COVID-19: Worker's Party temporarily suspends house visits
SINGAPORE — Singapore’s leading opposition party is temporarily suspending all house visits in light of stringent social distancing measures and the recent spike in COVID-19 cases.
In a statement on Thursday (26 March), the Workers’ Party (WP) said that its Members of Parliament and town councillors will continue to inspect their respective estates and serve residents’ needs with the help of one or two volunteers, staffers, or Non-Constituency MPs.
Other WP members will also walk the ground with this directive in mind. The party will remain contactable via its digital platforms and email.
WP stressed that its residents’ welfare and safety are of utmost priority. “Cooperate with the authorities and take social distancing measures seriously. We will all get through this together.”
On Wednesday, the multi-ministry taskforce on COVID-19 announced 73 new COVID-19 cases in Singapore - the biggest spike to date - taking the country’s total to 631. Two new infection clusters were also confirmed at PCF Sparkletots Preschool @ Fengshan Blk 126 at Bedok North Street 2 and Dover Court International School (301 Dover Road).
The day before, the taskforce said that all bars and entertainment venues – such as night clubs, discos cinemas, theatres and karaoke outlets – in Singapore will be closed till end-April, or later, as part of stricter measures to combat the coronavirus outbreak.
All events, regardless of size, must also be deferred or cancelled, while gatherings outside of work and school are to be limited to 10 people or fewer at any time. All centre-based tuition and enrichment classes, as well as religious services and congregations, were also suspended.
WP oversees two wards: Aljunied Group Representation Constituency and Hougang. Amid speculation that a general election is imminent, it has said the government must “take caution and exercise judiciousness” in calling for an election amid the outbreak.
On Wednesday, Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean said that while it is not “impossible” to hold an election amid the outbreak, no decision has been made on the timing of the next GE.
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