SINGAPORE, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Singapore's health authority confirmed 40 new COVID-19 cases here Friday, bringing the total number of infected patients here to 385.
This is the second-highest number of cases reported in a day, after the record 47 reported cases on Wednesday.
Of the 40 new cases, these include 30 imported and 10 local cases, said the Ministry of Health (MOH). The 30 imported cases had travel history for the past 14 days to Europe, North America and other parts of Asia.
Seven more patients have been discharged from hospital, bringing the total number of fully recovered cases to 131. Of the 254 confirmed cases who are still in hospital, most are stable or improving and 16 are in critical condition in the intensive care unit.
To reduce the risk of further local transmission of COVID-19, Singapore announced on Friday that it would implement stricter safe distancing measures, especially for vulnerable segments of the population.
All events and gatherings with 250 or more participants in attendance must be suspended. This will take immediate effect until June 30.
This is an expansion of the previous requirement for ticketed cultural, sports and entertainment events to be limited to fewer than 250 participants.
Restaurants and cinemas are also required to implement measures to ensure separation of at least one metre between patrons. If seats are fixed, operators, such as hawker centres, should ensure alternate seats are marked out.
Queues outside restaurants or at retail stores should be kept "fast-moving," added MOH in its statement.
For instance, operators are encouraged to demarcate queues to ensure patrons queue at least a metre apart from one another; ensure all checkout counters are open, and encourage self-checkout to minimise contact with counter staff.
All activities for elderly organised by government agencies will also be suspended for another two weeks until April 7.
National Development Minister Lawrence Wong, co-chair of the Multi-Ministry Taskforce on COVID-19, said at a press conference, "We don't want to see crowded venues, we don't want to see packed event halls. We should see more people working from home, ordering takeaway to eat at home. All this means a major change in our daily routines and lives."
While this would lead to "some convenience", Singaporeans need to cooperate and take responsibility for these changes, he said.
The authorities also urged employers to allow their employees to work from home, or implement staggered working hours when telecommuting is not possible. Enditem
