When I wrote the post about day 1 of Singapore's safe reopening, I expected to write a couple more posts before we enter the next phase. When the phased approach to reopen Singapore's economy by our government was announced, it was mentioned that phase 1 (Safe Reopening) will last for at least 4 weeks. Hence, I am surprised by the government's announcement of phase 2 (Safe Transition) after just 2.5 weeks.
What can we do in phase 2? In my earlier post, I mentioned that nothing much has changed even though we have entered phase 1. However, with phase 2 things will be much different.
Gatherings and Dine-in
For the past 2 months, we could only interact with our friends and extended families digitally. Be it video calls, text messages or normal phone calls, it just felt different. With phase 2 we finally get to meet them physically. Though it is limited to 5 pax, it is more than enough for a mahjong session or a 2v2 badminton game.
Home visits are also allowed in phase 2 with a similar restriction of up to 5 visitors at a time.
The second most welcomed ease of measure is probably the opening of dine-in options and retail. Many Singaporeans miss their favorite restaurants and the freshly cooked restaurant food. I have nothing against home-cooked food but ideas are starting to run out and it is getting repetitive. Deliveries and takeouts are okay but they just don't taste as fresh.
Retail outlets are also opening. I am not really a shopper, but I am sure many people can't wait to do some retail therapy after being cooped up at home for so long. Affected retailers will certainly also be happy that they can finally open their shops.
Sports facilities
Besides retail outlets, sports facilities are also opening. One of the interesting observations I made during this lockdown period was that I saw more joggers on the road. I think this is mostly because there is nothing much that we can do but also the gyms are not open. With the gyms and other sports facilities opening, I think I will be seeing less joggers on the road.
Risks and bold speculations
With this new phase, it increases the risk of a second wave of COVID-19 infections. Though I welcome the freedom, I actually prefers if the government just stick to the 4 weeks plan and wait a little longer. Though average new community cases are below 10 for the past 2 weeks or so, I would prefer phase 2 to come after we see zero new community cases for 5-7 days.
I am not sure how cautious Singaporeans will be. Based on my own observations as a fellow Singaporeans, I expect to see crowds and people rushing to the malls and being careless. We shall see and I can only hope that Singaporeans can remain cautious and socially responsible.
As mentioned, I think it is somewhat premature to enter phase 2 so soon. Naturally, there is no lack of conspiracy theories as to why the Singapore government did so. One of the theories that I subscribe to is the upcoming General Elections. For those who do not know, Singapore is due for its Elections by early 2021. Our Elections are usually held during school holidays. This is mainly because schools are usually the polling stations and teachers are usually being "volunteered" to help.
Hence, if the incumbent government wants to call for an election this year, they probably will choose one of the 3 remaining windows of school holidays.
As you can see, the windows are in July, September and December. July seems a bit too rush and December might be cutting it too close to the deadline. So my guess is that it is more likely to be in September. In addition, to please the public and improve the chance of a strong mandate, I think the incumbent will want to call for elections when we enter phase 3 of reopening. By entering phase 2 now, it gives the incumbent enough buffer until September to choose when to announce phase 3.
Furthermore, if the incumbent is thinking of a lightning election, entering phase 2 now also allow the July window to remain open. 🤔
In any case, I am pretty sure the incumbent is going to win a strong mandate this round. So I just hope there is no second wave in Singapore and things go smoothly from here.
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