Coronavirus: Singapore ‘time to party’ as nightclubs, bars can fully reopen April 19

Negative test supervised by government-approved provider needed before entering venues where you can dance; consumers, businesses energised

Nation won’t tighten rules even if cases begin rising again ‘because healthcare system can cope’, in contrast to stricter situation in Hong Kong

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People dancing at a disco in Singapore before the pandemic. Nightclubs are due to open again on April 19 as the government eases restrictions. File photo: AFP

Published: 6:40pm, 4 Apr 2022

Singapore’s bars, pubs, karaoke establishments, discos and nightclubs will be allowed to fully reopen from April 19 as the city state moves ahead with easing Covid-19 measures.

A negative rapid antigen test supervised by a government-approved test provider is required for patrons before entering nightlife establishments that involve dancing activities, according to a joint statement on Monday from the Ministry of Trade and Industry and Ministry of Home Affairs.

The move to reopen nightlife activities in Singapore comes amid the country’s biggest move yet to relax restrictions since the pandemic began, injecting a fresh jolt of energy to businesses and consumers. Rules for eating out at restaurants, travelling into the country and mask-wearing while outdoors were among the measures that were loosened starting from late March.

People dining at Singapore’s Boat Quay during the pandemic, in September 2021. Photo: Reuters

The country won’t need to tighten Covid-19 rules even if the number of virus cases start to rise again because the healthcare system will be able to cope, The Straits Times reported, citing an interview with Finance Minister Lawrence Wong and Health Minister Ong Ye Kung.

In comparison, Hong Kong’s harsh social distancing restrictions will be eased from April 21 if there is no rebound in virus cases, its government said last month.

In the first phase, gyms, game centres, beauty salons, massage parlours, places of worship and sport venues will be allowed to reopen, although groups will be capped at four people.