UPDATE, June 18: Dining in is set to resume from June 21 as planned. However, there's a caveat: only groups of two people can dine in instead of five as previously announced, said Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong on Friday. Can you go on a date with bae at one of the romantic restaurants in town? Yes. What about have an intimate birthday dinner with three of your closest friends? Unfortunately, not yet. However, families from the same household can eat out at multiple tables.
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.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) also said that wedding receptions will remain prohibited until mid-July, as these are higher-risk activities that involve intermingling. But gyms and fitness studios can resume indoor mask-off sports and exercise activities in group sizes of up to two people from next Monday, in classes of up to 30 people. But everyone will have to ensure that there's safe distancing of at least 2m between individuals and 3m between groups.
We may have been excited to be able to hang out with our friends again outside – but this is a small sacrifice to make to ensure that the Covid-19 situation in Singapore remains under control.
June 10: Here's good news amidst the crazy events that have been taking over social media lately: Singapore is finally easing Covid-19 restrictions come June 14. The relaxation of rules will take place in two stages following a steady drop in community cases. The first stage will see 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.
Group sizes increased to 5
From June 14, caps on social gatherings will be raised to five. Similarly, five distinct visitors per household daily will be allowed – up from the current count of two. Soon, you can finally have small gatherings at home again without worrying about leaving anyone out. Say goodbye to FOMO.
Additionally, groups of up to five per room will also be allowed for hotel stays – up from the current two pax limit. Everyone is also advised to limit the number of social gatherings to no more than two a day.
Besides increasing the size of social gatherings, the first step of Singapore's reopening on June 14 will also see an increase in capacity limits for attractions, cruises, museums and public libraries – up from 25 per cent to 50 per cent. Events such as movie screenings, live performances, worship services and marriage solemnisation will also see an increase in size limits. Pre-event testing will be required for events with more than 50 attendees.
Dining in from June 21
But before you book a spot at your favourite restaurants for next week, hold your horses. We may only be able to dine in at food and beverage outlets a week later, from June 21. This is if the situation remains under control. Dining establishments will have to make sure patrons observe at least 1m safe distancing between groups of diners of no more than five people, said MOH in a media release.
According to the co-chair of the Covid-19 multi-ministry task force Gan Kim Yong, the government wants to make sure the situation is stable before allowing dining-in to resume. “Dining is considered a high-risk activity because masks are off,” he said during a press conference.
Gyms and fitness studios to reopen
According to MOH, gyms and fitness studios may resume indoor mask-off sports activities – with safe distancing of at least 2m between people and at least 3m between groups of up to five people. Indoor and outdoor sports classes will be capped at 30 people – including the instructor – and in groups of five.
Vaccination appointments for Singaporean citizens aged 12 to 39
Finally, Singaporeans aged 12 to 39 can also book vaccination appointments online from Friday, 11 June.