Welcome back: Singapore locals rejoice as malls reopen; PM urges caution

After months of complete lockdown, Singapore reopened the shopping malls for the public. SIngapore has the second-highest number of confirmed infections in Southeast Asia with more than 41,000 cases, with a death toll of 26.

However, in a Facebook post, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong cautioned the citizens: "I am sure all of us have been eagerly looking forward to this day for a long time! But please don't go overboard celebrating."

Leaders urge caution

Shops and cafes reopened in Singapore on Friday as coronavirus measures were relaxed -- but the city-state's leader warned people "not to go overboard celebrating".

(Photograph:AFP)

Reopening after two months

More than two months after a partial lockdown was imposed, massage parlours and spas also resumed operations while beaches were no longer off limits and sports and other facilities opened again.

(Photograph:AFP)

Sanitizing is priority

All employees have been asked to regularly clean the surfaces with sanitizers to make sure that the infection does not spread.

(Photograph:AFP)

Social distancing is must

People have been asked to maintain social distance of atleast one metre (3.3 feet) at all times. It is also compulsory for people to wear masks when stepping outside. Social gatherings of up to five are allowed under the relaxed rules.

(Photograph:AFP)

Only essential runs allowed

The city-state's 5.7 million residents had been told to stay home unless they had good reason to go out.

(Photograph:AFP)

Staff members take charge

The malls are being sanitized at regular intervals, and all surfaces are being regularly cleaned by the staff members.

 

(Photograph:AFP)

Reopening economy in phases

Authorities have been gradually easing restrictions imposed in early April that shuttered schools and non-essential businesses, as a test-and-trace effort stabilised infection rates.

(Photograph:AFP)

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