Barbers, pet stores & other less critical retail services reopening in S'pore on May 5 — for now

Good to know.

Mandy How | April 24, 2020, 10:36 AM

[Update on May 2, 3:57pm: The Covid-19 Multi-Ministry Taskforce has announced in a press conference on May 2 that selected outlets, including barbers and pet supplies stores, will be allowed to resume from May 12.]

Tightened restrictions have been put in place by the Covid-19 Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF).

The measures, which kicked in on Apr. 21 at 11:59pm, directed less critical F&B and retail stores to close.

Some examples of these merchants included bubble tea stores, dessert stores, as well as barbers, salons, and pet supplies stores, referring to those with physical storefronts.

On the same day, it was announced that the circuit breaker period was to be extended for another four weeks until June 1.

If you're confused as to when less critical retail stores will reopen, the Go Business site by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) has a written answer:

"The suspension of on-site operations of specialised stores and outlets retailing predominantly beverages, packaged snacks and desserts, F&B outlets in parks and certain retail outlets will take effect 24 hours after you have received the notification from MTI to wind down business operations completely. These tighter measures will be in place minimally for a two-week period from 21 April 2020 until 4 May 2020 (inclusive). The Multi-Ministry Taskforce will monitor the situation closely and determine when it is appropriate to ease some of the measures."

In other words, the stores will reopen on May 5 for now, although MTF will be monitoring the situation.

Here's the full list of essential services that will remain open.

You can also refer to this summary:

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_RAcZXHrVo/

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Top image via Pet Lovers Centre on Facebook