After spending more than two months away from family and friends, the moment we've all been waiting for is finally here. Singapore moves to Phase 2 of its reopening plan on Friday, June 19.
This means that we'll be able to meet up to five people for social activities, dine out at restaurants and hawker centres as well as hit the gym.
But what exactly can we look forward to in Phase 2? Here's everything we know so far.
For more up to date information on current regulations, you can also visit gov.sg.
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Friday, June 19. During the past two weeks of Phase 1, the multi-ministry task force noted that the number of cases has declined and no news clusters have formed. This means that Singapore is ready to enter Phase 2 of its reopening strategy.
Yes! Small-group gatherings of up to five people are allowed. If you're staying home, you're allowed to receive up to five visitors per day. Those who are especially vulnerable, like our seniors, are encouraged to stay home as much as possible.
Do note that you still have to wear a mask whenever you leave your home. People will also need to keep a safe distance of at least 1m from each other.
Dine-in for restaurants, cafés and hawker centres
During Phase 2 restaurants, cafés and hawker centres are allowed to reopen their doors to dine-in customers with safe distancing measures in place. However, each dining party can only contain a maximum of five people. Food and beverage outlets are also not allowed to screen television programmes or videos or have live music during this time. Liquor sales and consumption have to end at 10.30pm.
Here's what industry leaders and restaurateurs have to say about the uncertain future of dining out in Singapore.
Retail
Most businesses are allowed to reopen during phase two including retail shops and department stores in malls. Small shops selling clothing, bric-a-brac and more can also resume operations. However, do expect capacity limits at larger public venues.
Sports facilities and swimming pools
Sports facilities like stadiums, golf courses, bowling centres, fitness studios and swimming pools are able to open to the public with safety and hygiene requirements in place. Similar facilities in condominiums and country clubs are also allowed to reopen.
Home-based services
While home-based food businesses were allowed to resume operations earlier, all home-based services can welcome customers in Phase 2.
Personal health and wellness services
The government has announced that personal health and wellness services are allowed to resume. This includes beauty services, spas, nail salons and massage parlours (including foot reflexology). Other services like laundry as well as pet care and training are also allowed.
Cultural venues like art galleries, museums and libraries
Larger venues can open during a later stage of Phase 2 with safeguards in place. Till then, you can download books online via the NLB Mobile app and check out online exhibitions by local galleries and museums.
Entertainment venues such as bars, nightclubs, karaoke outlets, cinemas, theatres, and other indoor and outdoor attractions
Good news for barflies and culture vultures, the latest roadmap states that entertainment venues like nightclubs and theatres can open during Phase 2. Here's hoping cinemas reopen in time to screen Christopher Nolan's latest film, Tenet, the only Hollywood movie that has not had its premiere postponed.
Till then, here are some ways to stay entertained at home.
Large-scale events like conferences, concerts and exhibitions
We don't expect to be attending concerts anytime soon. The cancellation of the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2020 was also recently announced.
Religious services and congregations
Religious gatherings are also allowed to resume during the later stages of Phase 2 if the necessary precautions are taken. Some religious institutions are open during Phase 1 for private worship.
Over the next couple of months, as restrictions start to be relaxed, everyday life in Singapore will start to go back to normal. But it’s not going to be same. We’ll be keeping you up to date with current rules and restrictions, but we also want everyone to stay safe to avoid a second wave of infection. So, while we encourage you to take full advantage of the new freedoms, for the sake of everyone across the city, please follow these important rules on physical distancing and enhanced hygiene.
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