Bubble tea stores, along with other less critical F&B outlets, have been ordered to close temporarily from 11.59pm on Apr. 21.

"Minimally" for a two-week period

The measure is part of the tightened restrictions undertaken to combat Covid-19.

The news came to Singapore residents on Apr. 21, in a press conference by the Covid-19 Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF).

On the same day, the circuit breaker period was extended to June 1, instead of the original May 4.

There might thus be some confusion as to whether these less critical F&B outlets might reopen on May 5, or only on June 2.

According to the Go Business site by the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), the tighter measures will be in place "minimally" for a two-week period.

This means that bubble tea stores will reopen on May 5... for now.

MTF will be monitoring the situation closely to determine when it is appropriate to ease some of the measures.

Here's the full paragraph from Go Business:

"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."

All hawker stalls to remain open

However, stalls at hawker centres, coffee shops, and food courts will remain open in their entirety, as they provide food for the mass public.

This means that dessert and beverage shops in these places will continue operations as well.

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Top image via Playmade and Koi's Facebook page