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After closing for more than two months, retail outlets in Singapore are finally reopening.
Dining in will resume at F&B places as well.
The changes will kick in from Thursday, June 18, 11:59pm onwards.
This resumption of activities is in line with the Multi-Ministry Taskforce's (MTF) announcement of the start of Phase 2 of Singapore's reopening at a virtual press conference on Monday, June 15.
The move comes after an assessment of the Covid-19 situation, which showed that community infection rates have remained generally stable despite the increase in workplace activities in Phase 1, which started on June 2.
Dining in to resume, retail to reopen
After June 18, 11:59pm, Singaporeans can dine in at F&B outlets.
However, liquor sales and consumption are restricted after 10:30pm, and live music and television screenings will not be allowed at any F&B outlet.
The latter, Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong, who is also the co-chair of MTF, said, is to reduce the volume of noise in the environment, which could cause people to speak louder than necessary and spread droplets while eating.
Retail businesses will be able to reopen their physical outlets as well.
Retail outlets were previously closed on Apr. 7 when the circuit breaker was imposed.
Select retail stores such as barbers, pet supplies stores and laundry services were allowed to resume operations on May 12, with the full range of hairdressing services offered on June 2.
Large public venues like malls and standalone retail outlets will thus be reopening fully, but will be subject to capacity limits.
Operators are also required to prevent crowds or long queues from building up inside the venue and within the vicinity of the premises.
Other services and activities to resume
Personal health and wellness services such as facial and spa treatments as well as home-based services can resume.
All other health services such as eldercare services, individual health screenings and aesthetic services can resume, but with safe distancing measures in place.
Face-to-face visits at eldercare facilities like nursing homes, welfare homes, sheltered homes and adult disability homes will be allowed, with precautionary measures implemented.
With the exception of singing or voice training classes, tuition and other private enrichment classes can resume.
Registered clubs and societies will be allowed to operate at registered premises.
You can find the complete list of businesses that will be allowed to operate in Phase 2 here.
Continue wearing masks and maintain safe distancing
Despite the resumption of dine-in services, the government urges everyone in Singapore to exercise caution as the number of community cases are expected to rise in Phase 2.
People should adhere to safe management measures and avoid business or activities such as gatherings of over five people.
People are also expected to continue wearing masks whenever out of the house in Phase 2.
However, Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said that masks can be removed when sitting down to dine in at F&B outlets.
This though, does not mean that "we don't have to wear masks everywhere else," he said.
Individuals in groups of five people or less need not adhere to the one-metre safe distancing rule from each other when dining in at F&B outlets or when attending classes with many individuals coming together for an activity.
One should also continue to practise good personal hygiene and see a doctor immediately when sick.
Using SafeEntry when entering malls, supermarkets or other areas is still to be expected.
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Top photo from Diana Tok / FB