Singapore (VNA) – The circuit breaker that Singapore imposed in 2020 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 had an uneven effect on families, according to a researchrecently published by the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.

More than four in 10 households earning less than 1,000 SGD a month andmore than three in 10 of those earning between 1,000- 2,900 SGD per month reported havingtrouble paying for living expenses. On average, fewer than three in 10 ofhouseholds of all higher income levels reported similar issues.

Respondents from lower-income households were also morelikely to have their salaries disrupted by the circuit breaker, during whichsocial gatherings and most activities were banned, movement was restricted andmost businesses except essential ones were closed.

On average, more than half of households earning less than 1,000SGD a month and nearly half of those earning between 1,000 SGD and 2,900 SGD a month reporteddisruptions to their incomes.

This occurred less frequently with those at higher incomelevels. For instance, four in 10 households earning between 8,000 SGD and 9,900SGD a month and fewer than three in 10 households of those earning between 10,000 SGDand 14,900 SGD a month reported disruptions to incomes.

The research polled more than 1,000 citizens and permanentresidents every two weeks between May 7 and July 16 last year, for a total ofmore than 6,000 respondents./.