Singapore appointed 2 idiots to lead the task force.

[jw5]

from mothership.sg:

Lawrence Wong: Free Covid-19 self-test kits for all S'pore households​

Wong said mask-wearing requirements "may well be one of the last rules to go".

All households in Singapore will soon receive free Covid-19 antigen rapid test (ART) kits for self-testing as Singapore transits to a "new normal".

However, Safe Management Measures (SMMs), such as mask-wearing will likely persist here.

This was announced by Lawrence Wong, finance minister and co-chair of the multi-ministry task force (MTF), in Parliament on July 26.

Free ART self-test kits​

Wong said ART self-test kits will be distributed to those who reside near markets first, where large Covid-19 clusters have been identified.

Following which, the distribution of ART self-test kits will progressively scale up to include the remaining population in Singapore.

ART self-test kits are also widely available at all general retailers.

Seeing how "testing is now more affordable, accessible and convenient", Wong said that "there is no excuse not to be tested".

The minister added that there will be new methods of testing rolled out, such as waste-water surveillance in estates, and breathalyser tests at checkpoints.

He said: "Regular testing, and the social consciousness to get ourselves tested regularly, will protect us and keep us safe as we transit to the new normal."

Mask wearing remains​

Regarding SMMs, Wong said mask-wearing requirements might not be completely done away with, and it "may well be one of the last rules to go".

For example, in indoors and enclosed environments where the risks of transmissions are higher, mask requirements "still make sense" and may still remain.

However, in outdoor spaces, mask-wearing might not be necessary.

With Singapore's controlled and phased re-opening, Wong said such SMMs "still remain relevant and important", where they can "help reduce transmission effectively".

As Singapore moves towards a new normal, Wong stressed that everyone has a part to play by staying disciplined and continuing to maintain these SMMs practices.

Regular enforcement checks​

Since April 2020, enforcement agencies have been conducting daily enforcement checks and when laws were found to have been flouted, offenders consisting of both operators and individuals have been punished.

This regular enforcement in public venues will continue, and strict action will be taken against any breach of the rules, said Wong.

According to him, enforcement agencies are doing "everything they can, in very challenging circumstances".

He said: "Our safe distancing ambassadors (SDAs) and enforcement officers will continue to do their best, and we should give them our full support."

 

[jw5]

from toc.com:

Govt will likely ease COVID-19 measures for vaccinated people in early August, says Minister Lawrence Wong​

The Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) will likely ease Singapore’s COVID-19 measures in early August, but it will only be applied to those who have been fully vaccinated for the COVID-19, said Finance Minister Lawrence Wong on Monday (26 July).

Mr Wong, who also co-chairs the MTF, was delivering a ministerial statement in Parliament.

He noted that the task force will review the measures at the mid-point of the ongoing Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) period early next month, during which two-thirds of the population and three-quarters of those aged 70 and above would have been fully vaccinated.

“So if the clusters are under control, and hospitalisation rates remain low, we will be able to ease some of the Phase 2 (HA) measures.

“But the easing will be differentiated and extended to only vaccinated persons, because they are much better protected against the effects of the virus,” said the Minister.

Mr Wong said only those who are fully vaccinated will be allowed to dine in at eateries or exercise in a gym. Those looking to attend large events or religious services involving more than 100 people must also be fully vaccinated.

He further noted that Singapore’s controlled reopening would be synchronised with its vaccination coverage, “not just of the overall population but amongst our seniors, who are the most vulnerable”.

The government expects to have about 80 per cent of the population receive two doses of the vaccine by early September, which will then be able to ease the restrictions further, especially for those who are fully vaccinated.

Mr Wong hinted that Singapore will also be able to reopen its borders and allow vaccinated people to travel to countries or regions that have “managed COVID-19 well”.

“With these arrangements, fully vaccinated persons will be able to travel without needing to serve the full 14-day Stay Home Notice (SHN) in a hotel when they return.

“Depending on the risk level of the country they visit, we will either replace the SHN with a rigorous testing regime, or shorten the SHN to seven days at home. This will allow them to travel more freely,” he added.

The Minister noted that those who are not vaccinated will still be allowed to travel but will be subject to prevailing SHN requirements.

