On May 5, 2021, people walk during their lunch break in Singapore’s financial business center, Raffles Place. Getty Images | Roslan Rahman | AFP Singapore (Singapore) — As the number of new cases continues to rise, Singapore is introducing new differentiated Covid measures for dining in. When the new restrictions take effect on July 19, only fully vaccinated people and those who have recovered from Covid-19 will be allowed to dine in groups of five without having to take Covid tests, according to the health ministry. These food and beverage establishments must set up mechanisms to check their clients’ immunization status. Unvaccinated people must have antigen quick tests in order to eat in groups of five. Otherwise, dining in will be limited to two people. Children under the age of 12 who have not yet had immunizations are allowed to eat with their family without having to take a Covid test. These organizations are similarly limited to five people. Individuals are considered completely immunized in Singapore after two weeks of getting their second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines. Authorities earlier stated that those who acquire Sinovac Biotech vaccines will not enjoy the same benefits as those who receive Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines. The Sinovac vaccine is not part of Singapore’s national vaccine program and is only offered through a specific access channel in the city-state. Singapore notified the new tightening of rules after a cluster involving so-called KTV lounges grew to 120 cases. Because of the coronavirus epidemic, nightclubs, taverns, and KTV (karaoke TV) lounges have been prohibited in Singapore since last year. Customers mingling with hostesses and the consumption of alcoholic beverages are two activities that are viewed as high risk in these establishments. Some, on the other hand, elected to continue as food and beverage establishments. Several of them are suspected of breaking the regulations by offering hostessing services. According to the health ministry, there have been 127 new infections in the community in the last week, up from 23 the week before. As of July 16, Singapore had reported 62,913 cases of Covid-19. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung told reporters at a virtual press conference on Friday that 73 percent of the population has gotten at least one vaccine dosage, and 45 percent has been fully vaccinated. He noted that, based on vaccination appointments, the proportion is anticipated to grow to 50% next week. He stated that the country is “on track” to reach its goal of having two-thirds of its population fully vaccinated by August 9, the country’s National Day./n
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