Retailers and F&B outlets now allowed to reopen in Phase 2

Many businesses may resume, but activities attracting large crowds are strictly prohibited.

Minister for National Development Lawrence Wong revealed that most activities will be allowed to open once Phase 2 kicks in on 19 June, which includes retail businesses’ physical outlets, he announced in a press conference.

F&B dine-in will be allowed to resume, subject to liquor sales and consumption ceasing at 10:30 pm. However, Wong warned that they will prohibit live music and television and video screenings in F&B outlets at this stage, and F&B dine-in is only permitted in groups of five.

In addition, retail shopping malls may reopen as well, subject to capacity limits. Other services allowed to resume are personal health and wellness and home-based services, registered clubs
and societies can operate at their registered premises and tuition and private enrichment classes.

All other healthcare services, including eldercare services in the community, individual health screening and aesthetic services, may also resume. Face-to-face visitations at residential facilities for the elderly should have precautionary measures in place.

Further, Wong stated that venues that could entice large crowds are still not allowed to operate, such as religious congregations, libraries, museums, conferences, exhibitions, concerts, trade fairs, bars, nightclubs, karaoke outlets, cinemas, theatres and indoor and outdoor attractions.

“At the later date, we will be able to allow these to resume progressively over time – but not at the start of Phase 2, because we still need time to engage all of these businesses and organisations and ensure that the appropriate measures are put in place,” Wong added.

Meanwhile, the government is also preparing for an influx of travellers going back to Singapore. Wong stated that they will implement a new requirement to test all incoming travellers, on top of the Stay-Home Notice (SHN) requirement that is already in place. All new incoming travellers from 18 June will then be subject to tests towards the end of their SHN.

In particular, for travellers entering Singapore from Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Mainland China, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam starting 18 June will be permitted to serve their SHN at their place of residence instead of a dedicated facility.

Lastly, Wong announced that all inbound and outbound travellers who enter or leave Singapore on the same date will be required to pay for their COVID-19 test. Non-Singaporeans who have to serve their SHN in a dedicated facility will also have to pay for the full cost of the SHN facility as well.