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SINGAPORE – Local attractions can apply to increase their operating capacity from 50 percent to 65 percent, the Ministry of Health (MINSA) said on Monday (December 14), detailing further easing of restrictions in several areas as Singapore enters in phase three. of its reopening on December 28.
The capacity limit for independent shopping centers and large stores will be increased from 10 square meters per person to 8 square meters per person, although measures should continue to be implemented to avoid overcrowding in popular areas.
“If the local Covid-19 situation remains stable and we are able to deploy more of our enablers to allow more activities to resume safely, the Multi-Ministerial Task Force will consider allowing further resumption of activities, over the course of phase three, “the ministry said in a statement.
Restrictions on religious organizations, weddings, funerals and live performances will also be relaxed.
All religious organizations will be allowed to increase their capacity for congregational services and other worship services to a maximum of 250 people, as trials have shown that they have been able to do so safely.
Live performances for rites, prayers or services held by religious organizations will also be allowed to resume, the Health Ministry added in a press release.
These performances can involve a limited number of singers, as well as wind and other instruments, with safe management measures in place.
Live instrumental music will be allowed for indoor wedding ceremonies, as well as funerals and funeral-related activities, although wind instruments will not be allowed for these events.
Up to eight visitors can attend the wedding ceremonies held at the home. Currently, a total of 10 people are allowed, including members of the host household, excluding solemnity and providers.
Indoor live performances will also be allowed to hold up to 250 people, while ongoing pilots for outdoor live performances can be expanded to a capacity of 250, up from 100 today.
For these actions, people must remain segregated in areas of up to 50 people each.
The pilots will continue in some higher risk activities and environments, such as concerts and live performances in open air venues, karaoke and nightlife, to help authorities assess how these activities can be carried out and expanded safely.
Update on the conditions to go to phase three
In its statement, the ministry noted that Singapore has made good progress on the preconditions it had set for moving to phase three.
This includes the adoption of the TraceTogether program, which has a participation rate of about 65 percent as of Sunday (December 13).
“We are on track to reach the target of around 70 percent by the end of the year,” the Health Ministry said.
The TraceTogether-only SafeEntry implementation, where the TraceTogether app or token is required for SafeEntry records, will be rolled out only in early 2021, the Health Ministry said.
This contact tracing requirement will be triggered only after everyone wanting a token has had a chance to collect one at a club or community center in their constituency. Until then, visitors can still check-in for SafeEntry through the TraceTogether app, SingPass Mobile, ID cards, etc.
Singapore has also significantly increased its polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing capacity: it can now run more than 50,000 tests a day, the Health Ministry said.
Rapid antigen tests have also been introduced for larger and higher risk events.
Most companies and members of the public have also been cooperating with safe management measures, the ministry noted, adding that these efforts have helped keep community transmission low.
Read the highlights of Prime Minister Lee’s announcements and the Covid-19 ministerial task force here.
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