Singapore morning news for May 25, 2020

Singapore reports 642 new COVID-19 cases, taking total past 31,000
Singapore reported 642 new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Saturday (May 23), taking the national total to 31,068.
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)

Upcoming supplementary Budget to include support for social service sector
THE supplementary Budget on Tuesday will include support for the social service sector, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat said in a Facebook post on Sunday.
— The Business Times

No new COVID-19 cluster reported in Singapore for the first time in more than 6 weeks
For the first time in more than six weeks, no new COVID-19 cluster was identified in Singapore on Sunday (May 24).
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)

Pupils to get reusable face shield, sanitiser for school
Pre-school and primary school pupils will receive a reusable face shield each, as an alternative to face masks, as they return to school from June 2.
— Straits Times (annoying popups)

COVID-19: Two former school sites to be converted into temporary dorms for migrant workers who are well
The former Hong Kah Secondary School and Bedok North Secondary School sites are among “a number” of Ministry of Education (MOE) sites that will be used as temporary facilities to house migrant workers who are well, said the ministry on Friday (May 22).
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)

New Q1 sales in Singapore life insurance sector grows 10%
NEW business in Singapore’s life insurance industry, in terms of total weighted premiums, grew 10 per cent to S$965.8 million for the first quarter from January to March 2020, from S$877.8 million a year ago.
— The Business Times

Aviation’s darkest hour
IN April last year, Changi Airport saw 5.58 million passengers breeze through its doors. This April, passenger traffic slumped by a staggering 99.5 per cent as airlines cancelled flights and grounded planes, turning the airport into a ghost town.
— The Business Times

Singapore reports smallest number of COVID-19 patients in ICU since start of circuit breaker
The number of COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) has fallen to a low since the start of Singapore’s “circuit breaker” period.
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)

COVID-19: Patients in hospitals to be allowed visitors from same or one other household from Jun 2
Patients warded in hospitals will soon be allowed to have visitors again – but only if they are from the same or one other household, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) on Friday (May 22).
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)

Thousands quarantined to be tested in infection study
Thousands of people who could unknowingly have been infected with Covid-19 – because they had been in close contact with patients – are being tested in a major exercise to look at the real rates of coronavirus infection in the community.
— Straits Times (annoying popups)

Employers must adjust mindsets, embrace working from home as new normal: Lawrence Wong
Working from home must be embraced as the new normal even as the country’s “circuit breaker” is eased gradually from next month, said National Development Minister Lawrence Wong on Saturday (May 23) as he urged employers to adjust their mindsets.
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)

200,000 migrant workers get special Hari Raya Puasa meal
Some 200,000 migrant workers living in dormitories were given a special lunch menu, including mutton biryani and chicken chop rice, to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri on Sunday (May 24).
— Straits Times (annoying popups)

COVID-19: Taxi, private-hire drivers allowed to deliver food and groceries until end-September
Taxi and private-hire drivers will be able to continue delivering food and groceries to homes until the end of September, as authorities extend a temporary rule allowing them to do so.
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)

Transparent shields for bus drivers under consideration
Commuters on buses may soon find themselves separated from drivers by a transparent shield, as new initiatives are being explored to ensure safe distancing on buses when the economy gradually reopens.
— Straits Times (annoying popups)

Recovered from COVID-19, migrant workers live on a cruise ship and in an HDB flat
Former dormitory residents like Pugal may be resting easier, but they still grapple with uncertainty.
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)

TWC2: Mass testing of migrant workers in dormitories only one part of strategy in managing COVID-19 outbreak, does not address “basic problems” with living conditions
Conducting mass testing of migrant workers living in dormitories is most effective when deployed as a part of “an overall strategy” in containing the spread of COVID-19 in Singapore, but may do very little in managing the outbreak if other basic elements are not attended to, said migrant labour rights non-profit organisation Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2).
— The Online Citizen

COVID-19: Testing to be expanded for staff members in eldercare sector
More staff members in the eldercare sector will be tested for COVID-19 after the circuit breaker period ends.
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)

Hari Raya Aidilfitri: Mufti urges Muslims to adapt to Covid-19 outbreak and stay positive
Avoiding loved ones during Hari Raya is an act of love to protect them during the Covid-19 pandemic, said Mufti Nazirudin Mohd Nasir in his Hari Raya Aidilfitri sermon on Sunday (May 24), referring to the suspension of home visits amid the coronavirus outbreak.
— Straits Times (annoying popups)

