As of December 21, 2020, Singapore has 58,422 confirmed COVID-19 cases, the vast majority of which were migrant workers, and 29 related deaths. In late March, the government launched a three-pronged COVID-19 strategy: reducing imported cases, detecting and isolating cases early, and emphasizing social responsibility and personal hygiene. Authorities had developed one of the most robust contact tracing and quarantine systems in the world. However, a growing number of imported cases from returning Singaporean nationals compelled the announcement of “circuit breaker measures” beginning April 7 and lasting until June. The circuit breaker closed all non-essential workplaces, schools, and dining facilities, while also banning public gatherings and religious activities. Previously discouraged, the wearing of face masks was made mandatory outside the home. Since June, Singapore has lifted restrictions along a three-phased plan. The current phase, Phase Two, began on June 18, which allowed for the reopening of non-essential businesses, indoor dining, and places for worship. Phase Three is expected to begin on December 28 contingent on public uptake of TraceTogether, the contact tracing app system developed by the government. Despite Singapore's success, large outbreaks in migrant worker dormitories from May to August significantly contributed to Singapore's cases, where almost half of all migrant workers housed in the dormitories have been infected with COVID-19. This drew criticism over poor living conditions and mismanagement.
Singapore Government Unveils 2021 Bounce-back Budget (February 18, 2021)
Privacy in Singapore: Police to Access COVID Tracing Data (January 5, 2021)
Hong Kong-Singapore Travel Bubble in the Works (October 21, 2020)
Singaporean Trader’s Collapse Hurts 80% of World Trade (September 4, 2020)
Special Dispatch | Pushed to the Margin: Vulnerable Groups in the Asia Pacific During COVID-19 (June 14, 2020)
Special Dispatch | ‘There’s an App for That’: Use of COVID-19 Apps in Singapore and South Korea (April 27, 2020)
Singapore’s COVID Containment Success Upended (April 22, 2020)
Special Dispatch | Going Viral: Public Service Campaigns in Asia Take on COVID-19 (April 15, 2020)
Singapore’s strict approach to COVID-19 appears to be working (March 30, 2020)
Asia ramps up response to COVID-19 (March 18, 2020)
Global, Canadian economies take hits from coronavirus (February 14, 2020)
