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SINGAPORE: Beginning May 12, all TCM wards will be able to sell products at retail, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said on Friday (May 8).
Currently, only about 130 TCM salons with registered professionals can sell retail products. They were given the green light to do so on May 5, after authorities announced last week the easing of some COVID-19 “breaker” measures.
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READ: ‘Minor adjustments’ to the circuit breaker measures from May 5, acupuncture between services will be allowed
However, Mr. Gan said authorities received comments that some elderly residents have had to travel too far to purchase medications in the MTC lounges they were allowed to operate.
It was a topic raised in Parliament on Monday by Member of Parliament Lee Bee Wah.
Lee questioned why TCM stores had to close during the circuit break, while pharmacies may remain open. He also noted that food outlets were given the go-ahead to reopen on May 12.
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Responding to his concerns, Mr. Gan said in Parliament that the Ministry of Health will review the rules.
“I have asked the Ministry of Health to do a review, and I am happy to share that starting May 12, TCM’s medical salons will be able to sell products at retail,” Mr. Gan announced during a press conference by several ministries on Friday.
“This will provide more comfort, especially for our older adults.”
Gan added that all TCM wards must establish safe distancing measures before reopening their businesses.
READ: “Don’t rush out” after businesses reopen, COVID-19 breaker to gradually relax: Lawrence Wong
The Health Minister also announced Friday that authorities are aiming to screen 16,000 nursing home residents for COVID-19 in the coming weeks, as part of other measures to protect the elderly and prevent the spread of the virus.
The tests have already been completed for 9,000 nursing home employees, with a positive case at the Ren Ci nursing home in Ang Mo Kio.
Check out the full press conference:
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