Five Things You Might’ve Missed Out About Singapore’s New Phase 2

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.

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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.

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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!