26 April: Straits Time's Article Declaring 'Home bakers cannot operate under circuit breaker rules'

So if it was unclear whether home-based F&B businesses can operate or not, this morning's article clarified that they cannot. But, let's break this down and see what can be done.

The article says that "home-based businesses have to cease operations if they require the owner to leave the residential premises or have third-party services deliver the goods, among other measures."

This is obviously in adherence to circuit breaker rules. But, in our petition, we have suggested social-distancing measures that can be implemented for deliveries. 

Also, according to Ministry of Trade and Industry's press release dated 21 April, the F&B retailers that can still operate are to do so with tighter safe distancing measures. For example, dining in is prohibited, delivery is allowed, take-away is allowed and customers are encouraged to bring their own containers.

The same approach of tightening safe distancing measures can, and SHOULD, be taken to small home-based F&B businesses. Please refer to our petition description for more details. 

Back to the article. It concludes with a ray of hope - 

"Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SMCCI) president Farid Khan said in a Facebook post it is aware of feedback from those who have been impacted by the measures, especially during Ramadan."

One of the addressees for our letter of appeal is SMCCI, and we hope they will review the data and alternatives presented to them.

"Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development, said he has heard the concerns of such businesses but stressed the measures will go a long way to save lives. He noted that the Government will provide support to help them tide over this period."

What we can expect is probably financial grants to "provide support" and this will do much to help the affected people but remember that our purpose is to alleviate the ban altogether so that their businesses can continue to operate. 

We need to remember that these businesses are sources of income for many families struggling with low or lowered income due to the pandemic. Their businesses are the ones that have been helping them "tide over this period" particularly because it is peak period where demands for home-made meals and Ramadan treats are on the rise. 

TLDR: The press has confirmed the ban but it also tells us why the ban is in place and these are all concerns that can be addressed. Our petition is calling for alternative measures instead of prohibition. This is not a lost cause - so keep signing, keep sharing and keep the testimonials coming in. 

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25 April: Berita Harian's Article Regarding A Fine on Businesses that Continue Operations

10.30pm yesterday (25 April), Berita Harian released another article - $1000 fine to be imposed on small home based businesses who continue operations without abiding to circuit breaker rules.

Let's not give up. 

What we can do is shed light on all the people whose livelihoods are deeply affected by this - a lot of home-based F&B businesses are the source of income for families who are already facing much difficulty getting by during this pandemic.

Existing government funds are not even applicable to some of these families and how much can a solidarity payout cushion their heavy financial burdens?

If some of us can still work from home, then they can cook from home! Don't prohibit, regulate! Sign the petition and share if you can.