Singapore Lockdown Begins With Closure of Bars and Entertainment Venues

Singapore Lockdown Begins With Closure of Bars and Entertainment Venues

As the number of imported cases continue to rise, Singapore authorities engage tougher measures in attempt to contain the spread of virus.

A Singapore lockdown of sorts have been introduced to help contain the spread of the novel coronavirus. The government announced on Tuesday (March 24) that all bars and entertainment venues will have to be closed  from Thursday (March 26) 11.59pm, until at least April 30, or later.

With the number of patients at 558 as of Tuesday, the measures are pre-emptive, but are here at a time of real risk, said National Development Minister, Lawrence Wong at a press conference. 

Image credit: someformofhuman Singapore Lockdown

Also Read: Taiwan Is The Happiest Country In Asia, According To Study

Measures on entertainment venues include bars, night clubs, discos, cinemas, theatres and karaoke outlets. Public venues such as retail malls, museums and attractions, may remain open, but there must be measures ensure that the venues will not have more than one person per 16 sq/m of usable space. Those unable to adhere to these requirements must be closed, if not they may face additional penalties. 

Image credit: Stephen Bowler

As the U.K. and the U.S. account for the largest share of imported cases in Singapore so far, Singapore residents returning from these countries must stay in dedicated hotels to serve their 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN). Those who breach the SHN will face fines of less than S$10,000 or jail of less than six months, or both.

Health Minister and co-chair of the Covid-19 Multi-Ministry taskforce, Mr. Gan Kim Yong, said that any Singapore resident or long-term pass holder who leaves Singapore from March 27, disregarding travel advisories, will be charged unsubsidised rates for their inpatient stay at public hospitals, if they are admitted for suspected Covid-19 infection and have onset symptoms within 14 days of returning to Singapore.

They will also not be able to claim from MediShield Life or Integrated Shield Plans for these treatments at public or private hospitals.

Also Read: 14 Virtual Tours For Quarantined Travellers

Additional social distancing measures to take effect until 30th April, but may be extended also include:

  • Cancellation or postponing of all events, regardless of size
  • Limiting gathering outside of work and school to 10 people or fewer
  • Suspension of all centre-based tuition and enrichment classes to reduce the intermingling of students from different schools
  • Suspension of all religious services
  • Having at least one metre between tables and group of diners at F&B outlets

About Author

Natasha Shadeanna
Natasha Shadeanna

Natasha is always on a quest to find a place where it is always spring. Until then, she spends her days reading travel journals, watching travelogues and searching for cheap flights to anywhere around the world. If a bar is playing good music, she’s probably there with a drink in hand.

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