Covid-19 Situation Report: Singapore vs Malaysia
Singapore and Malaysia, being two neighbouring countries that are closely intertwined both politically and economically, are often compared against each other in their governments’ handling of Covid-19 situations. Recently, amidst a new wave of Covid-19 infections triggered by the new B1617 variant, Singapore managed to successfully contain its spread with tightened measures under Phase 2 Heightened Alert since 14 May 2021. To know more about the Phase 2 Heightened Alert measures, you may sign up for economics tuition Singapore with a reputable economics tutor Singapore. In contrast, Malaysia ordered another national lockdown after failing to contain the virus with tightened movement control measures.
Malaysia Enters Another National Lockdown
After Malaysia failed to contain the surging new Covid-19 cases with tightened movement control measures, the nation entered a two-week lockdown starting from 1 June 2021. The strict lockdown measures did help bring down the number of new Covid-19 infections from its record high of 9,000 cases a day to around 6,000 cases a day. However, despite the strict measures, the number of new Covid-19 infections was consistently above 5,000 cases a day. On 11 June 2021, Malaysia reported 6,849 new Covid-19 cases. Its total number of infections stood at 646,411 and total deaths at 3,768. Therefore, the government announced that it would extend the national lockdown by another two weeks until 28 June 2021. In consultation with your economics tutor Singapore in your economics tuition Singapore class, discuss the economic implications of extending the national lockdown by another two weeks. You may also consult your economics tutor Singapore in economics tuition Singapore about the likelihood of further extending the national lockdown beyond 28 June 2021 and its economic implications.
Only essential sectors are allowed to operate during the national lockdown. Inter-state movements, festive celebrations and house visits are prohibited, and people are only allowed to travel up to 10 km radium from their homes. The national lockdown is expected to severely affect its economy which just started to recover following a year-long recession. The government has vowed to come up with a new relief package, but the details have yet to be announced. To learn more about the previous Covid-19 relief package announced by the Malaysian government, you may approach your economics tutor Singapore in your economics tuition Singapore class.
Singapore Relaxes Safe Management Measures With Less Community Cases
After a month-long Phase 2 Heightened Alert, Singapore managed to bring down its community cases significantly. On 10 June 2021, the government announced that the nation would enter Phase 3 Heightened Alert from 14 June 2021, with gradually relaxed restrictions. In discussion with your economics tutor Singapore in economics tuition Singapore, explain what it means to the respective affected sectors. From 14 June 2021, the limit on social group gathering will be increased to five from the current two. In addition, a household is allowed to receive up to five unique visitors a day. Cinemas, beauty salons, massage venues, event venues and attractions will have their capacity limit increased from the current 25 per cent to 50 per cent.
The restrictions will be further relaxed from 21 June 2021. Dining-in of up to five people will be allowed provided that diners observe the one metre distancing closely and only take off their masks while eating and drinking. Wedding receptions will be allowed too with up to 100 attendees. Organisers must ensure pre-event testing for all their guests. In addition, gyms, fitness centres and tuition centres can resume operations as well. With this, Economics Cafe Learning Centre, the best economics tuition Singapore centre will resume its physical classes from 21 June 2021. Founded by its principal economics tutor Singapore, Mr Edmund Quek, the economics tuition Singapore centre is conveniently located within five minutes’ walk from the Bishan MRT station. Mr Edmund Quek is widely regarded as the best economics tutor Singapore. To find out more about the economics tutor Singapore, please visit his website at www.economicscafe.com.sg.
Apart from safe management measures, Singapore and Malaysia have both stepped up their vaccination efforts to achieve herd immunity as soon as possible. As of 13 June 2021, Singapore has administered close to 4.4 million doses of vaccines. Out of 100 people, 75 have received at least one dose. In comparison, Malaysia has administered 4.1 million doses of vaccines. Out of 100 people, only 13 have received at least one dose.
Linda Geng
Economics Tuition Singapore @ Economics Cafe
Principal Economics Tutor: Mr. Edmund Quek