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SINGAPORE: If you need to go out and buy food or groceries, go alone. If you need to get out and exercise, go alone. If you need to get out of your house, go alone.
That was the message from Singapore’s leaders, ministries and agencies on Tuesday (April 21) at night when Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced a four-week extension to the “circuit breaker,” intended to curb the spread of COVID. -19. Originally slated to end May 4, the switch period has been extended to June 1.
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The multi-ministry working group also announced stricter measures on Tuesday, including cutting the list of essential services and introducing entrance restrictions to several popular wet markets to reduce crowds.
In his comments on Tuesday, Lee urged people to stay home as much as possible. If they need to go out for the essentials, they should do it alone, he said.
“Go out alone, get what you need, and go home immediately,” Lee said.
“Do your marketing Monday through Friday instead of weekends, and don’t bring your whole family with you for shopping.”
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He added in his Chinese comments that only one person from each household should be away from home at any time.
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His comments were echoed by the Minister for National Development, Lawrence Wong, who co-chairs the working group.
He called on people to “minimize movement” and continue to take precautions, such as wearing a mask, practicing safe distance, and not touching their faces.
“But the best way to beat the virus is to stay home,” he added.
“So if you need to go out, buy food, buy groceries, go out alone. Don’t make this an occasion for a family outing. “
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He said the working group is aware that some people have difficulty being isolated at home.
“It is really difficult. It can lead to social and emotional difficulties, which can have an impact on people’s well-being and health. That is why we allow people to go out to essential activities, “he explained.
“What we are saying is that when you go out, go out alone. Do what you have to do: run errands, buy your food and groceries, and then come back as soon as possible. “
Under the strictest measures, people can still go out and exercise, but they must do it alone and in the area where they live.
“If you need to get out and exercise, exercise alone and in your own neighborhood,” Wong said.
“Don’t travel to exercise. We call on everyone to do this because it is the best way to protect themselves and their family members. “
Sport Singapore (SportSG) on Tuesday recommended that people exercise at home instead of going out.
Exercising outdoors is not recommended, and those who do should not stay after exercising, but return home immediately.
“People can leave the house to walk, run, bike, or do other similar exercises, alone and in their immediate neighborhoods, rather than unnecessarily traveling to other parts of Singapore,” SportSG said.
Safe spacing measures should also be observed and masks should be worn at all times, unless strenuous exercise is done.
(Table: SportSG)
Car parks, convenience stores, and food and beverage outlets in gardens, parks, and nature reserves are closed.
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THE SPIRIT OF MEASURES
The Ministry of Health (MOH) said that while everyone should follow the circuit breaker measures “strictly”, they should also observe “the spirit” of the measures.
People who leave their homes should not do so in groups. “These trips are not intended to be family outings,” said the health ministry.
“We want to minimize the number of people and reduce the possibilities of community transmission.
“We understand that some members of the public will need to be accompanied by a caregiver, for example, frail elderly, disabled, and young children.
“We encourage everyone to adhere to the spirit of the guidelines to minimize movement, complete their tasks, and return home quickly.”
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The stricter measures will be in effect for a two-week period from Tuesday to May 4.
The circuit breaker period will continue for another four weeks until June 1, and the task force can gradually facilitate the measures if there is a “significant decrease” in local transmission numbers.
Remember, it’s not just about adhering to the letter of the law. The spirit of the guidelines is to minimize movement and avoid being out of the community, ”said Lee.
“This is the way to protect yourself, your family and everyone else. So I hope everyone can cooperate and do their part. ”
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