What's the government response timeline for Singapore?

Singapore informs its doctors about pneumonia-like symptoms, advises them to isolate and test patients for the new coronavirus if they have a travel history to Wuhan. First documented test on January 4, although policy is in place since Jan 2, hence coded as such; https://www.moh.gov.sg/images/librariesprovider5/press-room/featured-articles/suntimes-2-feb-2020-pb4---singapore-well-prepared-to-fight-the-wuhan-virus.png

In update to public, Singapore MOH lays out strategy once case is confirmed:"Once a case is confirmed, contact tracing will be initiated, and we will implement strict isolation, quarantine, and infection control and prevention measures to prevent further transmission." Since this is clear indication of a contract tracing policy in place, coded as start date; https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/moh-steps-up-precautionary-measures-in-response-to-increase-in-cases-of-novel-coronavirus-pneumonia-in-wuhan

Singapore expands definition of "suspect cases" to individuals showing pneumonia-like symptoms and a travel history anywhere in China; https://www.moh.gov.sg/images/librariesprovider5/press-room/featured-articles/suntimes-2-feb-2020-pb4---singapore-well-prepared-to-fight-the-wuhan-virus.png

"Since the onset of COVID-19, we have stepped up support for low-income households. MSF's Social Service Offices (SSOs) have proactively reached out to more than 6,400 Singaporeans who may be in need of ComCare assistance or other forms of support, as a result of being quarantined or directed to stay at home. Our outreach includes checking in with over 360 current or former ComCare clients who are under quarantine or Stay-Home Notice, to see if they require any assistance." Link: https://www.msf.gov.sg/media-room/Pages/More-Support-for-Lower--to-Middle-Income-Singaporeans-Affected-by-COVID-19-Situation.aspx COVID-19 (start date): "Singapore had its first case of the new coronavirus very early on. It was a Chinese tourist who arrived from Wuhan on 23 January, the same day the virus epicentre was put into a total lockdown." Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-52232147

Government lays out new testing policy, expanding testing anyone with a travel history from Wuhan (since 2 Jan) / China (since 22 Jan) as well as testing "samples from our influenza surveillance systems and hospitalised pneumonia cases for novel coronavirus to pick up unlinked cases." In other words, the government also now tests all symptomatic cases for nCoV; https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/ministerial-statement-on-whole-of-government-response-to-the-2019-novel-coronavirus-(2019-ncov)

Contact tracing is iniated for first case; https://www.moh.gov.sg/images/librariesprovider5/press-room/featured-articles/suntimes-2-feb-2020-pb4---singapore-well-prepared-to-fight-the-wuhan-virus.png; https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/singapores-strategy-in-fighting-covid-19 https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/ministerial-statement-on-whole-of-government-response-to-the-2019-novel-coronavirus-(2019-ncov)

Singapore tests anyone eligible, not have to be symptomatic. https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/ministerial-statement-on-whole-of-government-response-to-the-2019-novel-coronavirus-(2019-ncov)

we only quarantine the close contacts of confirmed cases. https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/ministerial-statement-on-whole-of-government-response-to-the-2019-novel-coronavirus-(2019-ncov)

Ministry of health advises event organisers to cancel or defer non-essential large-scale events due to risk indicator increasing from risk assessment from DORSCON Yellow to DORSCON Orange; https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider5/default-document-library/advisory-for-large-scale-events-amidst-the-novel-coronavirus-situation-(8-feb-2020)93cc0bb1c8964f7a8a97d3202056bcdd.pdf

we only quarantine the close contacts of confirmed cases. https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/ministerial-statement-on-whole-of-government-response-to-the-2019-novel-coronavirus-(2019-ncov)

Advised telecocmmuting and staggered workhours https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/health/coronavirus-employers-advised-to-stagger-work-timings-let-employees-commute-at-off

All ticketed cultural, sports and entertainment events, with 250 participants or more, are to be deferred or cancelled.; https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Overseas-Mission/Berlin/Announcement/MOH-Press-Release---13-March-2020

Singapore government recommends all other mass gatherings including private functions a limit of 250 participants. Arguably, this could be coded as 0 given that it is a recommendation on the face of it. Given the nature of SGP's governing structure, I choose to code it as 2G; https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Overseas-Mission/Berlin/Announcement/MOH-Press-Release---13-March-2020

No short term travel or connection flights (passing through) allowed. /web/20200406120930/ https://www.gov.sg/article/covid-19-travel-restrictions-for-foreign-visitors-entering-singapore

