Coronavirus: Singapore bans gatherings of more than 10 people, closes bars and cinemas
- Entertainment venues will be shut from Friday until the end of April, with tuition centres also closed and religious services suspended
- In sternest warning yet, authorities say those admitted to public hospitals with Covid-19 after travelling overseas will be charged full rates
Tuition and enrichment centres will also be closed to prevent “the intermingling of students from different schools”, authorities said on Tuesday, while religious services will also be suspended. Those flouting the measures will face action ranging from warnings to having their licences revoked, while they could also face prosecution and a fine of up to S$10,000 (US$7,000) and/or six months in jail.
The 10-person limit on public gatherings includes birthday parties and weddings, and can be enforced by venues hosting the gatherings. Authorities said they hoped Singaporeans would also heed the restriction even for gatherings in private homes.
The new social distancing measure has also raised questions on how political activities can be conducted, given talk of an upcoming election, with national development minister Lawrence Wong saying political parties will have to adjust their activities accordingly.
The island nation’s health authorities on Tuesday sent out their sternest warning yet against overseas travel, after previously issuing several advisories. They said citizens and residents of Singapore would have to pay full treatment costs at public hospitals instead of enjoying the usual subsidised rates if they left the country, returned and were admitted for Covid-19.