Following the release of the Presbyterian Church in Singapore (PCS)’s synod advisory to continue suspension of all worship services and church activities, and closure of church premises to the public, PCS Moderator Rev Keith Lai urged the churches to discern God’s purpose in the pandemic.  Referring to the biblical times of Joel, Rev Lai wrote about how we need to be awakened to God’s judgment; to godly sorrow; and to God’s mercy and that “the Lord’s message to Joel son of Pethuel can become a modern-day warning call and teaching moment for future generations.”

Singapore had moved into a “circuit breaker” to curtail community transmission and suspension of all non-essential services and workplaces to transition to telecommuting where possible. The advisory issued for religious organisations had included “elevated safe distancing measures” to be implemented starting 7 April.