By Elishya Perera
SINGAPORE (CWBN)_ According to the multi-ministry task force handling Covid-19, Singapore may enter phase three of its reopening by the end of this year, if community cases continue to remain low.
As part of phase three, the size of gatherings outside homes could be increased from five to eight people, while multiple zones of 50 people will be permitted at wedding receptions and venues such as museums and places of worship.
Participants of mass events will have to take an antigen rapid test for Covid-19, and obtain a negative result before admission. According to the Ministry of Health, results of antigen rapid tests could be out within 30 minutes, and will be valid for a 24-hour timeframe. However, such tests may not be as accurate as PCR tests, and therefore, adherence to safe-management measures will still be expected.
However, even as the country enters phase three of its reopening, the nightlife industry, which includes bars, clubs, karaoke lounges and nightclubs, will not be resuming activities, considering the higher risk associated with the industry. “We know these are higher risk settings. The nature of the activities themselves, of such activities, means that you have people socialising in close contact, often in a small enclosed space and risk is very much higher,” education Minister and co-chair of the multi-ministry task force on COVID-19, Lawrence Wong, said.
Singapore has reported more than 57, 900 Coronavirus infections, including 28 deaths. According to the Ministry of Communications and Information, as of yesterday (Oct 20), the number of new cases in the community has increased to 4 in the past week, and the number of unlinked cases in the community has also increased to 2 cases in the past week.
