Economic reopening, changes to F&B dining cap will depend on vaccination rate: Gan

SINGAPORE'S economic reopening - particularly for sectors such as food and beverage services, and hospitality - will depend on the rate of vaccination, said Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, who co-chairs the multi-ministry taskforce on Covid-19, at a press conference on Thursday.

Asked what economic factors the government is considering in determining its reopening timeline, Mr Gan said: "Economic considerations are a key factor as well, but currently our focus is on public health."

There have been restrictions on reopening for a long time, he acknowledged, particularly in construction, due to a lack of skilled workers from overseas. "We need to find a way to allow them to return to Singapore so that projects can proceed," he said.

Export industries are also facing issues in fulfilling orders while having limited access to manpower, he added: "We will need to look at how we can help them to resume their activities."

Domestically, sectors such as F&B, hotels, and tourism are still unable to resume operations fully. Some of these will not be able to open until a high level of vaccination is reached, he said.

F&B services have resumed to some extent and groups of up to five diners are anticipated to be allowed next month. But Mr Gan noted that many operators hope for the cap to be raised to eight persons or even 10 persons, or for the limit to be removed.

"We have to move in that direction. But it all depends on the pace at which we can achieve a high level of vaccination."