However, Mr Wong noted that a rise in cases are expected to occur as Singapore progressively eases restrictions, given that there is still “ongoing cryptic transmission” which can easily break out into new clusters.

“But at that stage, our main focus will no longer be on daily case numbers. Because the vast majority by then would have been vaccinated, and even if they catch the virus, they are much less likely to become very ill.

“Instead, our focus will be on the much smaller number of infected persons who need supplementary oxygen or require intensive care,” he said.

Mr Wong assured that the Government will monitor the hospitalisation and intensive care numbers at each stage of easing to ensure they remain acceptable and stable, adding that Singapore has to be prepared to “slow down, or even pull back” if the numbers increased.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence Wong gives a roadmap.

Lawrence Wong​

1 hr ·
Today, my MTF co-chairs Gan Kim Yong, Ong Ye Kung and I gave an overview of the roadmap for our transition to a Covid-resilient society. It will take place in a series of controlled steps, to keep everyone safe.
The current Heightened Alert is a temporary period to curb the existing infection spread, while we speed up our vaccination coverage, especially for our vulnerable seniors.
At the mid-point of Phase 2 (HA), we will assess the overall infection situation, and review the current measures.
Depending on the case clusters and hospitalisation rates, we may be able to ease some Phase 2 (HA) measures, but for only fully vaccinated persons.
Around September, we expect to have 80% of our population vaccinated with two doses, and we hope to cover more seniors too.
Then, we can ease restrictions further and begin to reopen our borders.
I thank everyone for showing tremendous grit and discipline, and getting vaccinated. Keep supporting each other, and let's continue with renewed strength. It’s always darkest before the dawn. So let’s be strong and keep the faith. The dawn is coming. Let’s approach it with renewed strength as one people.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence Wong enjoyed the debate in parliament.

Lawrence Wong​

33 mins ·
We had a good debate in Parliament of Singapore . When a crisis like the Covid-19 pandemic hits, we need to look out for the vulnerable amongst us. So we have measures to help enterprises retain local workers, help SMEs with cash flow, and support our hawkers, taxi drivers and more.
But besides dealing with the immediate challenges, we must also prepare ahead for a post-pandemic world.
This means building a more vibrant economy, a fairer and more inclusive society, and a greener and more liveable home. We will need significant resources to realise these plans. That’s why it’s important to have a sound and sustainable fiscal strategy.
Covid-19 will be a major chapter in our history. While it is difficult, it’s also a time we see the best of Singaporeans. We have much going for us and much to look forward to - so let’s harness our collective strengths, keep striving to do better, and write many more chapters of the Singapore story together!

 

[jw5]

from straitstimes.com:

Decision to tighten Covid-19 measures was right judgment call: Lawrence Wong​

SINGAPORE - The Covid-19 situation today would have been much worse if the authorities did not impose tighter restrictions in the wake of the Jurong Fishery Port cluster, said Finance Minister Lawrence Wong on Tuesday (July 27).

Responding to a barrage of questions and comments from MPs on the move back to phase two (heightened alert) measures last week, he said he was "fully convinced" it was the right judgment call.

He noted that the Covid-19 cluster linked to KTV lounges stood at 245 cases as at noon on Tuesday, including two new cases.

In comparison, the still-growing Jurong Fishery Port cluster stood at 902 cases, with 36 new cases.

The number of Covid-19 patients who are hospitalised and require oxygen or intensive care has also risen 3½ times since early July, from five to 18 as at Monday night.

"If we had not done a heightened alert, the outcomes would have been far worse," he said, reminding the House that there are still 200,000 seniors aged above 60 who are not vaccinated.

"Are we prepared to live with an outcome where many of them fall sick and even succumb to the illness? Is that something we want to happen, to see happen in Singapore?" said Mr Wong, who co-chairs the multi-ministry Covid-19 task force.

Some MPs had called for a clearer road map on the path ahead, saying the shifting rules have led to uncertainty and disruption. To this, the minister said the pandemic situation is highly fluid, rapidly changing and very uncertain.

"Obviously, it's very hard to predict what would happen," he said.

"We don't even know what will happen in the next few days, let alone in the next few weeks or months."

He noted that Covid-19 case numbers were in the single digits and continuing to fall in early July.

