There are a few things that are certain in life: CPF, ERP and an array of relaxations from 12 June 2021.
Since we all know about CPF and ERP, here are 9 things you need to know about what you can do from 12 July 2021, 12:00am, and other important stuff that’ll affect you.
Dine-in Groups to Increase from 2 to 5
Need more explanation?
Resumption of wedding reception
Wedding receptions may resume from 12 July 2021, with no more than 250 persons allowed with Pre-Event Testing (PET). For wedding receptions with 50 persons or less, PET will be required for the wedding party only. As wedding receptions are higher-risk activities where attendees tend to socialise more and over a longer period of time, attendees must adhere to all other SMMs to reduce the risk of transmission.
Easing of Measures for Indoor high-intensity / mask-off sports / exercise activities
Gyms and fitness studios may conduct indoor mask-off sports/ exercise activities in group sizes of up to 5 persons, similar to indoor mask-on and outdoor activities. Sports and exercise classes can continue in groups of no more than 5 persons, in classes of up to 50 persons including the instructor, or the capacity limit of the venue, whichever is lower. SportSG will release more details on this.
Social and recreational gatherings at the workplace will be allowed
Is your birthday coming soon? Do you have at least four friends? Good for you: Social and recreational gatherings at the workplace will be allowed but must be limited to a total size of no more than 5 persons in line with the broader community rules.
However, despite that…
Work-From-Home is Still the Default Working Mode
Work-from-home will continue to remain the default arrangement so as to reduce overall interaction within workplaces and on public transport. Employers are reminded to ensure the practice continues, and for employees that need to come to the workplace, to stagger their start times and implement flexible working hours.
SafeEntry and SafeEntry Gateway for all Supermarkets
To facilitate more targeted contact tracing for individuals who have overlapping visits with infected persons in indoor buildings, TraceTogether-only SafeEntry (TT-only SE) and SafeEntry Gateway (SEGW) check-in requirements will be re-introduced at supermarkets located within TT-only SE buildings with the same operating hours. This will take effect from 21 July 2021.
Other supermarkets, e.g. standalone supermarkets, that have been implementing TT-only SE and SEGW check-in facilities will continue to do so. Customers of all supermarkets must check in with their TraceTogether (TT) App or Token using the SEGW, or by scanning the SafeEntry (SE) QR code with the TT App.
ART Test Kits Will be Available in More Places
From 16 July 2021, ART self-test kits will be available in more general retailers like supermarkets and convenience stores. People will also be able to buy more than 10 kits per individual. With this, more individuals, particularly those who do not have acute respiratory infection symptoms, can test themselves if they are concerned about potential exposure to COVID-19.
Fast and Easy Tests (FETs) Will be Compulsory for Several Businesses from 15 July
FET RRT will be made mandatory for all staff in the following higher-risk settings:
– Dine-in F&B establishments;
– Personal care services (e.g. facial and nail services, spas/ saunas, massage establishments, hairdressing, and make-up services); and
– Gyms and fitness studios where clients are unmasked.
Further Changes to be Made Upon 50% of the Population Completing the Full Vaccination Regimen
If this sounds familiar, it’s because before Singapore moved into Phase 3, a certain % of people needed to be using TraceTogether, and as you’d know by now, we achieved our target easily.
Now, we’ve another goal: 50% of us being fully vaccinated.
Once that is achieved, these would happen:
- Social gathering group sizes may increase to 8 persons;
- For activities/venues such as cinemas, congregational worship, MICE events, live performances, spectator sports and wedding solemnizations, we could allow a doubling in the group size if they are attended by fully vaccinated persons1, i.e. up to 500 persons may be allowed;
- For higher-risk, indoor mask-off activities (e.g. F&B dine-in), we could differentiate the guidelines such that a group size of up to 8 persons may be allowed only for fully vaccinated persons. Otherwise, the group size will remain at 5 persons;
- Work-from-home will continue to remain the default, but more may be allowed to return to the workplace based on the percentage of total employees who are fully vaccinated.
This is expected to take place from end-July.
Of course, the problem is…do you have 7 friends?
Featured Image: YouTube (CNA)