Singapore Extends Partial Lockdown Till June 1 Due To Sharp Surge In COVID-19 Cases

While Singapore had drawn worldwide attention for its success in containing the early stages of the coronavirus outbreak, the island country is currently observing a massive surge in the number of cases. Which is why it has decided to extend its partial lockdown till June 1.

Singapore PM Lee Hsien Loong announced the news of the extension in his fourth televised address to the nation. The extension now means that all the offices and schools in the island city-state will remain closed. Only essential services will be allowed to operate.

Acknowledging the suffering of businesses, the PM mentioned that though people will be disappointed by the “extension of the circuit breaker,” he hopes that everyone will understand the current situation.

According to him, the lockdown extension would stamp the virus out of the country and help in reviving its economy. He further added that there is a chance of a “hidden reservoir” of community cases in the nation.

Also Read: Singapore Changi Airport’s Terminal 2 To Be Closed For 18 Months

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Maximum Infections Seen In Migrants Workers Living In Crowded Dormitories

Low-wage migrant workers, a vital part of Singapore’s workforce, account for at least 60% of Singapore’s infections. More than 200,000 workers from Bangladesh, India, and other Asian countries live in tightly packed dormitories, which have emerged as major COVID-19 hotspots.

However, the PM mentioned that the government is ready to introduce new measures to take care of the migrant workers affected by the virus. The PM thanked all of them and assured them that the government would take care of their well-being and wages. He said, “We will care for you like we care for Singaporeans.”

Singapore is now the worst-hit country in Southeast Asia, surpassing even Indonesia and the Philippines.

The city-state confirmed 897 new cases of COVID-19 as of noon on Friday, the majority of which were from the dormitories of migrant workers. Currently, the number of active cases in Singapore has reached 12,075, with 12 deaths.