Singapore has extended its partial lockdown by four weeks, imposed to contain the spread of the coronavirus. The lockdown will be in effect until June 1, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong conformed on Tuesday.
Under the partial lockdown in Singapore, schools and most workplaces were shut temporarily and citizen were asked to stay home from April 7 till May 4.
Calling lockdown measures a “circuit breaker”, the government has reportedly also assured businesses in the country of stimulus measures, including wage subsidies and rebates in foreign worker levies, in the month of May in order to cope with setbacks during the period. As per reports, the stimulus measures would cost an additional 3.8 billion Singapore dollars.
“I hope you understand that this short-term pain is to stamp out the virus, protect the health and safety of our loved ones, and allow us to revive our economy.” Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a televised address.
Singapore has reported over 9,125 COVID-19 cases and 11 deaths so far. The country’s health ministry confirmed that 1,111 cases were reported on Tuesday alone.
Initially, in February, Singapore reported no more than a dozen cases a day, and it was seen as a success to have contained the spread of the deadly virus. However, a spurt in cases was recorded following the diagnosis of a migrant worker from Bangladesh in the city.
The ministry said that majority of the new cases involved migrant workers living in dormitories which have become the centre of the outbreak in the country. As per reports, Singapore now has the highest number of COVID-19 positive cases in Southeast Asia.
The government has said it is likely that the number of COVID-19 cases will further rise. Till the situation is brought under control, citizens will be asked to adhere to the rules under lockdown, including social distancing and mandatory wearing of masks.
