Partial-lockdown

Singapore entered into semi-lockdown on 7 April 2020.

Bars, cinemas, gyms and other entertainment venues had already been closed since 26 March 2020 and yesterday saw the additional closure of offices except those providing essential services.

Since yesterday, restaurants, food courts and hawker centres now only offer takeaways as customers are not allowed to dine in. Even as they queue for orders, they have to maintain a social distance.

Today, Wednesday 8 April 2020, kindergartens, schools, polytechnics and universities are also closed. Home learning is introduced via social media.

The review of the partial lockdown is due 5 May 2020.

The measures were announced last Friday 3 April 2020 by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong who described the partial lockdown as a “Circuit Breaker”.

Since then, state television, newspapers, and government officials are parroting it also as a circuit breaker.

I am not sure if they realise it, but the term is socially distancing for the average citizen.

We find ourselves scratching our heads wondering what is a circuit breaker. How does it look like. Is it an electrical device. What does a circuit breaker have to do with the new restrictions?

Can’t they just call it a partial lockdown?

Sentosa Beach Resort
5.30 pm • Tuesday 7 April 2020
First Day of Partial Lockdown in Singapore