Minister of Health said that Singaporeans must be prepared because phase 3 could last more than what it’s expected.
People must be prepared for a Phase 3 that could last for a “prolonged period” of a year or more, said Minister for Health Gan Kim Yong on Wednesday.
This is even as the multi-ministry task force tackling Covid-19 has laid out a roadmap that could see the country enter the third phase of its reopening by the end of this year.
Mr. Gan, who co-chairs the task force, said in Parliament that Phase 3 would not be a return to the pre-pandemic status quo. It will instead be a “new normal” that will last until either the rest of the world gets the virus under control, or effective treatment or vaccine is developed.
“In this context, we need to put in place the measures and equip ourselves with the tools which will enable us to stay safe, as we allow greater flexibility to live, work and even celebrate major life events during Phase 3,” he said.
The minister was responding to a question from Tampines GRC Member of Parliament Cheng Li Hui, who had asked about the criteria considered when considering the maximum number of people allowed for events such as weddings.
Such factors include the frequency of such activities, the potential risk of specific types of events as well as whether additional safety measures can be effectively put in place to mitigate these risks, said Mr. Gan.
When did Singapore enter Phase 3?
Singapore slowly entered phase 3 at the beginning of October, when some restaurants and public places were authorized to open their doors to the public.
“There is a lot of effort given to detail about the kind of measures put in place between the phases, but more importantly, it is also about the wider strategies to achieve the best outcomes.”, said Associate Professor Josip Car at the moment.