RESTRICTIONS STILL IN PLACE
On 12 May, selected F&B operations that were suspended are allowed to resume operations.
MEASURES
- The government has circulated an updated operational guidance on the permissible activities and Safe Management Measures for F&B establishments, including Safe Management Measures for the following area:
– Customer-facing operations – contact tracing, safe distancing, cleanliness
– Workplace premises – implementation of a system of Safe Management Measures, safe distancing, contact tracing, requirement for personal protective equipment, etc - All F&B establishments must comply with these measures.
IMPACT ON FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN
- Standalone stores (excluding those in hawker centres, food courts and coffee shops) predominantly selling beverages, as well as F&B outlets (including food vending machines) in parks must remain closed. All F&B establishments that are allowed to continue operations can only do so for takeaway and/or delivery.
- Businesses that are permitted to operate during the Circuit Breaker period should continue to adhere to the allocated manpower quota to minimise the movement of workers.
- Several import restrictions for meat were lifted by the Singapore Food Agency. On 23 April, SFA removed the requirement on the timeframe in which meat and meat products must be imported from time of slaughter (for meat) or time of manufacture (for meat products).
- In end of April, Singapore initiated the signing of agreement with port authorities in 20 countries to keep ports open for trade amid the COVID-19 outbreak to minimise disruption to global supply chain. This marked the commitment from port authorities to work together to ensure merchant ships can still berth at ports to carry out cargo operations.