Singapore authorities announced on Tuesday the extension of the month of confinement imposed from early April to early June. A measure adopted after a jump in the number of cases of Covid-19 recorded this week.
The city-state had initially succeeded in containing the spread of the virus thanks to a very strict strategy of control and tracing of the contacts with the contaminated people. But it is facing a second wave since the beginning of April, mainly coming from the homes where migrant workers are accommodated.
Singaporean health officials recorded 1,111 new Covid-19 cases on Tuesday, bringing the total to 9,125 and 11 dead.
"Many of you will be disappointed with the extension," said Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in a television address, acknowledging that many businesses and employees were "severely affected" by these measures.
Prolonged and reinforced confinement
"But I hope you will understand that this short-term pain aims to eliminate the virus, protect the health and safety of our loved ones and allow us to turn our economy around," added the head of government.
The closure of schools and non-essential businesses and the confinement of residents to their homes, which began in early April, was originally scheduled to end on May 4. The confinement will last at least until June 1 and will be further strengthened, with the sporting practice now authorized only solo and no longer in groups.
The number of new cases has jumped across the country since test campaigns were launched in overcrowded homes where migrant workers live, often in unsanitary conditions.
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Singapore has some 200,000 construction workers, mostly from South Asia. The Prime Minister announced that more resources, including medical, will be deployed for migrants.