Singapore is tightening COVID-19 restrictions in response to the city-state’s worst flare-up in months.

A cluster linked to a major hospital in Singapore has now grown to 40 cases.

This includes five fresh infections recorded yesterday.

There will now be a five person limit for social gatherings – that’s down from eight.

Gyms will also be closed – and fewer employees will be allowed in offices

Meanwhile travellers from higher risk countries will now have to spend 21 days – instead of 14 – in quarantine.

The move won’t affect travelers from Australia who are only required to self isolate until they test negative.

But it could be a setback for a travel bubble – which is being discussed between the nations.  

Singaporean authorities hope the tightening of restrictions means another lockdown, “circuit breaker” as it is known locally can be avoided however one isn’t being ruled out if cases in the community keep climbing.

The new measures will come into force this weekend – and will be in place until the end of the month.