Coronavirus: Most workplaces to close, schools will move to full home-based learning from next week, says PM Lee - The Straits Times
Except for key economic sectors and essential services, all other work premises will close.
PM Lee also said the Government would no longer discourage people from wearing face masks, in what he described as a re-think on the issue.Previously, the Government encouraged only those who were unwell to wear face masks, if for instance they left home to see a doctor.But with signs that the virus is spreading in the community, wearing a mask "may help to protect others", if the wearer was asymptomatic, he said, adding that the Government will distribute reusable face masks to all households from this Sunday (April 5).Singapore has been ramping up measures gradually to contain the Covid-19 outbreak, since the first confirmed case was announced here on Jan 23.Two weeks after the 66-year-old tourist from Wuhan tested positive - and with four of the 33 cases at that point found without any known links to travel of previous cases - the Government raised its disease outbreak response level from code yellow to orange.The World Health Organisation declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic more than a month later, on March 11.Measures to minimise the risk of local spread were similarly tightened in phases.As Singapore started experiencing a second wave, driven by a spike in the number of imported cases, more venues were asked to suspend operations.On March 24, entertainment venues like bars and cinemas were ordered shut and tuition classes were cancelled. Strict safety distancing precautions were also imposed on places like restaurants and malls that were allowed to stay open, including having patrons sit or queue at least 1m apart.Singapore had its first two deaths on March 21. To date, there are a total of 1,114 cases and five deaths. A total of 249 patients had recovered as of Thursday.On Friday, PM Lee said he decided to address the nation to explain the necessity of the latest measures, and also to give the reassurance that things will be alright.Singapore has enough food supplies to last through this period and beyond, and people can still shop at the supermarket or wet market, he added. "You need not rush to stock up for weeks at a time."Acknowledging the severe impact the measures would have on workers and businesses, PM Lee said Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat will on Monday (April 6) announce additional support for households and businesses in Parliament, "over and above what was provided in the two earlier Budgets".The next few weeks will be pivotal, he stressed, noting that the number of cases will quite likely still go up in the next few days."But if we keep our efforts up, within a few weeks we should be able to bring the numbers down, and get into a more sustainable position," he said."It will be a long fight. But if any country can see this through, it is Singapore. We have the resources. We have the determination. We are united. By helping one another through this, we will prevail, and emerge stronger."See more onLee Hsien Loong
