Group size cap for social gatherings to double from five to 10 in S’pore from March 29

Gatherings in groups of up to 10 people will be allowed with effect from next Tuesday (29 Mar), said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

While Singapore previously had a “zero Covid” strategy, it has now changed to a “living with Covid” strategy. Alongside increased group sizes, 75 per cent of employees who can work from home can return to workplaces.

Reasons cited for this change include Singapore’s high vaccination rates, the subsiding Omicron wave, and the need to ensure that the healthcare system does not take on an impossible burden.

Co-chair of the multi-ministry taskforce Gan Kim Yong also stated that the Home Recovery Program (HRP) will also be the default for people aged 5-49 years old and vaccinated persons from 50-79 years old. The HRP will also be expanded to children aged 1-4 years old as long as they are assessed to be suitable.

Testing protocols have also been updated, with PCR tests to be administered only to symptomatic cases, in an attempt to prioritise those who need medical attention.

Gan also encouraged everyone to make self-testing a way of life, suggesting that it is Singaporeans’ personal and social responsibility to minimise transmissions in the community.

In support of this, the Ministry of Health will also conduct another round of distributing Antigen Rapid Test kits to households.

Featured Image Credit: MCI