Government website which is updated very regularly. https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/past-updates Also using websites which track how busy malls are: https://www.spaceout.gov.sg/

Singapore will ban gatherings of more than 10 people outside work and school – and shut bars, cinemas and other entertainment venues – from Friday until the end of April, as it ramps up social distancing measures to stem the spread of the coronavirus. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3076783/coronavirus-singapore-bans-gatherings-more-10-people

Singapore will ban gatherings of more than 10 people outside work and school from Friday until the end of April, as it ramps up social distancing measures to stem the spread of the coronavirus. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3076783/coronavirus-singapore-bans-gatherings-more-10-people

"Temporary Relief Fund to provide immediate financial assistance The Temporary Relief Fund provides immediate financial assistance to lower- to middle-income Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents who have lost their jobs or faced an income loss of at least 30 per cent due to COVID-19, and require urgent help with basic living expenses. Eligible applicants will receive one-off cash assistance of $500. The Temporary Relief Fund will be open for applications at all SSOs and Community Centres (CCs) from 1 to 30 April 2020." Link: https://www.msf.gov.sg/media-room/Pages/More-Support-for-Lower--to-Middle-Income-Singaporeans-Affected-by-COVID-19-Situation.aspx

Starting from 8 April 2020, all primary, secondary, Pre-University and IHL students, including students from Special Education (SPED) schools, will shift to full Home-Based Learning (HBL) till 4 May 2020 https://www.moe.gov.sg/news/press-releases/schools-and-institutes-of-higher-learning-to-shift-to-full-home-based-learning-preschools-and-student-care-centres-to-suspend-general-services

PM Lee Hsien Loong asks all residents to "stay at home, as much as possible" in address to the nation; https://www.pmo.gov.sg/Newsroom/PM-Lee-Hsien-Loong-on-the-COVID19-situation-in-Singapore-on-3-April-2020

PM Lee Hsien Loong asks all residents to "stay at home, as much as possible" and to only go out for essentials in address to the nation; Since SGP is a city-state, this is both C6 and C7 (recommending internal movement outside the vicinity of the respective resident's home (since non-essential), this is coded as 1G; https://www.pmo.gov.sg/Newsroom/PM-Lee-Hsien-Loong-on-the-COVID19-situation-in-Singapore-on-3-April-2020

"They have now recovered, but it could have been much worse if Singapore didn't have a sophisticated and extensive contact tracing programme, which follows the chain of the virus from one person to the next, identifying and isolating those people - and all their close contacts - before they can spread the virus further." https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-51866102 we only quarantine the close contacts of confirmed cases. https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/ministerial-statement-on-whole-of-government-response-to-the-2019-novel-coronavirus-(2019-ncov)

Quotation: "The Courage Fund will help (i) dependents of those who succumb to the virus (ii) healthcare workers, frontline workers and community volunteers who contract the virus in the course of duty, and (iii) lower-income families experiencing financial difficulties as a result of their family member(s) contracting the virus, or having to serve Quarantine Orders, Stay-Home Notices or mandatory Leave of Absence (LOA). Application details will be available on NCSS website by end-March, and eligible lower-income households can also apply at the SSOs from 6 April 2020." Link: https://www.msf.gov.sg/media-room/Pages/More-Support-for-Lower--to-Middle-Income-Singaporeans-Affected-by-COVID-19-Situation.aspx Link: https://www.ncss.gov.sg/thecouragefund Note: Relief payments vary depending upon household income and per capita calculations; therefore, it could be less than or greater than lost income.

Quote: “We are implementing significantly stricter measures,” Lee said. “From coming Tuesday, we will also close most of the workplaces to limit physical interactions but essential services will continue to work as usual" Link: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/covid-19-singapore-closes-schools-most-workplaces-/1790994 Quote (21 April): "We will also close more workplaces, so that only the most essential services will remain open." Link: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/in-full-pm-lees-address-to-singapore-on-extending-circuit-breaker-period-to-june-1

From 8 April 2020 to 4 May 2020, schools and institutes of higher learning will shift to full home-based learning, while preschool and student care centres will suspend services. Private education institutions should also move to home-based learning, or suspend classes otherwise. https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/circuit-breaker-to-minimise-further-spread-of-covid-19

