Covid-19: Phase 3 Of Nation’s Reopening Could Last A Year Or More, Says Health Minister Gan

TL;DR

• In a statement from Health Minister Gan Kim Yong to the Parliament yesterday, he says that phase three (3) of the nation’s reopening could last a year or longer.
• He also says that, provided that the virus stays under control in the nation, Singapore could look to reopening by the end of the year.
• He says that, it will last until the rest of the world has the virus under tight control or when effective treatments or vaccines are widely available.

Health Minister Gan: Objective in Phase 3 is to Reach a Steady State of Permitted Economic & Social Activities

Although the Covid-19 situation in Singapore is under control, the nation is looking at a longer period of time before phase three (3) of the nation’s reopening can happen. During Parliament, Ms Cheng Li Hui (Tampines GRC) raised several questions concerning what are the deciding factors on the maximum number of people allowed for social events, what measures will be enforced when activities resume on a larger scale, and also what will happen if cases are on the rise again.

Mr Gan responded that group size limits depend on several factors. Several factors include, the frequency of when the activity takes place, the potential risks, as well as whether additional precautionary steps need to be implemented to reduce such risks.

He also mentioned that, “the probability of transmission tends to be higher in social settings…(as) it is natural to lower our guard when we are among family and friends.” He also notes that having meals in a group raises the risk of transmission as masks are removed while consuming food and drinks.

In addition, tons of people go out for meals every day with different groups which further multiplies the risk. Currently, the authorities are considering to increase group size limits from five (5) people to eight (8) people in Phase 3. Mr Gan mentions that before the pandemic, the maximum capacity for a banquet table would be 10-12 people but the new limit of right people would be the maximum is to allow for additional social distancing. He also says that permitting gatherings of a maximum of eight (8) in Phase 3 will strike a balance between maintaining safe distance and permitting larger groups to meet.

Mr Gan also noted that there have been several requests to raise the number of allowed wedding participants. He said that additional measures have been implemented, and that includes keeping guests from socialising beyond groups of five (5) at their tables, plus ensuring the use of SafeEntry and TraceTogether. The Health Minister also said, testing and contact tracing are the two factors to allowing more activities to resume.

Lastly, he said, “Our objective in Phase 3 is to reach a steady state of permitted economic and social activities until an effective vaccine or treatment is widely available.” He adds, “Should there be a spike in cases, we need to respond swiftly and decisively. We cannot rule out the need to reimpose measures or introduce new measures in order to keep the virus under control.”