On Friday (Apr. 3), the Singapore government announced its most stringent set of measures tackling the Covid-19 pandemic yet.

Likening the measures to a "circuit breaker", the government said that all non-essential businesses would have to implement 100 per cent telecommuting. Those unable to do so would have to shut down.

The measures came into effect on Tuesday, Apr. 7, with schools moving to full home-based learning the next day.

Subdued CBD

At lunchtime on the first day of the circuit breaker, the usually-bustling Raffles Place was far more subdued.

With banking and finance included as a category of businesses deemed essential, it was no surprise to see masked office workers in town.

Most were carrying plastic bags with their takeaway lunches in them.

Eateries only serving delivery and takeaway orders

Under the circuit breaker measures, while food and beverage outlets can remain open, they are only allowed to serve delivery or takeaway orders.

Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre, located right in the middle of the central business district, emphasised the point by removing all its chairs.

Despite many stalls remaining open, customers were sparse at the usually-popular eating spot.

Nearby, Market Street's interim hawker centre, seen as a slightly more affordable location, saw more office workers and a few food delivery riders.

Empty malls and streets

At about 1pm, trains were relatively occupied; most seats were taken with only a few individuals left standing.

It was a stark contrast to Orchard Road, where the streets and shopping malls were almost completely empty.

Most retail outlets were shut, in compliance with circuit breaker measures.

The Multi-Ministry Taskforce handling the Covid-19 pandemic has said that essential stores such as supermarkets, pharmacies, pet supply stores, hardware stores, and convenience stores will remain open.

Addressing the nation last Friday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong urged all Singaporeans to stay at home as much as possible and to only leave the house for essential tasks.

Gatherings should be confined to your household, he said.

"Avoid visiting even your extended families who are not staying with you, especially if they are elderly or vulnerable."

Portrait Mode is a photo essay series documenting the lives and experiences of people and things in Singapore, seen through the lenses of our young photographers at Mothership.

Top image by Andrew Koay

Content that keeps Mothership.sg going

😢😫
This writer got eczema only at 25.

👁️‍🗨️💻
Know someone who experienced cyberbullying?

💥😨
What to do with your PMD during circuit breaker period.

🤭🎮
Do you play games while working from home?

🏠💼
We hate online meetings as much as you do.