Singapore lifts most virus lockdown restrictions

Malls, gyms, massage parlours, parks and other public facilities reopened their doors on Friday in Singapore after nearly three months of coronavirus lockdown.

While observing strict social distancing and healthy safety rules, Singaporeans can wine-and-dine at restaurants, work out at the gym and hold social gatherings of up to five people with the removal of most lockdown restrictions.

Tuition classes also resumed, except for singing lessons.

Minor prohibitions remain including contact sports and places of worship.

Wee Cheng Yan, a 35-year old gym trainer, said it felt good to return to work after over two months at home.

At the TFX gym where he works, members must make an appointment and limited to only two hours a day. Steam rooms remain shut and gym members must wear face masks.

Entertainment venues such as cinemas and bars remain shut while large scale events including trade fairs and concerts are still banned.

The tiny city-state has one of the highest numbers of infections in Asia with more than 41,000 cases.

They are mostly linked to foreign workers' dormitories.

The Singapore government has said the number of new cases in the dormitories has declined, with no new large clusters emerging.

Cases outside the dorms are also stable despite the partial reopening of the economy two weeks ago.