Singapore extends lockdown until 1 June to curb sharp rise in coronavirus infections

Singapore will extend a partial lockdown until June 1 to curb a sharp rise in coronavirus infections.

Singapore skyline COVID-19

Singapore extends its lockdown after a new spike in COVID-19 cases Source: EPA

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said Singapore will extend a partial lockdown until June 1 to curb a sharp rise in coronavirus infections in the city-state.

The measures, which include the closures of most workplaces and schools and are called a "circuit breaker" by authorities, were initially set to run until May 4.

But the city-state has seen a sharp jump in cases in recent weeks fuelled by infections in cramped migrant worker dormitories, many of which are under government-ordered quarantines.

The city-state reported 1,111 new coronavirus cases on Tuesday, bringing total infections to 9,125, after a record daily jump of 1,426 cases on Monday.

"We will therefore extend the circuit breaker for four more weeks," Mr Lee said in a televised speech.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong speaks during a televised address on the COVID-19 crisis. Source: Singapore Ministry of Communication and Information
Mr Lee said the extended lockdown period would help bring community cases down decisively and make sure infections in migrant dormitories do not spread into the wider community.

"Then, provided we have brought the community numbers down, we can make further adjustments and consider easing some measures," he said.

Singapore's finance minister said at a media conference that the government would extend economic support measures, including wage subsidies, to help businesses offset the impact of the longer lockdown period at a cost of S$3.8 billion.
Singapore Seemed to Have Coronavirus Under Control, Until Cases Doubled
Singapore lockdown extended Source: The New York Times
The World Health Organization's regional chief said on Tuesday that Singapore - which has the highest number of reported cases in Southeast Asia - is facing "very difficult challenges" from a recent surge in infections but has the healthcare system and risk management capacity to handle it.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.

If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.

SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus.


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