The government announced today (Apr 3) Singapore's strictest safe distancing measures to date. These will serve as “circuit breakers” to inhibit the spread of Covid-19 in Singapore and will kick in from Apr 7 to May 4.

Among the new regulations: Most workplaces will be closed “except for those necessary to support the daily living needs of the population”. That is, establishments providing “essential services” will be exempt. These include eateries, supermarkets, markets, healthcare, government services, transport, utilities and key banking services. So, is making a new pair of prescription glasses counted as essential? If you need to furnish your new home, are you still able to go out and buy a sofa?

Which are the essential services that will affect your daily lives? We break it down for you.

1. Supermarkets, convenience stores, grocery retailers, wholesale markets, wet markets
2. F&B outlets (including hawker centres, coffee-shops, food courts, restaurants, fast food, and others) but for takeaway and delivery orders only
3. Food caterers, food delivery services
4. Hospitals, primary care services (i.e. polyclinics and private clinics), non-elective and urgent dental services, renal dialysis centres and community care services, TCM (adjuvant therapy for cancer and chronic conditions) and psychological treatments.
5. Public transport, private buses
6. Provision of point-to-point transport services (including Taxis, Private Hire Cars), and key supporting services and suppliers
7. Petrol kiosks
8. Vehicle recovery and repair services – but only for emergency vehicle services, no vehicle grooming
9. Salons and barbers, but only for haircuts
10. Pharmacies
11. Optician services and sale of optical products
12. Laundry services
13. Plumbers, electricians, & locksmiths for emergency household services only
14. Repair of consumer electronics, IT peripherals, and household appliances
15. Vet clinics, limited to emergency and non-elective vet services.
16. Pet supplies stores for provision of animal care, feed and supplies only, no cosmetic/ grooming or leisure activities allowed
17. Hardware stores, limited to sale of building and maintenance-related equipment only.
18. Selected hotels, serviced apartments, dormitories and hostels, including establishments supporting Stay-Home-Notices and government quarantine facilities. However, all on-site recreational facilities in hotels have to be closed, while their F&B facilities may be open only for takeaway and delivery.
19. Funeral-related services

1. Attractions, theme parks, museums, casinos
2. Singapore Pools outlets
3. Sports facilities: Public swimming pools, country clubs, gyms, fitness studios, and recreational facilities in hotels
4. Places of worship
5. Public libraries
6. The suspension of organised sporting programmes and religious services introduced earlier will continue.

Confused? Here's an easy way to remember it. Unless you need to head out for daily necessities, food or medical help, just remember these three words: Stay. At. Home.

More info at https://covid.gobusiness.gov.sg.

Photos: Unsplash