Except for special circumstances, a person must not meet another individual not living in the same place of residence for any social purpose (Art. 6 of COVID-19 (TEMPORARY MEASURES) ACT 2020 - Prohibition on social gatherings); https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider5/pressroom/press-releases/annex-for-notification-8-apr-2020.pdf

comes into force on 8 April 2020. (2) Subject to paragraph (3), every individual must stay at or in, and not leave, his or her ordinary place of residence in Singapore. (3) An individual may leave the individual’s ordinary place of residence only https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider5/pressroom/press-releases/annex-for-notification-8-apr-2020.pdf

every individual must stay at or in, and not leave, his or her ordinary place of residence in Singapore. Except for special circumstances, a person must not meet another individual not living in the same place of residence for any social purpose. Since SGP is a city-state, this is both C6 and C7 , this is coded as 2G; https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider5/pressroom/press-releases/annex-for-notification-8-apr-2020.pdf

Lockdown extended to May https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/21/singapore-coronavirus-outbreak-surges-with-3000-new-cases-in-three-days

Lockdown extended to May https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/21/singapore-coronavirus-outbreak-surges-with-3000-new-cases-in-three-days

Social distancing measure stickers telling people where to stand have been put into place, but no closures. Thermal scanners will also be deployed at selected MRT stations to provide an additional layer of screening before commuters enter the public transport network. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/coronavirus-safe-distancing-measures-to-be-rolled-out-across-public-transport

Changi Airport Closed

Government keeping people well informed

Government go around and test people. As of March 20, Singapore had conducted 38,000 tests, or about 6,800 examinations per million population, the health ministry said. That rate outpaced South Korea, the region’s poster child for fast and expansive testing, which had administered about 6,100 tests per million population in the same time frame. No point archiving because of paywall: https://www.ft.com/content/ca4e0db0-6aaa-11ea-800d-da70cff6e4d3 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/21/singapore-coronavirus-outbreak-surges-with-3000-new-cases-in-three-days

Rigerous contact tracing is being attempted, but has been more lax recently, which has been blamed for the increase in cases during this period https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/21/singapore-coronavirus-outbreak-surges-with-3000-new-cases-in-three-days

Quote: "The government of Singapore has announced that from 09 April 2020, 11:59pm any traveler permitted entry into Singapore returning from anywhere abroad must serve their 14-day SHN at a dedicated government facility instead of their own places of residence." Link: https://sg.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/

Public transport ridership and traffic volume have dropped by more than 70%. https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/continued-stringent-implementation-enforcement-of-circuit-breaker-measures

Quote: Students across all levels, from primary school to universities, including those in special education schools, will shift to full home-based learning until May 4, the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) said in a joint press release. Link: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/schools-to-close-apr-8-ong-ye-kung-covid19-coronavirus-12606672

Quote: People who are unwell should not use public transport, Mr Khaw (Singapore's Transport Minister) said. Link: https://www.msn.com/en-sg/news/singapore/netizen-to-khaw-boon-wan-govt-officials-should-show-their-solidarity-with-us-by-taking-the-mrt-or-buses/ar-BB11C89i Quote: Public transport and transport services like private-hire cars and taxis will continue to operate. Link: https://www.gov.sg/article/covid-19-circuit-breaker-heightened-safe-distancing-measures-to-reduce-movement

Updates on the COVID-19 situation in Singapore (Link): https://www.gov.sg/features/covid-19 (including misinformation, helpline, and all information related to COVID-19) Gov.sg launches new channels to keep the public informed about COVID-19 (Link): https://www.mci.gov.sg/pressroom/news-and-stories/pressroom/2020/4/gov-sg-launches-new-channels-to-keep-the-public-informed-about-covid-19

"The Act covers contracts for rentals in the industrial and commercial sectors, construction and supply contracts, as well as certain secured loan facilities granted by a bank or a finance company to small and medium-sized enterprises. Contracts for events such as weddings or conferences, as well as in tourism, such as cruise and hotel bookings, are also covered." Link: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/how-to-seek-contractual-relief-for-yourself-or-your-business-under-the-covid-19-temporary

Quote: ""We are asking the various companies to put in place the various measures and they will start to prepare now...As soon as they are ready by 12 May, they can resume work," Minister of Trade and Industry Chan Chun Sing said at a virtual press conference on Sunday." "We will not be able to open some of the social entertainment outlets, but we are focused on our manufacturing capacities and production capabilities," he said. Link: https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/05/bf158de5d991-singapore-to-ease-lockdown-let-businesses-reopen-from-may-12.html

