UPDATE, December 7, 2020: It seems like the road to Phase 3 is paved with even more challenges. In an update today, it seems unlikely that Singapore will be entering the final phase of its reopening – unless more people use TraceTogether. According to experts, the major stumbling block to Phase 3 is the inadequate adoption of the TraceTogether app or token, which helps to facilitate more effective contact tracing. Currently, only about 50.8 percent of the population have started using TraceTogether, falling short of the 70 per cent target.
By the end of December, Singapore will move away from SafeEntry, and checking in with the TraceTogether app or token will be made mandatory at public venues including restaurants and shopping malls. Cinemas and theatres have already made the app or token compulsory from November 16. For more info on where you can collect your TraceTogether token, we break it down for you here.
October 20, 2020: More things to look forward to in 2020: Singapore could enter the final phase of reopening by the end of the year – if community cases remain low and if we keep vigilant with continual testing and contact tracing.
One of the significant changes to expect as we enter Phase 3 is that social gatherings (outside the home and within the household) of up to eight people are allowed – this is an increase from the five we are permitted currently. Minister of Health Gan Kim Yong also said that authorities had initially thought about increasing the limit to 10 people but decided against it as it would be more difficult to implement the safe distancing rules (which still stands, by the way) in public places. A larger group would also increase the risk of transmission.
Other than social gatherings within close friends and family, the capacity at religious events and weddings could also be increased to allow up to 50 people each at multiple zones. At the moment, these events are limited to 100 people, split into two zones of 50.
For an added layer of security, a pilot scheme will be introduced that will see people tested for Covid-19 before they are allowed to attend events. How? Rapid tests will be carried out at venues and events. The only concern is that these tests have lower accuracy so extra safe-management measures are still needed and false positives can be expected. Still, all these plans will be fine-tuned in the months to come.
On top of these measures, there will more emphasis for the community to check in to SafeEntry using the TraceTogether app or token to continue Singapore’s contact tracing efforts. One of the conditions that have to be met for Singapore to enter Phase 3 is for at least 70 percent of the population to utilise TraceTogether.
Unfortunately, the nightlife sector is still deemed a high risk so places like nightclubs and karaoke lounges are likely to remain closed in Phase 3.
More developments on Singapore’s reopening:
Singapore-Hong Kong ‘travel bubble’: everything you need to know
Walking, cycling and kayaking tours in Singapore to accommodate groups of twenty people
Nightclub Zouk is now a spinning studio by day, and cinema by night
