Singapore should be able to ease Covid-19 rules after June 13 if community cases fall further, says PM Lee

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong noted that the number of new cases reported daily has fallen since Singapore went on heightened alert with stricter measures. - The Straits Times/ANN

SINGAPORE, May 31 (The Straits Times/ANN): Singapore should be able to relax restrictions on social gatherings after June 13, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Monday.

This is provided the Covid-19 situation continues to improve and the number of community cases falls further, he added.

In a speech broadcast live to the nation, the Prime Minister noted that the number of new cases reported daily has fallen since Singapore went on heightened alert with stricter measures to combat the spread of the virus.

"Because of your support, the number of daily cases has come down," Mr Lee said. "Barring another superspreader or big cluster, we should be on track to bring this outbreak under control."

The country will know for sure in another week or so, he added, urging Singaporeans to keep up their efforts and stay vigilant.

This means working from home if possible and going out only when necessary, he said. "Most importantly, if you feel unwell, see a doctor immediately - even if you have been vaccinated."

Since May 16, people have been allowed out in only groups of two and dining in eateries has been prohibited as the country tightened Covid-19 restrictions to stamp out a worrying surge of cases in the community.

The rules were tightened after new clusters of infection were found - notably, at Tan Tock Seng Hospital and at Changi Airport - along with a rise in unlinked cases, implying community spread. - The Straits Times/ANN