"Any risk dashboard would tell you things are okay and we would be able to move forward to open confidently. Then, what struck? We had the KTV cluster. No warning, no early indicator, but it struck us."

The task force felt it was still possible to continue reopening, based on its assessment of the KTV cluster then.

But the Jurong Fishery Port cluster that emerged shortly after that was "much, much more serious", he said, with infections quickly spreading in the community through markets and hawker centres.

"There was heightened risk of exponential spread, and our vaccine coverage at that time was not adequate. That's why we decided at that time that we had to return to phase two (heightened alert)," Mr Wong added.

"I know everyone is frustrated about the measures. The minute I announce something, I get it in my inbox already. I fully understand, but I hope members in this House understand too," he said.

"We've tried very hard to explain to all of you in the hope that you too understand what an important, difficult but necessary decision this has to be so that you too can do your part as responsible Members of Parliament, in a crisis and pandemic like this, to explain to your residents, to your constituents... why we had to do this."

Mr Wong cited the hospitalisation and intensive care unit numbers as some of the metrics that the task force would be monitoring in the next few days as it prepares to review current measures.

It will then consider easing some measures for vaccinated people only, with further easing in September when the proportion of fully vaccinated people in Singapore hits the 80 per cent mark.

But he warned that Singaporeans should be prepared for tightened measures once more if the situation worsens significantly despite a high vaccination rate, adding that this could potentially be due to the emergence of a new variant.

"We have shared as much as we can up to now, and as I said, when further details are ready, we will share more."

 

[jw5]

from channelnewsasia.com:

'Practically all' social, workplace COVID-19 restrictions could be lifted in 'truly endemic state': Gan Kim Yong​

SINGAPORE: Co-chair of the COVID-19 multi-ministry task force Gan Kim Yong on Monday (Jul 26) sketched out a roadmap for businesses to return to normal, offering the possibility of nearly all social and workplace restrictions being lifted.

“As our vaccination coverage increases, we will be in a much stronger position to ease our COVID-19 measures safely and confidently,” he said in a fifth update on the whole-of-government response to COVID-19.


As such, the Government will begin to adjust its safe management measures in stages, subject to trends in serious cases. This could mean fewer restrictions on social gatherings, larger dine-in groups and lower requirements and higher capacity for events.

Vaccinated individuals will be able to engage in a wider range of social activities and in larger groups, while unvaccinated individuals may only do so with negative pre-event testing results.

Singapore announced tighter restrictions last week, with dining-in suspended and group sizes for social gatherings reduced from five to two. This was in response to a spike in COVID-19 cases in the community.

Speaking in Parliament, Mr Gan outlined the conditions for what he saw as a new normal.

The Government will continue to push for higher vaccination coverage, he said.

“If the incidence of severe illness from COVID-19 remains low despite clusters emerging from time to time, we will eventually be able to arrive at a truly endemic state.

“Practically all social and workplace restrictions can be lifted, although some critical measures, such as mask-wearing and precautions for large events may remain.”

With relaxed safe management measures, food and beverage, retail and other businesses that provide in-person services will see a return in demand, said Mr Gan, who is also Minister for Trade and Industry.

Progressively larger capacity limits will also provide relief to the tourism, cruises and meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) sectors, although foreign tourists will take some time to return.

Under such conditions, workplace restrictions will also ease. More workers will be able to go back to the office and businesses can conduct important face-to-face meetings and hold workplace events important for networking or team-bonding, he added.

Acknowledging that the last one and a half years have been a “very difficult ride” for business, especially the F&B, retail, sports and gym, and performance arts sectors, Mr Gan said that the impact on them must have been “very severe”.

There are several things businesses can do to prepare for reopening, he said.

They should “encourage and facilitate” all medically eligible employees, especially those involved in “high-touch point” activities, to be vaccinated. Those who cannot be vaccinated should be deployed to lower-risk settings.

They should also integrate antigen rapid test (ART) self-tests into their work processes, especially for businesses providing high-touch point services or have workers that change frequently.

Employers should encourage workers to self-isolate and get tested if they are not feeling well or suspect that they may have been exposed to COVID-19. “Doing so can help detect cases early and limit the extent of disruption to your businesses,” he said.

In addition, businesses should continue flexible work arrangements and introduce business continuity plans to “strengthen operational resilience”.

