UPDATE, July 7, 2021:
It's official: larger groups of five people will be allowed to dine in at eateries from next Monday, July 12. At a virtual press conference by the multi-ministry task force on July 7, Finance Minister Lawrence Wong also announced that wedding receptions for up to 250 will be allowed with pre-event testing. Gyms and fitness studios can also conduct indoor sports and exercise classes for up to 50 people.
However, it's not the time to stream into offices just yet. Working from home will remain the default arrangement, though social and recreational gatherings at the workplace will be allowed for up to five people.
If the situation remains stable and at least half of the population has been fully vaccinated, restrictions will be further eased. Those who are fully vaccinated can also expect to face fewer restrictions, such as an increase in social gatherings to eight people. The crowd size could also be doubled to 500 people for events such as cinema screenings, congregational worship, Mice (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) events, live performances, spectator sports and wedding solemnisation - only if everyone is fully vaccinated.
July 6, 2021: Have you missed dining out at your favourite cafes and restaurants with a group of friends? We come bearing good news: you can finally dine in groups of more than two people from next Monday, July 12.
From next Monday, larger groups of five people (up from two) can be expected to be allowed to dine in together. This is part of Singapore's reopening plans after Phase 2 (HA), according to Finance Minister Lawrence Wong on Monday. This move comes about two weeks after Singapore eased restrictions to allow dining-in at eateries in groups of two people and group gatherings of up to five people.
If you need a refresher on the timeline, here's a run-down:
May 16 - Singapore tightened its restrictions on movements and activities until June 13. Unlike the circuit breaker last year when all activities except essential ones were prohibited, this round offered some room for people to socialise and attend gatherings or events but with stricter limits.
June 14 - Singapore eased Covid-19 restrictions. The relaxation of rules took place in two stages following a steady drop in community cases: the first stage saw an increase in group sizes from two to five people, gyms re-opening and an increase in operating capacity limits for attractions, cruises, museums and public libraries.
June 21 - On June 18, it was announced that dining in was set to resume from June 21 as planned – albeit, in smaller groups of two. As part of Singapore's "calibrated approach" to opening, the group limit will then be increased to five from mid-July, barring unforeseen circumstances in the virus situation.
Now that the group limit has finally been increased to five, both the public and those in F&B can finally celebrate a little win. Especially after a rough period for everyone involved, aren't we all relieved that we can finally have a breather?