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SINGAPORE – Singaporeans welcomed the move into the next phase of reopening, while remaining realistic that measures to curb the spread of Covid-19, such as wearing masks and travel restrictions, will not be lifted. soon.
In a televised national address on Monday (December 14), Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said that phase 3, which will begin on December 28, would increase the group size allowed for social gatherings from five to eight, and the limits of capacity in public places like shopping malls. , attractions and places of worship.
Teams operating groups and workplaces said this would mark a return to some normalcy.
Senior marketing executive Angele Chan, 25, an avid dancer, said organizing dance rehearsals in phase 2 was challenging, with limits on the number of people in a session.
“I am cautiously excited, excited to hang out in larger groups, but cautious because we are entering the holiday season and the possibility of Covid-19 cases increasing is definitely there,” she said.
Vivien Lai, 58, who works as a supervisor on an initiative to help people embrace digital skills, said the limits of phase 3 would work well for her team.
“Life in phase 2 has been very challenging, especially when it comes to organizing lunch and dinner as a team. We have to divide ourselves into two groups.
“Phase 3 that allows us to meet in groups of eight is good news for my team, as we have eight in a team. Next year we can have team activities outside of the office and we hope to travel at the end of the year.” said. additional.
But while 27-year-old finance industry executive Sarthak Shreya welcomed the further relaxation, he said people should continue to observe security measures during the holiday period to avoid a possible spike in cases.
“Moving to the next phase is a welcome step, but I am concerned that people will congregate during events like New Year’s Eve. I hope everyone takes the government’s advice on wearing masks and social distancing seriously. As for me, I plan to stay over New Years and will restrict my visits to family members only, “he said.
The chairman of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI), Roland Ng, said the SCCCI supports the government’s decision to move to phase 3 reopening.
In a statement to The Straits Times, Mr. Ng said: “Currently, many countries and regions are taking steps to deal with recurring waves of infections and developing vaccination plans. Singapore is an open economy and the government’s top priority. when The treatment of the current situation will focus on three main aspects: the world situation, economic recovery and public health.
“Companies should continue to adapt to the changing environment, emphasize their effort in three main areas: improve entrepreneurial capacity; strengthen collaboration in foreign markets; and seize new opportunities for Singapore-China cooperation, to seize business opportunities as the country it gradually moves towards reopening. “
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