THE BIG STORY
Safety measures tightened ahead of Chinese New Year
From Tuesday, all households will be able to host a maximum of eight distinct guests a day, as part of stepped-up measures to combat rising coronavirus infections ahead of Chinese New Year. Individuals are encouraged to limit themselves to visiting at most two other households daily, and stick to visiting only family members during the festive period.
THE BIG STORY
Private home sales notch up robust price gains in Q4
Singapore's private home market has had a remarkable year, defying the pandemic and a recession, and notching up robust price gains in the fourth quarter. Private home values rose 2.1 per cent compared with a 0.8 per cent gain in the third quarter, and a 0.5 per cent rise in the final quarter of 2019.
SINGAPORE
Construction work begins for Singapore-Johor RTS Link station
The Land Transport Authority unveiled several details on the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link yesterday at a groundbreaking ceremony marking the start of construction at the Woodlands terminus station site.
Commuters crossing the border to Johor Baru via the line will be served by a terminus station and an immigration complex about 10 times the size of a typical MRT station.
WORLD
US Covid-19 deaths likely to top 500,000 in Feb: Biden
Coronavirus deaths in the United States will likely top 500,000 next month, President Joe Biden said on Thursday, a sobering reality check for the nation as he signed 10 new executive orders and unveiled a comprehensive national strategy to defeat the pandemic. "Things are going to continue to get worse before they get better," he said.
WORLD
Malaysia's workplace clusters a key virus source
The Malaysian government is watching workplace clusters closely as they have emerged as a key source of coronavirus infections, with hundreds of cases traced to private companies as well as government agencies. Four Cabinet ministers have tested positive for Covid-19 in recent days.
SPORT
Officials refute report that Games may be off
The Japanese government and Olympic officials yesterday scrambled to categorically deny claims in a Times of London report that the coronavius-hit Games could be cancelled. A final decision is likely in March, but an overwhelming proportion of Japanese polled do not want the Olympics to be held.