Singapore will progressively facilitate international travel with countries that have managed COVID-19 well as its vaccination coverage increases, the minister said, adding that fully vaccinated people could also travel and do business “more freely”.

“This is a critical move that will allow us to reassert Singapore’s position as a business, travel and talent hub,” he said.

As a “small and open economy”, Singapore cannot close itself off to the world. “Many parts of our economy require a steady flow of people in and out of Singapore - be it workers or visitors,” he added.

As a business hub, many of Singapore’s executives have to travel, while the tourism and MICE industry, and Singapore’s air hub status, “critically” depends on international connectivity.

Many in the international community have also not been able to visit their families since the start of the pandemic, he said.

Infected cases will create “much less disruption” domestically than they do now, meaning that businesses can largely return to normal operations, he added.

In an endemic state, businesses will not have to shut down premises for deep cleaning and the Government would no longer need to commit “huge resources” towards contact tracing.

Those with mild symptoms may be able to recover at home and close contacts will only have to monitor their health without the need for quarantine or self-isolation, similar to how influenza cases are treated today, he said.

“Globally, Singapore will likely be one of the highest vaccinated countries in the world. We will be able to regain strong air and maritime connectivity to a large number of countries, while ensuring that our healthcare system is well-functioning and not overstretched by COVID-19 cases,” said the minister.

He added that businesses have continued to “show confidence” in Singapore’s “strong fundamentals” during the pandemic, with investors committing S$17.2 billion in investment in 2020. This is the highest in 12 years.

Singapore has also attracted “significant” investments from “major biomedical and electronics companies” including Sanofi, BioNTech and GlobalFoundries.

Mr Gan capped off his speech by thanking Singaporeans, businesses and workers for their cooperation over the course of the pandemic.

“It has been tremendously difficult for many of you, and we are deeply appreciative of the commitment and grit that you have shown.

“We are so close to reaching the end of the tunnel. We will soon achieve a high vaccination coverage, which will allow us to move decisively to a COVID-resilient state. I want to appeal to everyone to not lose heart and work together to press on in our journey.”

 

[jw5]

Lawrence Wong encourages those interested in embarking on a FinTech startup.

Lawrence Wong​

5 hrs ·
What can you do to get into FinTech? We discussed this and many more issues at the Young NTUC #LITDISCOvery event yesterday.
Tech has fundamentally changed our lives, letting us make contactless payments, and even strengthening our contact tracing for Covid-19. Tech is also a key enabler for us to take the financial sector to the next level. So you need to understand how tech is changing the nature of finance - from AI to blockchain, and the internet of things.
Some of you may be thinking about embarking on a FinTech startup. If that's your dream, keep trying and experimenting, and don’t be afraid to fail. Remember successful startups are not just about having good tech; they are also about creating value for customers.
Tech is lit

keep chasing your dreams!
#fintech
(

: ZB - Liang Qilin)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence Wong celebrates Nurses' Day.

Lawrence Wong​

12 hrs ·
Nursing is unquestionably a tough job, made more challenging in a Covid-19 world.
Our nurses have always been exemplary – even more so during a crisis. Through the long hours and unpredictability of the virus, they persevere, and deliver the best care to our patients.
It has been over a year since we started battling the Covid-19 virus. In all this time, our trust in our healthcare workers to look after our loved ones when they are ill, has not wavered.
Let's also not forget the sacrifices of the families of our healthcare workers. It takes love and courage to support your spouse, parent or relative as they gown up every day to safeguard our health at the frontlines.
As we celebrate Nurses' Day today, let's continue to support their contributions to Singapore. #HappyNursesDay to all.

: #Throwback to Aug 2020, a day out with National University Hospital - NUH nurses at Gardens by the Bay

 

[jw5]

Lawrence has a discussion with the US-Asean Business Council.

Lawrence Wong​

4 hrs ·
Had a fruitful discussion with the US-ASEAN Business Council (US-ABC) during their virtual Business Mission last week.
We discussed topics including Singapore’s reopening plans and our response to global developments, such as international tax reforms and climate change. Singapore continues to stay competitive as an attractive global hub as we upgrade our workforce, infrastructure and connectivity. We are also looking to the future, and seizing new opportunities in sustainability and digitalisation.
US businesses have a long history of contributing to Singapore’s economic growth, and tapping Singapore as a base to engage the region. I welcome US businesses to partner us in supporting the region to build back better from the pandemic.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence relaxes by playing guitar.

