Singaporean businesses will be required to enforce stricter contact tracing regulations under the TraceTogether (TT) and SafeEntry System programmes, which will launch nationwide from 14 September
Businesses that host higher-risk activities, such as restaurants, hotels, cinemas, gyms, and select workplaces, will be required to scan customers’ TraceTogether App or Token before allowing entry. Larger-scale B2B events, such as conferences, will also be asked to introduce TT-only SafeEntry from October.
The restrictions will be introduced progressively, with TT Tokens to be distributed nationwide from 14 September to the end of November. Higher-risk populations, such as elderly demographics, will be given priority.
The new measures aim to increase contact tracing and reduce the risk of inadvertent transmission of the coronavirus. Venues with high human traffic volumes where individuals may be in close contact with each other and masks may be removed will come under the new regulations.
Under the programme, a new Self-Check service and SMS service have also been launched, allowing citizens to receive an alert if they may have been exposed to COVID-19.
COVID-19 Possible Exposure Criteria (Source)
Singapore has gradually reopened its economy in phases since its circuit breaker measures ended in June, with most activities having resumed normality. However, social distancing measures are still in place, with individuals or small groups of five asked to maintain a metre of distance between them.
Travel restrictions are also still enforced for short-term visitors, with the exception of visitors coming in under Green or Fast Lane arrangements, the Air Travel Pass or with special prior approval. More lenient travel arrangements have been arranged with certain countries, including China, Malaysia, New Zealand, Brunei Darussalam, and South Korea, provided testing requirements are met.
Business conventions and exhibitions with up to 250 attendees could be allowed from October, subject to government approval and adequate COVID-prevention measures, which was announced earlier this week. This would be a major step towards restarting larger-scale events, including concerts, trade fairs, and sporting events.
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