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SINGAPORE: It will soon be mandatory to use the TraceTogether application or the token to check in for SafeEntry in certain places where activities are carried out with large groups of people.
The Smart Nation and Digital Government Office (SNDGO) announced on Tuesday (October 20) that SafeEntry, for TraceTogether only, will be phased out in popular Singapore locations by the end of the year.
He said this transition from other SafeEntry methods, such as identity card scanning, is vital as the country prepares to resume larger-scale events and further reopen its economy safely amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The TraceTogether program, which comprises both an app and a token, relies on proximity data to provide an initial list of close contacts for COVID-19 cases.
Together with SafeEntry and associated digital systems, the program would allow contact tracing teams to reduce the time required to identify and quarantine a close contact from four days to less than two days on average.
This helps prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
BETTER PROTECTION
“Using SE (TraceTogether Only SafeEntry) for TT alone will provide an added assurance that everyone present at these larger scale activities is better protected by effective contact tracing through participation in the TT program,” he said. SNDGO.
“TT-only SE ensures that if a COVID-19 case is identified, we can quickly inform close contacts in those locations through the TT program.
“Close contacts can immediately take the necessary precautions to keep their loved ones safe.”
READ: Social gatherings of up to 8 people may be allowed in Phase 3, says Gan Kim Yong
When TraceTogether-only SafeEntry is deployed in one location, visitors will no longer be able to enter by scanning QR codes with phone cameras, using SingPass Mobile, or scanning their personal IDs.
Instead, they will have to use the TraceTogether app to scan the location’s QR code or allow entry staff to scan the QR code on their TraceTogether token.
ROLLOUT BY PHASES
Since August, SafeEntry, exclusive to TraceTogether, has been on trial in various locations with high human traffic or where people are expected to be around for extended periods.
From now until mid-November, SafeEntry, exclusive to TraceTogether, will be deployed in venues that host activities that attract larger groups of people.
These include cinemas, places of worship with more than 100 attendees, and venues that host live performances and business events.
“Members of the public who intend to attend these activities are encouraged to download the TT app or collect their TT token as soon as possible,” advised the SNDGO.
READ: Nightlife industry is ‘higher risk’ environment, activities unlikely to resume even at the beginning of Phase 3, says Lawrence Wong
By December, TraceTogether-only SafeEntry will roll out to all popular places that currently require check-in, including workplaces, schools, shopping centers, food and beverage outlets, and hotels.
A complete list of locations is available on the SafeEntry website and will be updated “continuously,” SNDGO said.
TraceTogether tokens are now available for collection at 38 community centers and clubs (CCs) and will be available at all 108 CCs at the end of November.
Find out where to collect your TraceTogether token here.
