'Too early' to consider relaxing Covid-19 rules on live music, alcohol consumption: Wong

IT is still "too early" to consider relaxing curbs on higher-risk activities such as live music and the sale of alcohol past 10.30pm, which fall outside the 5 key parameters for safe management measures, but the Covid-19 multi-ministry taskforce is studying this "very carefully", Finance Minister Lawrence Wong said on Friday (Mar 11).

"These are being considered but whether or not it's in the next step or in the subsequent steps, we'll have to make a judgment and it's too early to say for now," Wong, who co-chairs the taskforce, said in response to a question from The Business Times.

The taskforce on Friday announced the resumption of a streamlining of safe management measures (SMM) from Mar 15, which had been delayed from late February as Singapore was in the midst of a growing Omicron wave at that time.

Noting that the Omicron wave has likely peaked on Feb 26, the taskforce told reporters during a briefing that SMMs will now be rationalised into 5 core parameters, which would prepare the Republic for further easing when conditions are right.

"Each one of them, there will be different stages because the next step we can move from (social gatherings of) 5 to another number, but it will not be the final ending point - we may go further beyond that," said Wong, adding that this is likewise the case for masks, capacity limits and workplace requirements.

Besides the 5 key parameters, there are a few other specific settings for higher-risk venues or activities, including food and beverage venues, intermingling across tables, live performances, singing, alcohol consumption at 10.30pm and nightlife activities, he noted.

A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU

Friday, 8.30 am

SGSME

Get updates on Singapore's SME community, along with profiles, news and tips.

Sign Up

"These are very specific and these too will be reviewed as part of our broader easing," said Wong.

Exactly when these settings will be eased, he said, is something the taskforce is studying very carefully, while it keeps a close watch on the healthcare system. He added that the taskforce will provide further details when it is ready.

READ MORE:

• 'Streamlining' of Covid-19 measures from Mar 15 as Omicron wave peaks

• Simplified testing for VTL arrivals from Mar 15; Singapore working with Malaysia on Apr 1 reopening