Phase 3 of reopening to begin Dec 28, up to groups of 8 may gather

In a livestreamed speech on Monday, December 14, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Phase 3 of reopening efforts will begin in two weeks’ time on December 28.

Capacity limits in public places such as malls and attractions, and at places of worship will be eased. Groups of up to eight will be able to congregate, an increase from the current maximum of five.

"Eight people can dine out together, or visit someone’s home. This will make it easier to hold family get-togethers during the festive period," PM Lee said. 

PM Lee added that the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for pandemic use, and the first shipment should arrive by the end of this month. This makes Singapore one of the first countries to obtain the vaccine.

Oother vaccines are also expected to arrive in the coming months.

"If all goes according to plan, we will have enough vaccines for everyone in Singapore by third quarter 2021."