Likely no tightening of Covid-19 restrictions for now with cases stabilising: Lawrence Wong

Singapore

THERE may not be a need to further tighten Covid-19 restrictions, as the current measures appear to be effective in controlling the spread of the coronavirus, Finance Minister Lawrence Wong said on Friday.

"For now, we believe that measures are working, they are having an effect in helping us curb the spread of the virus, and therefore, we do not think there is a need for further tightening in our overall posture," said Mr Wong, who also co-chairs Singapore's Covid-19 taskforce.

However, he added that the multi-ministry taskforce is monitoring the situation very closely and will give a fuller update in terms of its assessment of the situation as well as possible next moves during a press briefing scheduled for Monday.

Mr Wong was speaking to reporters during a virtual briefing on the government's S$800 million package to support businesses that have been "significantly affected" by tightened restrictions imposed during Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) between May 16 and June 13.

The funds will be used to co-pay 10 to 50 per cent of local wages at businesses that have had to suspend most, if not all, their activities during this period. This includes gyms, performing arts organisations, retail businesses and museums, among others.

There will also be rental support for qualifying tenants and hawkers, as well as one-off grants for lower- to middle-income employees and self-employed persons who have lost income during that one month.

"Should there be further extension of any of the restrictions beyond that date, and depending on the situation then, we will certainly then have to reassess and consider whether or not some of the measures which I have highlighted can be extended beyond that date," Mr Wong said.

For now though, Mr Wong appears to be cautiously optimistic about Singapore's Covid-19 situation.

"If the virus were to be left on its own, basically, easily by now, you would have an exponential rise, a doubling of cases - we have not experienced that. I think cases have stabilised, even declined slightly, and that's all because of the tightening and because everyone in Singapore is cooperating and doing their part," he said, lauding Singaporeans for their effort in staying vigilant and scaling back their activities.

He added that if this continues, Singapore has a "very good chance" of continuing to bring down the cases and keeping the infection in check.

At the same time, however, Singapore is already planning for a future where Covid-19 becomes endemic, said the minister.

"We are indeed planning for a plausible scenario down the road where scientists around the world perhaps come to the conclusion that it's not going to be possible to eradicate this virus, it's never going to go away, and we then have to learn to live with it," said Mr Wong.

This could mean having "sensible precautions" such as getting vaccinations and follow-up booster jabs as well as improved hygiene standards and ventilation systems. There may be better treatments for the disease too, so that fears surrounding it eventually fade.

Noting that experts are already highlighting this could be potentially how the pandemic may unfold, Mr Wong added: "When will it happen? I really can't say."

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