S’pore On Its Way To Reopen Economy Before End-June, But No Exact Date Yet: Lawrence Wong

Singapore Planning To Reopen Economy In Phase 2 Before End Of The Month, Says Lawrence Wong

Singapore has been in a partial lockdown for over 2 months now, and residents are getting anxious.

As we religiously keep up to date with daily numbers of community cases, the fluctuating figures are comforting one day, yet disconcerting the next.

Perhaps, one of the biggest questions we all have now is this: Are we on track to enter Phase 2?

National Development Minister Lawrence Wong continues to drop teasers about this, most recently in an interview with Bloomberg.

Yes, we are indeed on our way there, according to the minister. And Singapore is well-placed to reopen the entire economy before end of the month.

We find out what he has to say about this from his 9-minute interview.

Singapore set to reopen economy in Phase 2

In the Bloomberg virtual sit-down on Friday (12 Jun), the news anchor opened with the most burning question in Singaporeans’ minds: Are we set to get to Phase 2?

Minister Wong said based on current assessment of the situation, he thinks Singapore’s condition remains stable, and the infection is under control.

So, we are indeed planning towards Phase 2 reopening before end of the month.

But the catch is that Singapore has to do this safely. And this is done by stepping up testing and tracing regimes so that the outbreak is under control.

Covid-19 is a reset button

Minister Wong also stressed for everyone to understand that the reopening of the economy does not mean we’re going back to life before Covid-19.

The pandemic is like a reset button for all of us and we have to be prepared for major changes.

And this includes embracing new habits and norms like social distancing and better hygiene. You can also expect more adjustments when it comes to leisure and work.

Can’t give Phase 2 exact date

The news anchor then asked another pertinent question: What’s the exact date? Are we looking at 15 Jun or 22 Jun?

Minister Wong chuckled, and said that he can’t give an exact date now as they’re still monitoring the situation.

An update will come by mid-month – which is next week – and only then, will the date be set in stone.

There’s hope for life in Phase 2

If you’ve been wondering whether the government might have changed their minds since they announced the mid-June deadline at the start of the month, hopefully Minister Wong’s latest update gives you a peace of mind.

Like you, we too are looking forward to life after ‘Circuit Breaker’ and Phase 1.

With the start of Phase 2, Singaporeans can expect to see most businesses resuming operations. We’ll soon step out into a world where dining in and social interactions – albeit limited – are possible again.

It’s been a long trudge since 7 Apr. Now, we just have to be a little more patient till we can see most of our friends and loved ones in person again.

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Featured image by MS News.