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Singapore reverts to Phase 2 (HA) effective 22 July 2021: Everything to note

Singapore reverts to Phase 2 (HA) effective 22 July 2021: Everything to note

As WFH is reinforced as the default, employers should avoid organising work-related events unless critical (e.g. training sessions); for the general public, group sizes for gatherings will be reduced to up to two persons, and dine-in has been ceased. Full updates here.

Effective tomorrow (Thursday, 22 July 2021), Singapore will be back in Phase Two (Heightened Alert) up till 18 August (Wednesday). Measures during this period will supersede those introduced on 19 July, the Multi-Ministry Taskforce announced on Tuesday (20 July).

This move comes following a recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the country, and clusters. As of Tuesday, there were a total of 195 new cases of COVID-19 infection reported, of which 182 were locally transmitted. Out of these, 142 were linked to the Jurong Fishery Port cluster, and 14 to the KTV cluster.

Here's everything there is to note about the latest measures:

Work-from-home continues to be the default

  • There should be no cross-deployment of manpower.
  • At the same time, social gatherings continue to be disallowed.
  • Employees should have their meal breaks at the workplace, individually.
  • In a separate update, the Ministry of Manpower has shared the following which takes effect on 22 July:
    • Employers should avoid organising work-related events unless critical (e.g. training session). All work-related events that proceed must adhere to prevailing workplace Safe Management Measures and are subjected to the following requirements:
      • The number of persons per event must be capped at 50 persons to limit the risk of exposure to infection.
      • Attendees must maintain at least one metre safe distancing between individual attendees, as per the requirement at the workplace.
      • Food and drinks are not allowed at work-related events.
    • Work-related events at third-party venues will also be subject to any additional premise owners’ safe management policies.

Group sizes for social gatherings and interactions reduced to up to two persons

  • Group sizes have been reduced from up to five persons, to up to two persons. 
  • Each household can only receive up to two unique visitors a day.
  • The number of social gatherings allowed per day remain at two, be it at another household or in a public place.
  • The cap on visitors does not apply to grandchildren being cared for by their grandparents.

Dining-in to cease, occupancy limit of shopping malls lowered

  • Dine-in is no longer allowed during the Phase Two (HA) period. 
  • However, takeaway and delivery are allowed.
  • Previously one person per 10sqm of gross floor area (GFA), the reduced occupancy limit at shopping malls and showrooms is now one person per 16sqm of GFA.
  • Barbeque pits and campsites remain closed.
  • Home-based businesses will only allowed be to operate on a contactless delivery/collection model.

Groups of up to two allowed for staycations, reduced number of persons for tour groups

  • Groups of up to two persons allowed per room for staycations, instead of up to five, except where individuals are all from the same household, subject to the room’s maximum capacity. 
  • Tour groups are only allowed to take in up to 20 persons per tour, for all tours.
  • The operating capacity of museums and public libraries, and attractions and cruises will be at 25%.
  • For massage establishments and hairdressers' salons, services which require masks to be removed (e.g. facials, saunas, make-up services) will cease during this period.
  • Cinemas: Up to 100 persons will be allowed in cinema halls, with pre-event testing (PET), and up to 50 persons without PET, with safe distancing between groups of up to two pax. No food and drinks are allowed into the halls.
  • MICE events will also be allowed up to 100 persons with PET and up to 50 without PET. Unmasking will not be allowed.

Indoor mask-off activities to be suspended

  • Indoor mask-off activities and classes will be suspended. Mask-off activities will only be allowed outdoors, with a class size limit of two persons.
  • Indoor/outdoor mask-on classes are allowed with up to 30 persons per class, in groups of up to two persons, subject to the venue's capacity limit and safe distancing requirements. 
  • Spectator and participatory sports events: Up to 100 persons are allowed with PET, and up to 50 persons without PET.

Unmasking and singing not allowed at congregational services

  • Unmasking and singing, or the playing of instruments that require expulsion of air for live performances will not be allowed at congregational and worship services.
  • Up to 100 persons will be allowed at these services with PET, and up to 50 without PET.
  • The same applies for other live performances. 

Up to 100 persons allowed with PET at wedding receptions

  • Wedding receptions can go on, but with up to 100 persons, and PET is required for all attendees. 
  • Only one reception is allowed, and with group sizes of up to five persons.
  • As for marriage solemnisations, up to 100 persons are allowed with required PET. Without PET, only up to 50 persons will be allowed.
  • Group sizes at these solemnisations will be of up to two persons.

Other activities/events

  • For in-person tuition and enrichment classes, up to 50 persons will be allowed per class, in groups of up to two persons.
  • Funerals: The limit remains at up to 20 persons at any point in time on all days.

The Taskforce has noted that it will do a review of the measures two weeks after implementation, and will adjust further based on the infection situation at that time.


Photo / 123RF

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