"Testing is also currently used in a targeted way to monitor and protect vulnerable groups such as our seniors, healthcare workers and frontline officers managing COVID-19 cases." While this testing policy is far above "anyone symptomatic," it does not qualify for "generally available to all," hence coding at 2 is retained, but should be reviewed in future iterations; https://www.moh.gov.sg/licensing-and-regulation/regulations-guidelines-and-circulars/details/co-ordination-of-testing-resources-for-coronavirus-disease-2019-(covid-19)

In addition to a mandatory 14-day quarantine for returnees, there are additional restrictions on international travel. Work pass holders and people with long-term residency permits 'from any country must obtain permission for entry from the relevant agency before they commence their journey.' 'All short-term visitors will not be allowed to enter or transit through Singapore'; if there are extenuating reasons, permission must be applied for behorehand, and the 14-day quarantine must be observed after entry. https://www.ica.gov.sg/covid-19

The current policy line is that schools will open in phases from June 2, the day after the the 'Circuit Breaker' policy ends, with partial online teaching. Further changes will depend on the development of the epidemic. http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/spore-schools-to-open-june-2-with-most-alternating-weekly-between-online

circuit breaker period ends on 1st June https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/stay-vigilant-pm-lee-urges-as-circuit-breaker-period-ends

circuit breaker period ends on 1st June https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/stay-vigilant-pm-lee-urges-as-circuit-breaker-period-ends

circuit breaker period ends on 1st June https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/stay-vigilant-pm-lee-urges-as-circuit-breaker-period-ends

circuit breaker period ends on 1st June https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/stay-vigilant-pm-lee-urges-as-circuit-breaker-period-ends

circuit breaker period ends on 1st June https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/stay-vigilant-pm-lee-urges-as-circuit-breaker-period-ends

circuit breaker period ends on 1st June https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/stay-vigilant-pm-lee-urges-as-circuit-breaker-period-ends

circuit breaker period ends on 1st June https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/stay-vigilant-pm-lee-urges-as-circuit-breaker-period-ends

circuit breaker period ends on 1st June https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/stay-vigilant-pm-lee-urges-as-circuit-breaker-period-ends

On 26 May, the government announced the Fortitude Budget. The Job Support Scheme (JSS) will be extended for 1 more month to cover wages in August 2020. For firms that cannot resume operations immediately after the circuit breaker, the Government will continue to provide wage support at 75% until August 2020, or when they are allowed to re-open (whichever is earlier). There will also be increased support for some affected sectors (eg. aerospace sector, retail, marine and offshore) - an increase from the previous 25% to either 50% or 75%. Link: https://www.gov.sg/article/a-summary-of-the-fortitude-budget-2020

Preschools will gradually re-open by levels from 2 Jun, with full resumption by 10 Jun, so that young children can be cared for safely while their parents return to work. K1 and K2 children will return to school from 2 Jun. N1 and N2 children may return from 8 Jun. Infact Care and Playgroup children may return from 10 Jun. Students from graduating cohorts will attend school daily, while other cohorts will rotate weekly, alternating between Home-Based Learning (HBL) and returning to school for lessons. Schools will fully re-open fin the end of June. https://www.gov.sg/article/safe-re-opening-how-singapore-will-resume-activities-after-the-circuit-breaker https://www.gov.sg/article/post-circuit-breaker-when-can-we-move-on-to-phases-2-and-3

Safe Re-opening is the first of the 3 phases of the end of the circut breaker period. It started on 2 June. Economic activities that do not pose a high risk of transmission resumed, but social, economic and entertainment activities that carry higher risk are still closed. https://www.gov.sg/article/safe-re-opening-how-singapore-will-resume-activities-after-the-circuit-breaker https://www.gov.sg/article/post-circuit-breaker-when-can-we-move-on-to-phases-2-and-3

Marriages solemnisations involving up to 10 persons is allowed to take place in-person again. Places of worship can re-open for private worship, i.e. with up to 5 members of the same household praying together at any one time. Families can continue to gather for wakes and funerals, with no more than 10 persons at any one time. https://www.gov.sg/article/safe-re-opening-how-singapore-will-resume-activities-after-the-circuit-breaker

Everyone should continue to leave home only for essential activities. https://www.gov.sg/article/safe-re-opening-how-singapore-will-resume-activities-after-the-circuit-breaker

Arrivals from anywhere in the world entering Singapore will be required to serve a 14 day period isolated in a hotel room or similar accommodation provided by the Singapore government. https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/singapore/entry-requirements

From June 19, Singapore has entered Phase Two of its COVID19 policy, and most sectors are now open with special safety measures in place, including dine-in restaurants and retail outlets. Businesses are still required to offer the option for remote work by default, wherever possible. Businesses that fail to comply with the necessary safety measures may be obliged to close. Link: https://www.gov.sg/article/moving-into-phase-2-what-activities-can-resume

