Home-based food and beverage (F&B) businesses will not be allowed to operate during the enhanced circuit breaker period, at least until May 4.

According to National Development Minister Lawrence Wong, who spoke on the matter on Monday (Apr. 27), this is in service of the overall goal of bringing down the numbers of community Covid-19 cases.

Answering a question from a Berita Harian reporter at a press conference, Wong said the tightening of the rules was necessary, and urged everyone to come together and cooperate during this period.

"There will be some sacrifice, it’s not easy, but we really call on everyone to hunker down during this final stretch at least till 4th May, because we do want to bring community numbers down decisively."

Government going "all out" to bring down infection numbers

Wong acknowledged that there have been "continued decline and moderation in the local transmission numbers" in recent days.

But he added that the government wanted to "go all out" to bring down the numbers.

So, he said, it is "very clear" that the current rules do not allow for home-based F&B businesses.

However, Wong said that if and when the numbers do continue to come down, the government may consider easing up on some of the restrictions, and will inform Singaporeans when they do so.

"So at this stage, I think the rules are clear," he added.

Wong also asked for patience from those operating such businesses, adding:

"We understand that there are groups who are impacted, they would like to do something, we ask for their patience. We ask for everyone's cooperation, as we all work together to make the most of our circuit breaker period."

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Top image via Lawrence Wong on Facebook and mana5280 on Unsplash.