"Singapore, a 'Model Country for Quarantine,' Implements Late COVID-19 Measures"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-sun] Singapore, which is regarded as a 'model country for quarantine,' has recently implemented strong suppression measures due to a sharp increase in confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to local media on the 12th, Singapore reported 191 new confirmed cases the previous day, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 2,299.

Following 287 cases on the 9th and 198 cases on the 10th, there have been three consecutive days of triple-digit confirmed cases. In response, Lawrence Wong, Minister for National Development, announced the closure of all beaches the previous day.

Minister Wong said on Facebook, "In principle, if 'social distancing' measures are strictly observed, most places can remain open," but added, "Now, stricter measures are necessary."

Additionally, it appears that masks will be required to enter supermarkets, convenience stores, and shopping malls. Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) issued a joint statement the previous night, stating, "Shopping malls and supermarkets have the right to refuse entry to those not wearing masks to protect the health and safety of others." The National Environment Agency (NEA) also announced that those not wearing masks will be denied entry to 40 markets operated by NEA and designated operators. Singapore plans to enforce a policy that prohibits the use of public transportation without wearing a mask.

Minister for Transport, Koh Poh Koon, stated this on Facebook the previous day and recommended that citizens using public transportation collect free masks distributed at community centers by the end of the day.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.