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SINGAPORE: The long-awaited Phase 3 of Singapore’s reopening will begin on December 28, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced on Monday (December 14).
Social gatherings of up to eight people will be allowed in public, compared to the current five. Also, homes can receive up to eight visitors.
“So eight people can have dinner together or visit someone’s home. This will facilitate family gatherings during the holiday period, ”Lee said in a televised address to the nation.
He added that Singapore will also ease capacity limits in public places such as shopping malls, attractions and places of worship.
“Thanks to your efforts, we are now ready to move on to the next phase,” said Mr. Lee. “Phase 3 will begin in two weeks, on December 28, so we will end the year with good news.”
COVID-19: Social gatherings of up to 8 people are allowed from December 28, reopening of activities in Phase 3
READ: Singapore approves Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, first shipment expected late December: PM Lee
But the Prime Minister urged residents not to let their guard down, as COVID-19 “is probably still quietly circulating within our community.”
“Each of us must do our part. Of course, use the higher limits and reconnect with friends and family, but don’t give up your vigilance and caution mentality, ”said Mr. Lee.
“This is not the time to relax and lower your guard or throw a big party, imagining that the problem is gone.”
Mr. Lee said that moving from Phase 2 to Phase 3 is a “calibrated and careful move,” and the Government is easing restrictions in a controlled manner to keep the COVID-19 situation stable. He urged everyone to continue cooperating with the authorities and to comply with the rules and restrictions in Phase 3.
After emerging from a two-month “circuit breaker” on June 1, authorities said Singapore would reopen in three phases.
Phase 2 began on June 19, and the COVID-19 working group had said in October that Phase 3 could begin before the end of the year.
In full: PM Lee’s speech on the COVID-19 situation
“BATTLE AWAY FROM WON”
In his speech, Mr. Lee warned that “the battle is far from won” around the world, with many countries experiencing a second, third or fourth wave of infections.
Mr. Lee said that international borders remain largely closed, but since trade and travel are the “lifeblood” of Singapore, his only option is to reopen the borders in a controlled and secure manner.
“As we do so, we will see more imported cases and there will be some risk that these cases will spread to the community,” he warned.
Singapore has already had some of these cases, Lee noted, pointing to an infected airport employee who likely came in contact with passengers with COVID-19, as well as a marine worker who contracted the virus after boarding ships for repair and resupply. .
“This is a calculated risk that we have to accept, but the government will take all precautions and will do everything possible to prevent imported cases from causing a new outbreak,” he said.
READ: Singapore reports 5 new COVID-19 cases, all imported
However, Singapore’s situation has improved since March and April, when there were more than 1,000 coronavirus cases a day. Now, most days, there are no cases of local transmission, he said.
Bringing the pandemic under control took “tremendous effort and some good luck,” Lee said, adding that defenses against COVID-19 are now much stronger.
“I am very grateful that the Singaporeans have followed the spirit and not just the letter of the rules. We stuck together, we kept our guard and we did not allow ourselves to become complacent over time, ”he said.
“We can be proud of how far we have come.”
“LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL”
Lee also announced that the first shipment of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is expected to arrive in Singapore by the end of the month, and other COVID-19 vaccines in the coming months.
Everyone who wants to get vaccinated should be able to do so by the end of next year, the Prime Minister said.
READ: Data on Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine ‘Rigorously and Thoroughly Reviewed,’ HSA Says
In concluding his speech, Lee said that Singapore has reacted quickly and comprehensively to the crisis, has gathered resources to solve its problems and has stood firm.
“Our situation is stable now, but only because everyone has worked so hard and sacrificed so much. Now that the vaccines are available, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel, ”he said.
“As vaccines become widespread not only in Singapore, but also in our region and the world, we can hope to resume a more normal life.
“Let us continue to strive in this final stretch, to cross the finish line together and complete our mission to defeat COVID-19.”
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