Singapore to extend circuit breaker measures for another week

SINGAPORE (May 4): The island republic’s “circuit breaker measures” will remain in for another week and businesses such as barbers, home-based bakers and laundry services will be allowed to start operating on May 12, the Straits Times reported.

But the authorities here also reminded the public that “this did not mean the battle with the disease was won”.

"We are making good progress but we are not yet at single digits when it comes to local transmission, so it is not time to lift the tighter measures we have in place.

"We still need to continue for another week. But we can start making some adjustments," National Development Minister Lawrence Wong told the media on May 2.

"The bottom line is, this is not the time to slacken and let our guard down. We may be easing some measures but we must stay very disciplined and vigilant," he said.

"We have to do this cautiously and gradually. And as we do this, we need everyone to cooperate, so that we can open up the economy and resume normal activities safely without causing further clusters to form," he added.

Straits Times reported that activities like walking and exercising can now resume but “common facilities like swimming pools and gyms will have to remain closed”.

From May 12 onwards, “selected businesses” such as barbers, home-based businesses and laundry services will be also allowed to restart operations with “precautions in place before April 21”.

Schools can have students “in small groups for face-to-face lessons from May 19”, with priority given to “graduating cohorts taking national exams this year”, said the daily.

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