Lawrence Wong​

7 hrs ·
Music and playing the guitar help me to relax and unwind. I don’t get to play as much these days. But I still try to find time whenever I can.
I know some of you are stressed from school, work, or the Covid-19 situation. Social media can also fuel feelings of anxiety, inadequacy or isolation.
When the going gets tough, we can feel down. When you're weary, lean on your community and friends. You can seek support from your parents, teachers or counsellors. Take time to find your passion and enjoy the things you do.
When we face today's challenges together, we will be stronger for tomorrow.
Pic taken in 1989 with my classmates!

 

[jw5]

Lawrence thanks Singaporeans.

Lawrence Wong updated his cover photo.​

9 hrs ·
2021 has not been an easy time for everyone. The Covid-19 pandemic has been the challenge of our generation, as well as for many others around the world.
But this has also shown us what sets Singapore apart. Our unity and community are the backbone of our strength.
Thank you for your grit and resilience. Let's continue to stay united, look to the road ahead, and overcome this as one people. My MTF co-chairs and I will give an update on the Covid-19 situation soon.
#TogetherOurSGSpirit
(

at Limbang)

 

[jw5]

from mothership.sg:

Lawrence Wong: MTF co-chairs will provide update on Covid-19 situation soon​

The Multi-ministry Taskforce (MTF) will be providing an update on the Covid-19 situation soon, finance minister Lawrence Wong said in a Facebook post on Aug. 5 without providing further details.

In the same post, Wong thanked Singaporeans for showing grit and resilience this year which "has not been an easy time for everyone".

Update on rental support for tenants and owner-occupiers​

Earlier on the same day, Wong also updated that over 38,400 eligible tenants and owner-occupiers will receive their Rental Support Scheme payouts two weeks earlier than scheduled, from Aug. 6.

In total, more than S$216 million will be paid out to eligible tenants and owner-occupiers.

A second payout will be disbursed in October.

Rental supports will also be provided directly to tenants without going through their landlords, Wong said.

Phase 2 (HA) expected to end on Aug. 18​

Singapore has re-entered Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) since Jul. 22 where further restrictions were implemented to curb community spread.

Phase 2 (HA) is supposed to end on Aug. 18.

Previously, health minister Ong Ye Kung had explained that the stricter restrictions were necessary to protected unvaccinated seniors who are likely to visit markets and will be at risk due to the Jurong Fishery Port cluster.

Ong, however, said if more people in the population are fully vaccinated, that will put us "in a much stronger and resilient position" and the Phase 2 (HA) rules will be reviewed again.

As of Aug. 3, 64 per cent of Singapore's population has been fully vaccinated, while 77 per cent has received at least one dose.

 

[jw5]

from yahoo.com:

COVID: Up to 5 can dine in at restaurants from 10 Aug if all fully vaccinated''​

SINGAPORE — Groups of up to five persons will be allowed to dine-in at food and beverage (F&B) establishments such as restaurants from next Tuesday (10 August) if all the diners are fully vaccinated, Finance Minister Lawrence Wong said on Friday.

Unvaccinated children aged 12 years and below may be included within the group of five persons if all the children are from the same household.

The updated safe management measures were announced by Wong, the co-chair of multi-ministry taskforce (MTF) on COVID-19, at an MTF media conference.

F&B establishments may only resume dine-in services for fully vaccinated persons while other F&B establishments that are not able to do so may only operate take-away and delivery services.

Up to two persons – whether vaccinated and unvaccinated – can dine in at hawker centres and coffee shops as these are open-air and naturally ventilated spaces.

In a statement, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said, “Dining-in at F&B establishments remains a high-risk activity because many people will be unmasked and in close proximity with each other. At this stage of the transition, entertainment such as live performances, recorded music, and videos/TV screening will continue to be prohibited.”

Similarly, fully-vaccinated individuals may participate in groups of up to five persons in higher-risk activities where masks are removed such as personal care services, and indoor high-intensity mask-off sports.

