Everything About Phase Two, The Real ‘Exit’ From Circuit Breaker

Until a few days ago, the end of the circuit breaker evoked idyllic images of Singaporeans joining hands with their friends and dancing happily in a field while drinking bubble tea under the glorious Sun.

But this is now a distant dream.

On 19 May, the authorities announced that the circuit breaker measures will gradually be eased in three phases, with Phase 1 commencing on 2 June.

Even after the circuit breaker ends, social gatherings will not be allowed, dining in will not be allowed, and bubble tea shops will remain closed.

So, what can you do? Well, you can visit your family.

Reader: But what if I like bubble tea more than my family?

Well, then you’re a Singaporean. But it’s still not allowed.

This means that Phase 2 will be the ‘real’ exit from the circuit breaker, unless the authorities later announce that Phase 2 will also have three phases: 2A, 2B, and 2C.

Wondering what Phase 2 will look like? Well, it’ll certainly look a lot better than Phase 1, that’s for sure.

Follow us on Telegram for more informative & easy-to-read articles, or download the Goody Feed app for articles you can’t find on Facebook!

Everything About Phase Two, The Real ‘Exit’ From Circuit Breaker

Phase 2 is known as the “Safe Transition” period, as there will be a broader reopening of social and economic activities.

Image: MOH

Phase 1 is expected to last four weeks, or possibly longer, while Phase 2 will likely be implemented for a few months.

If community transmission rates remain low and stable and the dormitory infection rates are under control, the country will move into Phase 2, where more activities will be resumed.

You’ll finally be able to visit your friends, as social activities will be permitted in small groups.

More firms and businesses, starting with F&B dine-in and retail outlets, gyms and fitness studios, and tuition and enrichment centres, will gradually be allowed to reopen if they can maintain a safe environment for their customers, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said.

Reader: Thank goodness. I’ve not been to the gym this whole time because of the government.

You’ve not been to the gym for the last ten years.

Reader: Why do you always point out my flaws?

Dining will be also allowed in Phase 2, so you can finally eat your Chendol at the coffee shop without getting a $300 fine.

Does this mean that we can have bubble tea again in Phase 2? Only the authorities can answer that one. But since dining in will be allowed, it seems likely that bubble tea shops will reopen.

Image: Giphy

As previously mentioned, more businesses will reopen, but employers should ensure that those who can telecommute continue to do so.

The authorities also hope to have all students return to school and increase the number of students back on IHL campuses at any one time for face-to-face learning, but this depends on the situation.

The aim of Phase 2 is to prepare the country to enter its third phase called “safe nation”, which will be our “new normal” until a vaccine is found.

Safe Commuting On Public Transport

Since the lifting of circuit breaker measures means more commuters on public transport, businesses will be required to stagger their working hours to minimise travel during peak periods.

Maintaining physical distancing between commuters will still be difficult, however, especially during peak periods.

Commuters can play their part by wearing masks, refraining from talking, and maintaining good personal hygiene.

Singapore will also gradually reopen its borders for essential travel, but this will be carried out separately from the three phases.

Despite all the restrictions that will stay in place after the circuit breaker ends, things are starting to look up.

Yet only when we can drink bubble tea with our friends after watching a movie at the cinema will we truly feel like things are back to normal.

To stay in the loop about news in Singapore, you might want to subscribe to our YouTube channel whereby we’d update you about what’s happening here daily: