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SINGAPORE: In Phase 3 of Singapore’s COVID-19 reopening, social gatherings of up to eight people may be allowed outside the home, an increase from the current five, Health Minister Gan Kim said on Tuesday (October 20) Yong.
Also, homes can receive up to eight visitors.
“This would allow families with more than five people to come together and enjoy face-to-face time that no amount of virtual interaction can replace,” Gan said at a multi-ministry COVID-19 press conference. workgroup.
Authorities had considered increasing the maximum group size to 10, but found it would be difficult to implement safe distancing measures in public places such as restaurants if 10 people showed up, Gan said.
This would have increased the risk of transmissions, while a group size of eight is “probably more manageable,” he added.
READ: Nightlife industry is ‘higher risk’ environment, activities unlikely to resume even at the beginning of Phase 3: Lawrence Wong
However, he stressed that while residents are looking forward to Phase 3, it will not return to normal.
“We will keep the key measures, but we will see where we can make adjustments to allow further resumption of activities,” said Gan, who is co-chair of the working group.
“But the positive side is that during these few months, we have incorporated many of these good habits into our daily routine and we have adapted our norms and social behaviors,” he added.
In addition to the size of the meetings, the capacity at events such as religious services and wedding receptions could be increased to allow up to 50 people each in multiple zones, depending on the size of the venue. These events are currently limited to hosting up to 100 people, divided into two zones of 50.
READ: COVID-19: Singapore to pilot pre-event rapid tests from mid-October so more events can safely resume
In Phase 3, border control measures can be relaxed along with more travel arrangements with other countries, added Education Minister Lawrence Wong.
Mr. Wong, who is also co-chair of the COVID-19 working group, said that Phase 3 could start before the end of the year.
“When can all these measures be taken? That is the big question and the answer is that it really depends on all of us, because if we work together, cooperate and comply with the requirements and measures, then we can keep community transmission rates low, “he said at a press conference. .
“On the other hand, if we let our guard down and new clusters emerge, then this timeline will have to be delayed and we don’t know when we can resume,” he warned.
Changes in the size limit of social gatherings or the event are not likely to occur at the same time, Gan stressed.
“Some of these measures can be implemented progressively. We can first adjust the size of the group or we can adjust the activities on a larger scale, ”Gan said, urging people not to expect“ a big bang ”when Phase 3 begins.
“It depends on the situation and it also depends on the different drivers we are doing at the moment.”
“Actually, Phase 3 … is a milestone that we are saying that we have now implemented reasonable (security measures) to protect ourselves and we must continue to maintain these safeguards,” he added.
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