FAQ: Your guide to Phase 3 of the reopening of Singapore
SINGAPORE — Six months after Singapore began Phase 2 of reopening after its two-month COVID-19 circuit breaker period on 19 June, it will move into Phase 3 on 28 December as announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
As a handy guide to this third reopening phase, here is a list of frequently-asked questions answered (this FAQ will be updated with more information from various agencies):
GENERAL
Question: Do I have to wear a face mask when I’m outside?
Answer: Yes, you must continue to wear a face mask whenever you are outside of your residence. There are some specific instances when you can take off your mask, such as when you are driving inside a vehicle, and when you are engaged in strenuous exercise outdoors (jogging, cycling, brisk walking).
When you are taking public transport, you should also refrain from talking to one another or on your mobile phones, and to maintain good personal hygiene.
SOCIAL INTERACTION
Q: How many family members or friends can join me in social gatherings, such as meals at hawker centres/restaurants?
A: Social gatherings will be allowed to have up to eight persons in Phase 3, an increase from five persons in Phase 2.
Some rules will still remain while dining in Phase 3. Each person should still maintain safe distancing of at least one metre at all times, and if this is not possible, the one-metre rule can be enforced between groups.
Sales and consumption of liquor will end at 10.30pm. Also, live music as well as television/video screenings are not allowed at eateries or pubs at this stage.
Q: Can I invite more than five people to my household in Phase 3?
A: Yes, you can allow up to eight visitors to your household at any point in time.
Q: I wish to attend religious services at my place of worship. Is there an attendance limit?
A: Yes, for Phase 3, the capacity of congregational and other worship services is up to 250 persons, in zones of up to 50 persons each. Furthermore, congregational, other worship services as well as religious rites/prayers conducted at places of worship may involve live performance elements, with the necessary safe management measures in place.
Q: I wish to attend a marriage solemnisation event at a household. What is the limit on guest attendance?
A: Currently for marriage solemnisations held in the home, 10 persons (including members of the household, but excluding solemniser and vendors) are allowed. In Phase 3, up to an additional eight visitors can be invited.
In addition, live instrumental music (except for wind instruments) will be allowed at marriage solemnisations, funerals and funerary-related activities, with necessary safe management measures in place.
Q: Will I be able to attend live arts and culture performances in Phase 3?
A: Yes, you can attend indoor and outdoor live performances. All such events at indoor venues will be capped at 250 people in attendance, in zones of up to 50 people each while those at outdoor venues will have the same requirement under a pilot scheme.
Q: Will I be able to go to nightclubs or karaoke outlets?
A: Generally, no. Pilot schemes are being carried out in high-risk activities and settings – such as busking, live performances in outdoor venues, nightclubs and karaoke outlets – to assess how they can take place and scale up safely.
For instance, three selected bars have reopened and can operate for two months from 8 December under small-scale pilot schemes for the nightlife industry: Bar Kiharu at Orchard Plaza, Bell Bar at Cuppage Plaza and Skinny’s Lounge at Boat Quay.
PUBLIC PLACES
Q: Must I carry my TraceTogether token everywhere I go in Phase 3?
A: Not necessary at the start of Phase 3. TraceTogether-only SafeEntry, whereby you must have the TraceTogether App or token for SafeEntry check-ins, will only be implemented early next year, when everyone has had a chance to collect a token from community clubs/centres.
Until then, you can still do your SafeEntry check-in via SingPass Mobile or TraceTogether app, QR reader apps, or any of your identity cards with barcodes (for example, NRIC, Pioneer or Merdeka Generation cards).
Q: Should I expect bigger crowds at public places or tourist attractions?
A: Yes, the capacity limits of premises will be gradually increased. For malls and large standalone stores, the capacity limit will be loosened, from 10 square metres per person to 8 square metres per person, allowing more patrons to be inside the malls or stores.
Meanwhile, tourist attractions can apply to Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to increase their operating capacity from 50 per cent up to 65 per cent.
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