PM Lee extends Hari Raya greetings to regional leaders
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong extended his greetings on Sunday (May 24) to the leaders of Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)

Deployments of MARTA robots at isolated migrant worker dormitory and netizens’ response
Since the beginning of May, two Multi-purpose All-Terrain Autonomous Robots, called MATAR, have been deployed at isolated migrant worker dormitories in the eastern part of Singapore as part of the Government’s effort against the COVID-19 outbreak.
— The Online Citizen

Concerns over fewer tangible measures in DSA exercise
No school sports competitions or Olympiads to showcase how good a student is.
— Straits Times (annoying popups)

Change in discharge policy could free up healthcare resources
Knowing that Covid-19 patients could be discharged after a certain number of days with no danger of infecting others could free up healthcare resources for other purposes, experts said.
— Straits Times (annoying popups)

Many merchants, hawkers may not survive another 4-6 weeks of closure
MANY heartland merchants and hawkers may not survive another four to six weeks of closure even with government aid, warned the Federation of Merchants’ Associations, Singapore (FMAS), prompting it to make five recommendations to help the ailing sector on Friday.
— The Business Times

NUS plans to keep students within zones on campus
The National University of Singapore (NUS) is planning to reopen its campus for the new academic year on Aug 10.
— Straits Times (annoying popups)

CPF interest rates for July to September will remain unchanged
The interest rates that Central Provident Fund (CPF) members earn on their various accounts will remain unchanged in the third quarter, said the CPF Board and Housing Board on Friday.
— Straits Times (annoying popups)

More than 40,000 sign petition to opt-out from receiving NDP2020 Funpack
The National Day Parade (NDP) 2020 Executive Committee has earlier announced on Wednesday (20 May) that NDP2020 will go on despite the COVID-19 outbreak in Singapore that is still progressing to date.
— The Online Citizen

Disinfectant tunnel at Singapore Expo care facility on trial for safety, effectiveness against COVID-19
A disinfectant tunnel for workers and volunteers at the Singapore Expo community care facility is being trialled for safety and effectiveness against COVID-19.
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)

Lian Beng asks for further extension to dispose of assets competing with SLB unit
Lian Beng Group has asked for a further extension of time to dispose of competing business in relation to its unit SLB Development, both the mainboard-listed construction firm and Catalist-listed SLB announced on Friday night (May 22).
— Straits Times (annoying popups)

Six men and two women arrested for illegal racing on KPE during circuit breaker
Six men and two women have have been arrested for dangerous driving and illegal racing along Kallang-Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE) during the circuit breaker period.
— Straits Times (annoying popups)

Government seems to creatively interpret situations to suit its narrative
The Peoples’ Action Party (PAP) seems to be able to creatively interpret any given situation to suit its narrative.
— The Online Citizen

Expenditure on NDP can be better used in providing the elderly retirement scheme amid COVID-19 situation, says SDP’s Bryan Lim
Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) member Bryan Lim Boon Heng took to his Facebook on Friday (22 May), saying that the money spent on National Day Parade (NDP) can be better utilised in providing the retirement scheme for the elderly during this trying time of COVID-19.
— The Online Citizen

Singapore, Malaysia team up to bust transnational love scam syndicate that cheated victims of S$400,000
Singapore and Malaysian police have arrested four people and crippled a transnational love scam syndicate believed to be have cheated victims out of more than S$400,000.
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)

S’pore Mufti urges Muslims to adjust, adapt and be nimble
The coronavirus cast its long shadow over Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations this year, with the traditional recitation of prayers, or takbir, confined to homes and large gatherings disallowed.
— Straits Times (annoying popups)

More time with the fish: Behind the scenes at the SEA Aquarium during the circuit breaker
The halls are dark and the viewing gallery silent, but in the blue of the Open Ocean Habitat, the rays are in a fever, unconcerned that the crowds and flashing cameras are currently not part of their daily routine.
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)

Now conscious in ICU, dad of 7 with COVID-19 reunites with family over video call in time for Hari Raya
The eve of Hari Raya Puasa is a day usually spent with family, breaking fast for the final time at the end of Ramadan, and preparing for a day filled with festive cheer.
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)

Family of six who caught virus are reunited after ordeal
When she tested positive for the coronavirus on March 23, Madam Seha (not her real name) started to fear for her family, including her two-year-old daughter.
— Straits Times (annoying popups)

