Evening Update: Today's headlines from The Straits Times on April 7

Good evening! Catch up on some of the main headlines on Tuesday, April 7.


Empty trains, quiet streets on day 1 of Singapore's 'circuit breaker'

A quiet Raffles Place on April 7, 2020. ST PHOTO: TIMOTHY DAVID

With most workplaces shut, traffic was light. In the heartland, wet markets, hawker centres and other eateries were open but it was takeaways for all.

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Private social gatherings of any size no longer allowed under proposed law

The Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Bill, if passed, would allow the health minister to prohibit events and gatherings, or impose conditions on how they are conducted. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH

This would include private gatherings at home or in public spaces such as in parks and Housing Board void decks.

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Bill on special arrangements for voters, candidates affected by Covid-19 restrictions

The Elections Department said that the health and safety of voters, candidates and election officials are paramount. PHOTO: ST FILE

Voters subject to restrictions like stay-home orders will be allowed to vote outside their electoral divisions under the proposed law.

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Singaporeans share Covid-19 #stayhomesg ideas

Some people have taken to social media to share how they have been adapting to Singapore's "circuit breaker" measures. PHOTOS: INSTAGRAM

Share your ideas with The Straits Times on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #stayhomewithST and you may be featured.

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Japan PM Shinzo Abe declares state of emergency over coronavirus

The move by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe empowers local governors to urge people to stay inside and to call for businesses to close. PHOTO: EPA-EFE

His Cabinet will also finalise a stimulus package worth S$1.4 trillion to cushion the impact of the epidemic.

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Two initiatives to build up economic and social resilience

Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat noted that the current crisis is unprecedented - as is the Government's decision to roll out, in 48 days, three aid packages. PHOTO: GOV.SG

One is the Emerging Stronger task force on economic resilience while the other is a refreshed Singapore Together movement with a new emphasis on social resilience.

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Man charged after leaving home for bak kut teh while on Covid-19 stay-home notice

Alan Tham Xiang Sheng had posted on social media photos of his bak kut teh meal while he was supposed to be at home serving his 14-day notice. PHOTOS: SHIN MIN DAILY NEWS, ST READER, SCREENGRAB FROM FACEBOOK

If convicted, he can be jailed for up to six months and fined up to $10,000.

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More income relief for lower-wage workers

This enhancement will last until the end of 2020, when it will be reviewed further. ST PHOTO: ONG WEE JIN

Since April 1, MOM has increased the support to up to two months' salary, depending on the worker's income.

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Coronavirus: Malaysia places two buildings in Kuala Lumpur under enhanced curbs

The movement control order takes effect from April 7 until all residents are screened. PHOTO: EPA-EFE

15 cases of coronavirus were detected at the two buildings.

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Stay-home guide: Eight useful pantry staples to have in the time of coronavirus

Rice.
Rice. PHOTOS: BT FILE, FAIRPRICE, ST FILE

These have been chosen for their versatility. Keep calm, consider your family's needs, and carry on.

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