The social gathering group size limit will be increased from two persons to five persons, and the cap of two distinct visitors per household per day will be raised to five distinct visitors per household per day. These measures will also take effect from 10 August.

Unvaccinated individuals should remain in groups of no more than two persons, to reduce the likelihood of transmission and severe infection, MOH said.

“We should also continue to limit our social circle to a small group of regular contacts and limit the number of social gatherings to no more than two a day."

The safe management measures will also be eased for other activities and settings.

For congregational and other worship services, cinemas, MICE, live performances, and spectator sport events, event sizes may increase to 500 attendees if all are fully vaccinated. Otherwise, only up to 50 attendees will be allowed without pre- event testing (PET).

Unmasking and singing or playing of wind instruments at live performances for vaccinated performers may resume, subject to updated safe management measures. The National Arts Council (NAC) will release further details on live performances while the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) will do so for worship services.

Marriage solemnizations in external venues – or not in a place of residence or in the Registry of Marriages/Registry of Muslim Marriages building – may take place with up to 500 persons, including the wedding couple but excluding solemnizers and vendors, if all are fully vaccinated.

Otherwise, only up to 50 attendees will be allowed without PET. Wedding receptions will be allowed with up to 250 attendees if all are fully vaccinated, and with groups of up to five attendees per table.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence Wong celebrates National Day at MOF.

Lawrence Wong​

3 hrs ·
Yesterday, I joined my team at Ministry of Finance (Singapore) in an advance National Day virtual celebration.
Over the past 18 months, our public service officers have continued to give their utmost to serve Singaporeans. Many worked tirelessly behind the scenes; some also juggling other roles like parenting and caregiving.
For officers in the MOF family, that includes working on budget after budget, and providing support measures to affected workers and businesses during the periods of the Heightened Alert.
Your grit and commitment to service show us that we can overcome any challenges when we stay united. Let's walk the road ahead together - we have done this before, we can do it again!
(Video by the MOF team)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence Wong explains "Vaccinate or Regulate Test Regime".

Lawrence Wong​

11 hrs ·
<“Vaccinate or Regular Test” Regime>
For a start this will apply to higher-risk sectors like F&B and gyms, as well as sectors with vulnerable persons like healthcare, eldercare and preschools.
From 1 Oct, everyone working in these sectors will have to be fully vaccinated OR they will have to be tested twice a week. The public sector will lead by example, and will introduce this requirement for all our public servants.
So if you are working in one of the identified sectors and are eligible for the vaccines, but still have not gone for your jab, please do so by the end of Sept. If you choose not to do so, then you will have to go for regular tests, and bear the costs of these tests. For those who are medically ineligible for the vaccines, the government will subsidise the tests.
In time to come, we will have more workplaces, venues and events with such a “vaccinate or test” requirement. It will allow us to resume more activities safely while minimising the risks of severe illnesses from Covid-19.
(

: ST File)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence wants Singapore to be a place we would be proud to call home.

Lawrence Wong​

8 hrs ·
This is the second time we are celebrating National Day amidst Covid-19.
On this day, I think about how far we have come, and how the perseverance and grit of Singaporeans have transformed our little red dot. I think about how the pandemic has impacted us in ways big and small.
But through it all, we’ve also seen the best in us - the frontliners who have kept us safe, the neighbours who have lent a helping hand, and the selfless who have supported those in need.
Covid-19 has been a great challenge. But we have stood together and faced it head-on. And we will do it again, whatever the challenges ahead.
Let’s continue to work together to ensure Singapore remains a place we are proud to call our home, and where every citizen can reach their full potential.
Happy National Day

#togetheroursgspirit
(

: NDP 2021 Executive Committee)

 

[jw5]

Lawrence enjoys National Day song.

Lawrence Wong​

8 hrs ·
Thanks everyone for your cooperation and efforts in this challenging time.
We all contribute in different ways, and by working together, we overcome our challenges and create a better future.
This year’s National Day song struck a resonant chord with all of us. There have been many creative remakes of the song, and I would like to feature a few. Here's a shoutout to Taneo Dance Academy, @aydanong (on YouTube) and @vamaryllis (on YouTube), for allowing me to share your videos.
Keep on, Singapore!