From 19 June, Singapore has moved into Phase 2 but large-scale events and venues, such as conferences, exhibitions, concerts and trade fairs are not allowed to resume yet. Link: https://www.gov.sg/article/moving-into-phase-2-what-activities-can-resume

From 19 June, Singapore has moved to Phase 2, where only small-group social gatherings of up to any five persons can resume. Within the home, households may receive up to five visitors at any one time. Link: https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/moving-into-phase-two-of-re-opening

Phase Two of Singapore's Circuit Breaker policy, which began on June 19, does not include any recommendations to close public transport. https://archive.vn/qVq8N

People are encouraged to work from home wherever possible, and social distancing measures must be complied with, but there are no curfews or requirements in place. https://archive.vn/qVq8N

From June 19, Singapore has entered Phase Two of its COVID19 policy, where most sectors of the economy and most schools have reopened and public transport is operating. In a small city-state like Singapore, this effectively means internal movement is no longer restricted. https://archive.vn/qVq8N

No new policy identified

No New Policy identified

No new policy identified.

Students from all levels will return to school daily from 29 June 2020, while Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) will progressively increase the number of students allowed back on campus at any one time for face-to-face learning, while maintaining a significant amount of online learning. Schools and campuses will continue to adhere to safe management measures to keep students and staff safe. Link: https://www.moe.gov.sg/news/press-releases/arrangements-for-schools-and-institutes-of-higher-learning-in-phase-two

No new policy identified

No new policy identified

From 15 June, while Singapore had still not yet allowed short-term visitors, those coming in under the Green / Fast Lane arrangements (starting with China, and eventually covering more countries/regions), or with special prior approval are allowed to. Link: https://www.gov.sg/article/updates-to-border-measures-for-travellers-entering-singapore

No change in policy. Link: https://www.mlaw.gov.sg/news/press-releases/temporary-relief-for-inability-to-perform-contractual-obligations-due-to-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-situation

No change in policy. Link: https://www.gov.sg/article/covid-19-resources

No change in policy.

No change in policy.

No new policy identified

Minister Lawrence Wong “Making sure that the majority of the employees continue to work from home is one precaution that every employer should continue to take” https://www.sgpc.gov.sg/sgpcmedia/media_releases/mnd/transcript/T-20200707-1/attachment/REMARKS%20BY%20MINISTER%20LAWRENCE%20WONG%20CO-CHAIR%20OF%20THE%20MULTI-MINISTRY%20TASKFORCE%20ON%20COVID-19%20AT%20THE%20PRESS%20CONFERENCE%20ON%20COVID-19%20AT%20NATIONAL%20PRESS%20CENTRE%20ON%207%20JULY%202020.pdf

Events still cancelled. Example: https://sg.news.yahoo.com/ocbc-cycle-2020-cancelled-with-virtual-event-as-replacement-051443201.html

No change. Still less than 5.

No change. https://www.sgpc.gov.sg/sgpcmedia/media_releases/mnd/transcript/T-20200707-1/attachment/REMARKS%20BY%20MINISTER%20LAWRENCE%20WONG%20CO-CHAIR%20OF%20THE%20MULTI-MINISTRY%20TASKFORCE%20ON%20COVID-19%20AT%20THE%20PRESS%20CONFERENCE%20ON%20COVID-19%20AT%20NATIONAL%20PRESS%20CENTRE%20ON%207%20JULY%202020.pdfC7

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/schools-reopen-with-tight-safety-measures-in-place-prolonged-closure-would-have School have reopened with strict distancing and PPE use since June 2 2020. The government aims for targeted lockdown of contacts with bubbles created in schools with different year groups that do not interact. Graduating year groups are given priority for F2F teaching

No new update.

No new update.

No new update.

No new update.

No new update.

No new update.

No new update.

No new update.

No new update.

No new update.

No new update.

No new update.

No new update.

Schools are open, and the new semester began at the Institutes of Higher Learning as well. However, in effect, majority of the learning is still done online. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/commentary/singapore-university-nus-teaching-digital-online-e-learning-12989334

No change. Notably, from Sep 1, some travellers coming to Singapore from Brunei and New Zealand will not be required to serve a stay-home notice but will take a COVID-19 test upon arrival instead, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Friday (Aug 21). https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-brunei-new-zealand-singapore-travel-stay-home-notice-13042146