Rachel NguAs the COVID-19 virus continues to show no signs of abating, these countries have implemented and extended social distancing measures. Here is a summary:
Singapore: Circuit Breaker extended from 4 May until 1 June
- Essential services remain open, non-essential services to close
- Schools to be closed, home-based learning implemented
- Encouraged to stay home and only go out to buy basic necessities
- Practice social distancing while exercise at parks
- Mandatory use of masks
- Non-compliance of measures will result in fines or imprisonment
Malaysia: Movement Control Order extended from 14 April to 28 April
- Essential services remain open, non-essential services to close
- Mass gatherings are prohibited
- All education institutions are closed, home-based learning implemented, major public examinations are postponed
- Required to stay home and only go out within a certain area for legitimate reasons such as buying basic necessities
- Only one person allowed per car, people leaving the house have to bring along a water/electricity bill to prove where they live
- Non-compliance of measures will result in imprisonment
Philippines: Enhanced Community Quarantine extended from 12 April to 30 April
- Mass gatherings are completely prohibited, all means of public transport is no longer allowed
- All schools in all levels are temporarily prohibited to conduct classes and activities
- Companies advised to implement work from home arrangement
- Only a single person per household can go outside to buy basic necessities
South Korea: Social Distancing Measures extended from 20 April to 5 May
- Compulsory guidelines have eased: government relaxing its recommendation for churches, nightlife establishments, gyms, and private academies to stay closed
Japan: State of Emergency extended from 16 April to 6 May
- Encouraged to limit unnecessary outings and work from home
- Public schools are closed, and many private schools have followed suit; many schools are conducting e-learning
- No strict laws or enforcement mechanisms
India: Lockdown Measures extended from 20 April to 3 May
- Only essential businesses, such as groceries and pharmacies, are allowed to remain open
- City transport services are limited to emergency staff and those with special travel passes
Hong Kong: Social Distancing Measures extended from 23 April until 7 May
- Public gatherings of more than four people banned
- Game centres, gyms, cinemas and other entertainment venues are closed
- Schools have been closed since January, and many people are working from home
Indonesia: Partial Lockdown Measures from 10 April
- Gatherings of more than five people, religious and social events are banned
- Restaurants are limited to online delivery orders and public transport is reduced
- Mandatory use of masks
- Violators face heavy fines and up to a year in jail for breaking the new rules
Also read: From Japan To The Philippines: How Asia’s Travel Industry Is Helping Frontliners!
