Singapore reduces group gathering to two from five

Special Desk

Singapore has decided to tighten virus curbs after cases went up and from Sunday, group sizes in public will be reduced to two from five people.

After a partial lockdown and a rigorous regime of testing and contact tracing, Covid-19 had almost disappeared in the city-state. But now a ban on dine-ins have been announced and cut group sizes to two people as it further toughened virus curbs to stem a rise in local transmissions.

Over the last few weeks cases have gone up, with officials announcing several new clusters — including one at the airport comprised of 46 cases, mostly among people working there.

Starting from Sunday, group sizes in public or when visiting homes will be restricted to two people, down from the currently allowed five. Dining in at restaurants will be banned, and all employees who can work from home must do so, officials said.

The measures, which will be in place until June 13, resemble those imposed during a partial lockdown last year during which the economy suffered its worst-ever recession.

Given the rise in cases, it is very likely that Singapore will not be able to meet the resumption criteria, transport minister Ong Ye Kung said, adding a decision will be made next week.

Singapore had already reduced group sizes and closed gyms last week in an attempt to stop the surge in infections. Authorities banned non-passengers from entering the airport terminal and closed an adjacent mall as around 9,000 workers undergo testing.

The country had to fight serious coronavirus outbreaks last year. But by global standards, its outbreak has been mild — officials in the city of 5.7 million have reported about 61,000 cases so far and 31 deaths.