Make-believe outings and virtual pet therapy: Hospices get creative to bring patients joy during circuit breaker
Going out for trips to Haw Par Villa or Little India were long the norm for patients of HCA Hospice Care.
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)

Fire breaks out at Sungei Kadut warehouse, 2 workers sustain ‘minor’ injuries
About 100 firefighters were deployed after a fire broke out at a warehouse at Sungei Kadut Way on Saturday (May 23), leaving two workers with minor injuries.
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)

They deliver meals to migrant workers in dormitories in the darkest hours of the night
Since 30 April, my husband Christopher and I have been volunteering to deliver Ramadan meals to the migrant workers housed in temporary dormitories.
— The Pride

Commentary: I miss my regular bar – but I accept I might never get to return, even after circuit breakers are lifted
Our F&B scene is partly shaped by consumers’ habits and desires, so perhaps our nostalgia for certain places and experiences will help revive the industry once social distancing measures ease.
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)

Scam ads, accounts falsely appropriating CNA brand removed by Facebook
Some of these ads lead to webpages masquerading as the CNA website and have links leading to online gambling sites.
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)

Mediacorp finally awards full prize money to Celebrity Name Drop Game contestant after massive backlash on social media
The local radio station, Mediacorp’s GOLD 905 has finally decided to award the “rightful winner” of its Celebrity Name Drop Game the full prize worth S$10,000, after facing massive backlash from netizens on social media.
— The Online Citizen

COVID-19: COE bidding to remain suspended until motor dealerships open
Bidding exercises for certificates of entitlement (COE) will remain suspended until motor dealerships and showrooms are allowed to reopen, said the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in a news release on Friday (May 22).
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)

700 paid R&D traineeship places created for fresh grads
In the last three months, final-year mathematics and economics student Lynette Lua, 23, has applied for jobs in more than 60 companies.
— Straits Times (annoying popups)

Property consultants point to snags in fair tenancy framework recommendations
THE proposals suggested by the Fair Tenancy Framework Industry Committee (FTFIC) might face some road bumps, as property consultants point to potential snags in the list of recommendations.
— The Business Times

Parliament to discuss arts sector support, housing issues amid COVID-19 pandemic
Assistance for the arts sector and housing issues amid the COVID-19 pandemic will be on the agenda when Parliament sits next Tuesday (May 26).
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)

Woman charged with meeting boyfriend, not wearing mask properly during circuit breaker
A woman was charged in court after she allegedly left her house twice to meet her boyfriend during the COVID-19 circuit breaker period.
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)

ComfortDelGro Q1 net profit halves on weak ridership amid virus outbreak
THE net profit for transport giant ComfortDelGro Corporation fell 48.9 per cent on the year to S$36 million for the first quarter ended March 31, hit by weak ridership amid Covid-19-induced lockdowns in the markets in which it operates.
— The Business Times

10 people charged with breaking COVID-19 laws by gathering for tea, study or chat at rented home
Seven men and three women were charged on Friday (May 22) with various offences for breaching COVID-19 laws by gathering at a rented home to drink tea, talk or study.
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)

Teen’s guilty plea rejected after he says he did not consent to ‘how to spread Wuhan virus’ caption
A teenager accused of drinking from juice bottles before returning them to a supermarket shelf had his guilty plea rejected on Friday (May 22) after he maintained that he did not consent to the caption how to spread Wuhan virus.
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)

Commentary: COVID-19 is the perfect time to play video games
Video games like Animal Crossing can be the perfect vehicle for people to regain control and connect with loved ones during these troubling coronavirus times, say Andrew Yee and Jeremy Sng.
— Channel NewsAsia (very annoying popups)

Feature photo Towards Tobacco-Free Singapore
This week’s Singapore morning news feature photo focuses on World No-Tobacco Day, May 31.

Find our previous morning news feature photos in the AEC News Today Morning News Feature Photos gallery where you will find a pictorial display of daily life throughout the Asean Economic Community (AEC).

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About Singapore morning news.

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Singapore morning news for May 25 added by Justhine De Guzman Uy on May 25, 2020
View all posts by Justhine De Guzman Uy →

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Justhine De Guzman Uy

Writer at AEC News Today

Justhine De Guzman Uy completed a Bachelor of Arts Major in Mass Communication at New Era University, Quezon City, the Philippines in 2016

After graduation she worked at the Philippine Broadcasting Service performing transcription and business news writing, before moving to Eagle Broadcasting Corporation where she worked as a news editor, translator and production assistant.