S'pore residents have to continue wearing masks after circuit breaker ends: Lawrence Wong

That's June 1 for now.

Mandy How | May 08, 2020, 06:56 PM

 

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Those living in Singapore will have to continue wearing masks when going out even after the circuit breaker period ends.

This was confirmed by Lawrence Wong, co-chair of Covid-19 Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) in a virtual press conference on May 8.

"The baseline protection will have to remain. Things like safe distancing measures, wearing of masks when you go out, or at work, all of these will remain post-June 1. There's no doubt about that."

The measure stems from the concern that Covid-19 cases may rise again when circuit breaker is lifted, due to a couple possible scenarios, including but not limited to:

  • Hidden cases in the community
  • Cross infection, spilled over from existing non-clusters

Wong added, "So, all the more reason, even as we approach the end of the circuit breaker and decide what the next steps will be, we have to do so cautiously if we want to ease any restrictions."

It became compulsory to wear a mask from the night of Apr. 14, as announced by the MTF.

Those who do not abide by the rule will be liable to a S$300 fine.

Subsequent offences will be subjected to a S$1,000 fine and possible prosecution.

Health minister Gan Kim Yong previously said that the measure will be subject to review, and may "well continue" after the circuit breaker period ends.

Top photo by Roslan Rahman/AFP via Getty Images