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Singapore
Face masks should be worn while yusheng is being thrown and the usual auspicious phrases should not be spoken, authorities said when announcing measures ahead of Chinese New Year.
People wearing masks walk down a street in Chinatown, Singapore, on January 5, 2021 (Photo: AFP / Roslan Rahman).
(Updated: )
Marker
SINGAPORE: Homes will only be able to receive a maximum of eight visitors per day from January 26, given the recent increase in community cases of COVID-19 and the potential risk of transmission during the Chinese New Year period.
People should also limit themselves to visiting no more than two homes per day as much as possible, Education Minister Lawrence Wong announced on Friday (January 22).
Speaking at a COVID-19 multi-ministry task force press conference, Mr. Wong said: “We just need to remember what happened last year when we actually saw an increase in cases after the Chinese New Year, and we had many groups linked to the New Chinese Annual Meetings.
“This was last year, we don’t want that to happen again. And that is why we are now taking preventive measures to toughen up some of our measures. “
Currently, up to eight visitors are allowed in each home at a time, with no limit to the number of homes they can visit.
The maximum group size for social gatherings outside the home will remain at eight, for now, the Ministry of Health (MINSA) said in a press release.
“That being said, everyone should keep their social circle small rather than mixing with multiple social groups. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and impose further measures as necessary, ”the Health Ministry said.
READ: Chinatown Traders, Store Owners, and Food Deliverymen to Get Tested for COVID-19 Before Chinese New Year
MEASURES DURING THE REALIZATION OF LOHEI
Those who dine out should avoid talking loudly during the meal. This means that the Chinese New Year tradition of “lohei” should be carried out without verbalizing the usual auspicious phrases, said Mr. Wong, co-chair of the working group.
Face masks must also be worn during the yusheng toss, in accordance with current rules on wearing a mask when diners are not eating or drinking.
Mr. Wong pointed out that singing and other live performances are no longer allowed in food and drink establishments and work-related events where food is served.
The rules in force in F&B establishments will also apply to all reunion dinners, which means that reservations of several tables are not allowed, except for people from the same household, he reiterated.
Nor should there be any mixing between the tables, the Health Ministry said.
READ: COVID-19: Seniors in Ang Mo Kio, Tanjong Pagar to get vaccinated starting Jan 27; National Senior Launch Begins Mid-February
Compliance checks will be intensified in crowded food and drink establishments, shopping malls and other public spaces during this period, and strict enforcement measures will be taken against individuals and business operators who fail to comply with safe management measures, he said. Mr.
“The virus is sweeping around the world, and even in parts of Asia, which have so far managed to control the infection. Many of these places are now seeing new cases emerge, including in Singapore, ”he said, adding that China, Hong Kong and Taiwan are also implementing similar restrictions for the Chinese New Year.
“So let’s be mentally prepared so that the Chinese New Year this year is not the same as before. It will be quieter, it will be more subdued. And we will have to be more disciplined in the way we conduct our daily activities and interactions. “
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