 

[jw5]

from msn.com:

Fully vaccinated individuals allowed to attend larger events: Lawrence Wong​

Singapore is set to ease some of its restrictions against the spread of COVID-19 in the following days, as overall hospitalisation and intensive-care-unit cases remain low and stable, Minister of Finance Lawrence Wong said.

As of 10 August, Tuesday, fully vaccinated individuals will be allowed to gather and visit each other in groups of five.

“We will allow for larger event sizes if they are attended by only fully vaccinated persons too. Worship services, cinemas, MICE events, live performances, sports events can go up to 500 persons if they are attended by fully vaccinated persons. Wedding receptions can go up to 250 persons, fully vaccinated,” Wong said.

Fully vaccinated persons can also engage in higher-risk mask-off activities such as going to the gym and dining out in groups of up to five as long as they are all fully vaccinated.

Regardless of vaccination status, people can dine-in at hawker centres and coffee shops in a maximum group size of two people.

Entry approvals for fully vaccinated work pass holders and their dependants will resume.

Support measures for Phase Two (Heightened Alert) will continue until 18 August as previously announced.

From 19 August, if the pandemic does not worsen in Singapore, event sizes could grow larger.

“For event sizes, we are looking at up to 1,000 attendees from 500 to 1,000 fully vaccinated. The operating capacity of public venues like museums, libraries, and attractions and cruises, can be raised. Likewise, capacity limits for shopping malls can be raised,” Wong said.

Work-from-home requirements could also ease in the 19th, with 50% of workers allowed to return to the workplace.

From 20 August, more fully vaccinated travellers from certain countries can opt-out of serving quarantine at SHN facilities and instead do their mandatory 14-day stay-home notice at home or other suitable accommodations.

As of 1 October, all workers in the food and beverage industry, healthcare, eldercare, gyms, high-risk mask-off settings, border checkpoints, and settings with children 12 and below should be vaccinated. Those who are not vaccinated will have to undergo antigen rapid testing twice a week.

“When 80% of our population are fully vaccinated, we will move to the transition stage and allow further easing of measures. We are taking a controlled step by step approach in reopening,” Wong said.

 

[jw5]

Lawrence explains new dine-in rules.

Lawrence Wong​

23 hrs ·
<New vaccine-differentiated rules>
From today onwards, fully vaccinated persons will be able to dine in groups of up to 5 pax. They can also go to gyms and fitness centres. They have to show their TraceTogether or HealthHub app to verify their vaccination status.
Those who are not yet fully vaccinated can take part in the above activities provided they take an antigen rapid test at an approved provider, and have a negative test result within the validity period. Children age 12 and below can also join in the group of 5 for dining without the need for a test, if they are from the same household.
We have made a special concession for all persons (regardless of vaccination status) to dine in groups of up of two persons in hawker centres and coffee-shops. For now the concession only applies to these venues. So other F&B outlets have to decide whether to open for fully vaccinated persons only, or to disallow dining altogether.
For those who are making plans to dine out, please continue to follow safe distancing rules and practice good hygiene. This is not the time to relax and let your guard down. Remember the delta variant is highly transmissible and spreads very easily. While the vaccine will protect you against severe illness, it will not stop you from catching the virus or spreading it to the people around you. In particular if you have seniors or vulnerable persons at home who are still not vaccinated, please take extra precautions to minimise the risks of bringing the virus home to your family members.

 

[jw5]

https://www.facebook.com/LawrenceWongST?__tn__=<<*F

Lawrence Wong​

5 August at 09:45 ·

I had earlier announced support measures to help affected businesses through the tightened measures under Phase 2 (Heightened Alert). This includes rental support to our SMEs and eligible non-profit organisations.

I am glad to update that over 38,400 eligible tenants and owner-occupiers will receive their Rental Support Scheme payouts from 6 August - two weeks ahead of schedule. This payout will be equivalent to 0.5 month of rent for the period of 14 May to 29 May. In total, more than $216 million will be paid out to eligible tenants and owner-occupiers. We will also provide a second payout, to be disbursed in October.

We will provide the rental support directly to tenants, without going through their landlords. This lets tenants receive the cash promptly and reduces compliance burden for landlords.

I hope this rental relief will help with your cash flow in this period of Heightened Alert. Let's stay united and focused on the road ahead of us - I'm confident we can overcome this challenge together.