Singapore’s Post Circuit Breaker: Living the New Normal

Singapore’s ‘circuit breaker’ restrictions started easing since 2 June (Phase 1) and if infection rates remain low and stable, we will enter Phase 2 and gradually, Phase 3.

During the circuit breaker, many of us have adjusted to a new way of living with lockdown measures in place. Now, let’s talk about living the new normal, basically getting your life back on track after circuit breaker. But first, let us take you through what to expect in the remaining phases (2 & 3).

Phase 2: Safe Transition

This is the phase most of us are looking forward to as it is where things get a little better. With strict hygiene and safe measures in place, we might be able to start dining in at F&B outlets, visit retail outlets, have small social gatherings and head to the gym. Sports, recreation and outdoor facilities will also start to re-open, subject to safe management practices. Tuition and enrichment centres will re-open too, if that’s something you’re looking forward to.

Phase 3: Safe Nation

This phase is the establishment of a “new normal” in Singapore that will remain until an effective vaccine or treatment for COVID-19 is developed. This does not signal a return to the normalilty of our pre-Covid-19 lives, as precautions and limits will still be in place. In this phase, social, cultural, religious and business gatherings or events should resume, with a limit on crowd size to prevent large clusters from arising. Services and activities such as spas, cinemas, theatres, bars, pubs and nightclubs, would also have been allowed to reopen.

Living the New Normal

One thing for sure, we know that adjusting to change is not easy, but before we know it, we have (reluctantly) let go of our old normal and now settling into what seems to be our new normal. While we will find ourselves needing to embrace new ways of living, it’s important to stay positive.

So how can we ease into this new way of living? Here are some tips!

Accepting the New Normal

As a human, it is easy to feel a sense a loss at any change. First, we need to understand that any restrictions in place are there to protect you, your loved ones and the community. Second, view this new normal as one step ahead to how we wish to live and towards what life was like before Covid-19.

After weeks of staying home, it is normal to develop anxiety about certain things that did not bother you before, such as being out of the house for long periods or in crowded places or even doing a double-take when we hear someone cough or sneeze. If you have been reflecting on your life during the circuit breaker, now is the time to implement positive steps on moving forward to a more normal existence.

New Normal at Work

Most businesses have re-opened and while safe measures are implemented at all workplaces, you may have other concerns about commuting to work via a public transport and being in closer contact with others.

You may consider a new routine for commuting to work and home, for instance, leaving home/workplace earlier than usual to avoid the peak hour and crowd. Second, is to consider alternative routes you can use to avoid public transport via different modes such as walking or cycling, depending on distance between your home and workplace. Cycling is not only a great form of exercise, it’s also better for the environment too.

Meeting Your Loved Ones

Meeting with family and friends whom we have only seen virtually for weeks, is what many of us will want to do. However, bear in mind that this is still not the time for big social gatherings yet, you should still follow the measures in place, particularly when it comes to protecting the vulnerable and elderly.

As much as you want to catch up with your loved ones to make up for lost time, try to keep the visits short and most importantly, be sure to keep to the limit number of visitor allowed in each household. But if you are unwell, please keep them safe and visit them virtually instead.

Maintaining Good Habits

The circuit breaker may be tough for majority of us, however for some, it was an opportunity to break the cycle and adopt new healthy habits like exercising or learn a new skill like baking or even rediscovering an old hobby.

But with returning to work and school, means your schedule will get busier like before and less me- time. No matter how busy, try to maintain some of the positive habits you have adopted during the circuit breaker and consider making those part of your routine after the circuit breaker.

Till then, please continue to stay home as much as possible. A new normal is only possible if we make personal hygiene our top priority, so keep that mask on, and wash and sanitize those hands. Also, don’t touch your face!