Singapore has once again relaxed Covid-19 restrictions on dining in at F&B outlets and social gatherings, but only for fully vaccinated people. The country will also sharply increase the capacity limit for events.
In a press conference, the Multi Ministry Task Force revealed that there will be a two-stage opening. The first period will take place from Aug 10 to 19, and the second stage after Aug 19, if the situation remains under control.
This is, according to Health Minister Ong Ye Kung, the “preparatory stage to a Covid-resilient society”
From Aug 10, the country will allow dine-in at F&B outlets, but only for fully vaccinated people and with differentiated measures.
Dining in at F&B outlets will be allowed in groups of up to five people, and all must be fully vaccinated.
For children under 12, they may be included within the group of five, as long as all the children are from the same household.
Meanwhile, dining in at hawker centres, which are more porous and voluminous in terms of people flow, are only limited to two people per group, regardless of vaccination status.
Unvaccinated individuals should remain in groups of no more than 2 persons, to reduce the likelihood of transmission and severe infection
The definition of a fully vaccinated person will include anyone who has taken the full regimen of any vaccine under the World Health Organisation Emergency Use List (WHO EUL).
This includes the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines used in the national vaccination program, as well as the Sinovac-CoronaVac, Sinopharm, Janssen, AstraZeneca, and Covisheld vaccines.
These vaccines will also be eligible for the differentiated safe management measures, and will now count towards the national vaccination statistic.
Unvaccinated individuals with a valid negative pre-event test result or recovered individuals are of similarly lower risk, and may also join in such groups of up to 5.
Singapore Health Minister Ong Ye Kung revealed that as of Aug 5, over 78% has received one shot of the vaccine, and 67% are fully vaccinated. At this trajectory, the Health Ministry expects that around 70% of the entire population would have completed two doses by Aug 9.
Separately, Finance Minister Lawrence Wong also revealed that the previously announced support measures for F&B outlets will continue till Aug 19 with no change.
Increased capacity for events
Congregational and other worship services, cinemas, MICE, live performances, and spectator sport events sizes may increase their capacity to 500 attendees if all are fully vaccinated. Otherwise, only up to 50 attendees will be allowed without pre-event testing (PET).
Unmasking and singing or playing of wind instruments at live performances for vaccinated performers may resume, subject to updated safe management measures.
The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth and National Arts Council will release further details
Furthermore, marriage solemnizations in external venues may take place with up to 500 persons if all are fully vaccinated, including the wedding couple but excluding solemnizers and vendors. Otherwise, only up to 50 attendees will be allowed without PET.
Wedding receptions will be allowed with up to 250 attendees if all are fully vaccinated, and with groups of up to 5 attendees per table.
Further relaxation
Should the situation remain under control, measures from Aug 19 will be further relaxed.
Congregational and other worship services, cinemas, MICE, live performances, spectator sport events, and marriage solemnizations may then take place with up to 1,000 attendees if all are fully vaccinated. Otherwise, only up to 50 attendees will be allowed without PET.
Attractions, cruises, museums, and public libraries will be increased from the current capacity of 25% to 50%. Museums and public libraries will also be allowed to operate at an increased operating capacity of 50%.
Occupancy limits for shopping malls and showrooms will be increased from the current limit of 16 square meters per person of gross floor area, to 10 square meters per person.
In addition, work from home requirements will be eased to allow up to 50% of employees to return to the workplace.
The next milestone, termed “Transition Stage A” will be when 80% of the population is fully vaccinated. MOH said, “At that stage, we can consider further easing of restrictions while continuing with differentiated safe distancing rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated persons.”
