Singapore's Lockdown Is Both Blunt and Precise
Some measures are tough, but there are several more freedoms than the last year’s circuit breaker. This nuance could save the economy.
Progress, tabled.
Photographer: Wei Leng Tay/BloombergSingapore has suffered a big reversal in its battle against Covid-19. More accustomed to applause than demerits for all but stamping out the virus, the city-state is returning to lockdown-like conditions. Authorities are now scrambling to deploy a mix of scalpels and hammers to contain a recent outbreak. Mastering this balance will be the key to any economic recovery.
The first wave of restrictions were announced Friday. Work from home becomes the default, not long after employees were encouraged to repopulate offices. Eateries are limited to takeout only. Indoor gyms are closed, attendance at worship services is tightened and social gatherings reduced to two, from five previously and eight only a few weeks ago. Then came the blunter instrument: Officials said Sunday evening that most in-school classes would close by midweek. Leaders cited virulent mutations that attack younger children. They plan to vaccinate kids under 16. (Large portions of the adult population have yet to get shots.)