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SINGAPORE: More than 70 percent of Singaporeans are using the TraceTogether app or tokens, the minister in charge of the Smart Nation initiative, Vivian Balakrishnan, said on Wednesday (December 23).
Authorities previously set a TraceTogether adoption rate of 70 percent as one of the requirements for Singapore to move into Phase 3 of its reopening. Phase 3 will begin on December 28.
Speaking to reporters at the Kampong Kembangan Community Club, where a token distribution exercise is taking place, Dr. Balakrishnan said: “We have exceeded the 70 percent participation rate in TraceTogether. There have been more than 2 million people who have downloaded the app and signed up and are using it.
“In addition, since September 14, when we started the distribution of TraceTogether tokens, we have distributed around 1.75 million tokens so far. That is a significant number and I am very grateful for the trust and confidence of the Singaporeans. “
But Dr. Balakrishnan also stressed that this “is not a magic number”, since the national contact tracing program will be “much more” effective if more people participate in it.
READ: Nearly 25,000 Close Contacts of COVID-19 Cases Identified Using TraceTogether: Gan Kim Yong
“So let’s not stop there. Let’s keep moving forward and make this an integral part of the new normal as we move into Phase 3, “added the minister.
HIGH DEMAND FOR CHIPS
Dr Balakrishnan, who is also Minister of Foreign Affairs, said that the demand for the free TraceTogether tokens has exceeded the expectations of the authorities.
More than 50 percent of the population has registered and collected tokens at some community clubs, he noted. As such, the Government has increased its order of the tokens.
“Basically, by the end of February 2021, we would have manufactured and delivered up to 5 million tokens, so it is clearly enough for everyone who needs it,” he said.
“Over the next several weeks and months, as additional token stocks arrive, we will reopen community centers that are not currently distributing tokens. So I want to emphasize that there is no need to rush. “
The public will be informed of the opening dates at these community centers at least three days in advance. Residents can also check the TokenGoWhere website or community bulletin boards for the latest updates, said a separate press release from the Office of Smart Nation and Digital Government.
The Government will also begin distributing TraceTogether tokens to schools, although Dr. Balakrishnan did not disclose a timeline.
READ: MOE Updates Time Requirement for Students to Use TraceTogether App or Token in Schools
“Our priority now is to reopen all community clubs for the community. Once we’ve established that and the stocks are coming in, then we can begin distribution to schools, so I don’t want to set a specific timetable for schools at this point, ”he told reporters.
The minister reiterated that the tokens will not be necessary for smartphone users who have downloaded the TraceTogether app.
“However, I recognize that (the token) has become quite a popular or useful item for most people, hence our decision to do more,” he said.
Mandatory TraceTogether SafeEntry registrations will only be enforced when “everyone who needs or wants to have access to a token or application,” added Dr. Balakrishnan.
READ: New SafeEntry Gateway Appliance Trials in Downtown East to Make TraceTogether Logs More Convenient
The minister also said that safety precautions such as the TraceTogether program will remain an “integral part” of life, even with the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines in Singapore.
“Even when we start the vaccination program, it will take time to complete the entire population,” he said.
“Even with the start of vaccination, it is important for us to maintain our safe distancing and our security measures. You cannot be complacent and we cannot let our guard down. The reason for this is that in the case of vaccination, you will not be safe until everyone is safe.
“So I see that certainly throughout the next year and perhaps beyond, we will have to continue to take all of our health and safety precautions just as we have.”
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