Covid-19: All TCM halls allowed to sell products from May 12 following review

SINGAPORE — All traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) halls will be allowed to sell products from next Tuesday (May 12) after a review of their businesses. 

The move comes after TCM halls were allowed to provide acupuncture services for pain management earlier this week, as part of the lifting of restrictions for some businesses. 

Other therapies by TCM halls such as cupping, tuina, guasha and moxibustion, however, are still not permitted.

Some 130 halls with registered TCM practitioners have been allowed to stay open during the circuit breaker for consultations and to dispense services. They were allowed to sell retail products earlier this week.

Speaking at a multi-ministry task force press conference on Friday (May 8), Health Minister Gan Kim Yong said that the Government had received feedback from some seniors that they found it inconvenient to travel far to buy medicine from TCM halls with registered practitioners. 

Mr Gan also noted that Dr Lee Bee Wah, Member of Parliament for Nee Soon Group Representation Constituency, also asked about the issue in Parliament on Monday. 

Dr Lee asked how many neighbourhood TCM stores do not have registered TCM practitioners, and why confectionery and dessert shops were allowed to resume operations on May 12 ahead of TCM halls.

“This week, I had promised them that I would think about this seriously... Indeed, I have asked the Ministry of Health to review and I am happy to share that from May 12, all TCM halls will be allowed to sell products,” said Mr Gan.

He added that medical halls must put in place the necessary safe distancing measures before starting operations to ensure the safety of seniors.

These include ensuring that staff members maintain personal hygiene and wear masks.

DON'T RUSH OUT WHEN BUSINESSES REOPEN: LAWRENCE WONG

Speaking at the same press conference, National Development Minister Lawrence Wong urged patrons not to rush out when some businesses resume operations next week.

As part of the easing of restrictions, confectioneries, barbers and some home-based food businesses may operate from next Tuesday. 

“I know some people may not have had a haircut for some time, but there is no need to rush to go out to have a haircut on May 12. There will be time to do so. 

“So let us pace ourselves. Do not rush to go out quickly just because of the easing of some restrictions,” said Mr Wong. 

Businesses, he said, should also not rush to reopen and neglect safe management practices in the process. 

“First of all, do not be in a rush to reopen your business and neglect the important safe management practices that you have to put in place first,” he said.

Businesses that reopen on May 12 without the necessary safeguards will be liable for penalties if caught by enforcement officers and be asked to stop work. 

He reminded patrons that the circuit breaker — which runs until June 1 — is still in place, and that the next three weeks should be focused on bringing down community transmission as much as possible.