It’s been some time since Phase 2 started on 19 June and Phase 3 is officially on the horizon. This was recently confirmed by DPM Heng Swee Keat, who announced that plans for the next phase in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic will be coming in the next few weeks. While official details remain scant, experts have chimed in on various easing measures that could be adopted.
Here’s what we’ve managed to gather from the updates in the news and put together information on what to expect in Phase 3.
Note: COVID-19 measures and updates are frequently being revised. We request you to stay tuned to gov.sg and verify all information.
What to expect in Phase 3 in Singapore
DPM Heng outlined a four-pronged strategy for Singapore’s safe reopening in the coming weeks, comprising:
Securing early access to effective vaccines
Enhancing testing capabilities
Conducting swift contact tracing and isolation of infected individuals
Adhering to safe management measures
This is largely in line with an earlier update.
Phase 3 will, undoubtedly, be Singapore’s ‘new normal’ in a lot of ways and will guide our way of life until a vaccine or an effective treatment for COVID-19 becomes widely available. Here are some changes we can look forward to in Phase 3, based on updates released so far.
Increase in maximum group size
The current limit of 5 persons per group may be increased, allowing larger families and bigger groups of friends to meet and have meals together. However, the lifting of this restriction requires the continued cooperation of everyone in observing proper hygiene practices and keeping our guards up.
Expansion of business and official travel arrangements
If the current business travel pass programme presents favourable outcomes, we are likely to see an extension to include more employees. This will help companies with international footprints resume essential business activities such as sales calls and training.
The number of bilateral green lanes meant to facilitate business and official travel will also likely increase. Current reciprocal green lanes include ones with China, Malaysia, Korea, Japan and Indonesia.
More at https://tinyurI.com/y4746bhn
