The Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020 (the "Regulations") were updated on June 1 as the circuit breaker came to an end.

The update extends the validity of the Regulations beyond June 1, and allows for more activity, as Singapore enters Phase One of its reopening from today, June 2.

Safe distancing on public transport not legally required

However, one section of the Regulations remains in force as it was, and was not updated on June 1.

This is section 7 of the Regulations, which requires individuals to keep a distance of at least one metre from others whenever they leave their place of residence.

Section 7 contains clear exceptions however, for those who are:

• In a lift,
• In a vehicle, or
• In public transport-related premises like bus interchanges and MRT stations.

This means that there is no requirement to observe one metre of safe distancing between fellow commuters on trains, buses, or in interchanges.

There will also be no penalties for not observing this rule while on public transport itself, though safe distancing must still be adhered to in all other settings, however.

This is in line with a statement made by transport minister Khaw Boon Wan that "there will be times when safe distancing will not be possible" as public transport usage increases, on June 1, the last day of the circuit breaker period.

Here's how commuters can stay safe even without safe distancing at all times:

And here are some of the key updates that were made to the Regulations:

Regulations extended

The Regulations were initially created to give legal force to circuit breaker measures, and the latest updates extend their application.

Previously, the Regulations were "in force for the period between 7 April 2020 and 1 June 2020 (both dates inclusive)."

After yesterday's updates, the Regulations are "in force starting 7 April 2020".

While the Regulations do not stipulate an end date, the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act, which is the law that authorises the Regulations, remains in force for a year from Apr. 7.

Updates for Phase One of reopening

The Regulations have also been updated to give legal effect to key aspects of the first phase of Singapore's reopening, namely:

• Allowing more businesses to reopen by designating them as "permitted businesses", in place of the previous label, "essential services".
• Allowing for two members of a household to visit their parents or grandparents each day.

Top image by Khaw Boon Wan on Facebook