On 24 March, the Multi-Ministry Task Force announced more stricter measures to combat the spread of COVID-19, after a huge spike in cases originating from returning Singaporeans in the community. These measures include the closure of entertainment venues, tuition and enrichment centres and places of worship. Malls, retail establishments and tourist attractions were required to reduce their crowd density in order to stay open. Gatherings of more than 10 people outside of work and school are prohibited.
Initial measures (7 April)
On 3 April, Prime MinisterLee Hsien Loong announced a nationwide partial lockdown, euphemistically known as a circuit breaker, to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Singapore. These measures came after an increase of unlinked cases over the preceding month, as well as the risk of a huge cluster of infections. All non-essential workplaces closed from 7 April, with essential workplaces remaining open. All schools transitioned to home-based learning from 8 April. All food establishments were only allowed to offer take-away, drive-thru and delivery of food. In addition, the wearing of masks were no longer discouraged. These measures would initially lapse on 4 May. On 14 April, Minister for National DevelopmentLawrence Wong made the wearing of masks compulsory when not at home with immediate effect, with fines and prosecution for offenders who refuse to do so.
Tightened measures (21 April)
After discovering that the unknown number of cases was greater than expected, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced on 21 April an extension of the circuit breaker to 1 June. Existing measures were also tightened until 4 May initially, including shrinking the list of essential services, such as closing all close-contact service providers such as hair salons, as well as restricting entry to certain hotspots like wet markets and some essential retail franchises going by the last digit of one's ID number. The Singapore franchise of McDonald's also shut all of its restaurants islandwide, as a response to a number of its employees being infected.
Relaxed measures (2 May)
Some restrictions were relaxed progressively in stages to prepare for the end of the circuit breaker on 1 June. Traditional Chinese medicine shops and essential condo activities were allowed to reopen on 5 May, followed by businesses like home-based bakeries, some food shops, barbers, manufacturing of confectionery, and laundry shops on 12 May. Schools resumed face-to-face lessons for smaller groups in graduating cohorts and those requiring urgent assistance on 19 May. At the same time, the Ministry of Health mandated the use of SafeEntry contact-tracing system at all businesses and services from 12 May, and does not include "transient" locations like the MRT or parks, although people are encouraged to scan to assist in contact-tracing efforts. On 8 May, the MOH announced that all TCM shops are allowed to sell retail products again from 12 May, after receiving feedback from seniors that travelling to TCM medical halls was too far for them.
Post circuit breaker
The economy will reopen in three phases announced on 19 May, namely "Safe Reopening", "Safe Transition" and finally "Safe Nation" ; which will last until an effective treatment or vaccine is found to stop the spread of COVID-19. Phase 1 started on 2 June, with Phase 2 starting on 19 June.
