the virus is spreading. That way, individuals who have been exposed to the virus can be identified before they spread it. It was through testing individuals with Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) with a COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test that enabled the swift detection of unlinked cases in Singapore.
Antigen Rapid Testing (ART) is another tool in our testing arsenal that could speed up the detection of possible COVID-19 cases. ART testing will be given to all patients with Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) or its symptoms across Singapore’s health centres, including Swab and Send Home (SASH) Public Health Preparedness Clinics (PHPCs), Polyclinics, Emergency Departments and Regional Swab Centres (RSCs).
ART will be given alongside PCR tests, and both tests will be funded by the Government for anyone with ARI symptoms. Though ARTs are less accurate than PCR tests, their faster turnaround can allow swifter public health actions for those who test positive.
The new strategy will roll out progressively from 15 May, first to 200 SASG PHPCs that already have licenses, before expanding to the rest throughout May. Then, Polyclinics, Emergency Departments in hospitals, and RSCs will be made to provide ARTs.
Notes from the Editor About the New Phase 2
Should we just call these preventive measures for the COVID-19 pandemic a Circuit Breaker? We’re already saying goodbye to air travel bubbles. Even the retail outlets at Jewel Changi Airport are closed till the end of May. And I don’t even want to start to think of the air travel bubbles closing down again.
Well, there’s only so much we can do. Like my mother tells me, take it one day at a time. Stay safe, everyone!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Singapore’s new Phase 2 brings about several changes that we should all be aware of. From reduced capacity at local attractions to stepping up the Antigen Rapid Testing program for COVID-19, it’s important to stay informed and do our part in keeping ourselves and our community safe. So let’s support our local hawkers, enjoy the shows while we can, and continue to follow the guidelines set out by the government. Together, we can overcome this challenging time and emerge stronger as a nation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the new social gathering restrictions under Phase 2 (Heightened Alert)?
A: Under Phase 2 (Heightened Alert), social gathering group sizes will be reduced to a maximum of 2 persons, with a cap of 2 distinct visitors per household per day. Grandchildren being cared for daily by their grandparents will not be counted towards this cap.
Q: What are the new workplace restrictions under Phase 2 (Heightened Alert)?
A: Work-from-home will remain the default at workplaces. Employers who need staff to return to workplaces need to ensure no cross-deployment at various worksites, and enforce staggered start times and flexible working hours. Social gatherings at workplaces will not be allowed.
Q: What are the new restrictions for F&B establishments under Phase 2 (Heightened Alert)?
A: Dine-in at all F&B establishments (including hawker centres and food courts) will cease, with only takeaway and delivery options allowed. All staff at such establishments must continue with regular 14-day Fast and Easy Test (FET) requirement, which will remain free-of-charge during this period.
Q: What are the new restrictions for indoor exercise classes under Phase 2 (Heightened Alert)?
A: All strenuous indoor exercise classes, including individuals and group indoor sports and exercise activities, will cease. Mask-off personalised services (e.g. facials, saunas, make-up services) will not be allowed. This will not apply to medical and dental consultations that require patients to remove their masks.
Q: What are the new restrictions for events under Phase 2 (Heightened Alert)?
A: Event sizes and event size caps will be reduced, with mandatory pre-event testing (PET) for some cases. Playing of wind or brass instruments will not be allowed.
Meanwhile, Check Out Tropika Club’s Ecosystem of Websites
Tropika Club Magazine – Tropika Club Magazine is a Singapore-based publication that features articles on a wide range of topics with a focus on local businesses and content for the region. The magazine emphasizes supporting local businesses through its #SupportLocal initiative, which includes coverage of everything from neighborhood hawker stalls to aesthetic clinics in town. In addition to highlighting local businesses, Tropika Club Magazine also covers a variety of local content, including beauty, lifestyle, places, eats, and what’s on in Singapore and the Asia Pacific region.
Tropika Club Deals – Tropika Club Deals is a leading online deals and voucher shopping site in Singapore, offering amazing discounts on beauty, wellness, and fitness products and services. It’s the perfect platform for customers who want to discover the best deals without having to commit to a specific appointment date and time. These deals are available at major beauty stores, facial salons, hair salons, and other brands in Singapore, with no minimum spend required. Choose from guaranteed discounted deals in the categories of hairstyling, hair removal, facial & aesthetics, body slimming, brows & lashes, nails & makeup, massage & spa or fitness & wellness. Tropika Club Deals is also ideal for customers who want to buy vouchers as gifts or to use for the future. So whether you’re looking to save money on your next haircut or want to treat yourself to a relaxing massage, Tropika Club Deals has got you covered with the best voucher and coupon deals in Singapore!
