Singapore implements stricter measures, petchems to continue operating

SINGAPORE (ICIS)–Singapore will implement stricter measures from 7 April which includes closing most workplaces, except for essential services and key economic sectors, following the recent escalation in coronavirus cases, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a televised broadcast on Friday.

Businesses critical to global supply chains – including biopharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and their associated supply chains – will continue to operate, Minister for Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing said separately.

Sectors like construction, which require some time to wind down safely, will be given a short grace period to do so over the next few days, he said.

“This circuit breaker will apply for one month, in the first instance,” Prime Minister Lee said.

“We have decided that instead of tightening incrementally over the next few weeks, we should make a decisive move now, to pre-empt escalating infection,” Lee said.

Food establishments, markets and supermarkets, clinics, hospitals, utilities, transport and key banking services will remain open, as they are considered essential services, he said.

“We also should not disrupt economic sectors that are strategic, or form part of  global supply chain,” Lee said. “People working in these industries can continue to go to work, with safe-distancing measures in place. But most other work premises must close”.

Singapore reported another death due to the coronavirus on Friday, bringing the total to five.

The total number of confirmed cases in Singapore stood at 1,049 as of 2 April.

Singapore reported its highest daily surge of 74 cases on 1 April.

Essential services  not affected:

1. All healthcare and social services

2. Food and related services

3. Energy

4. Water and waste management and environment

5. Transportation and logistics

6. Information and communications

7. Security operations

8. Facilities management and critical public infrastructure

9. Manufacturing activities key to sustenance and security

10. Banking and finance