Singapore to Ease COVID-19 Rules: What You Need to Know

Beginning Monday, 14 Jun 2021, Singapore will gradually enter “Phase 3 (Heightened Alert).” A new set of COVID-19 rules in Singapore will take effect following the decrease in infections. 

Here’s what you need to know about what you can and cannot do starting 14 Jun. 

Also read: New Coronavirus Variant: Countries Where It’s Been Identified

New COVID-19 rules in Singapore

1. Dining in will be allowed from 21 Jun 2021

Image credit: Sengkang

Dining in at food and beverage (F&B) establishments will only be allowed from 21 Jun 2021 onwards. In the meantime, individuals will need to opt for takeaway or delivery at food courts, hawker centres, and restaurants island-wide. Once dining in is allowed, diners may only do so in groups of five. Masks should also be worn at all times except when eating and drinking.

2. Social gatherings increased to five people per group

Image credit: Victor He

Social gatherings will be capped at five people per group, up from the existing rule of two per group. Ministry of Health (MOH) strongly advises that such gatherings should be kept to a maximum of two each day.

This rule also applies to the number of daily household visitors one can invite. Five distinct visitors will be allowed to visit a household, increased from the previous cap of two. 

3. Work from home to remain default

Image credit: Free-Photos

In Phase 3 (Heightened Alert), all employees who are able to work from home should still do so. If employees are required to return to the office, employers must make sure that their start times are staggered and that their hours are flexible.

4. Personalised services will be allowed

Image credit: Merlin Spa

Personalised services such as saunas, spas, and facials will be allowed to resume from 14 Jun 2021 onwards. However, activities that include purposeful “expulsion of air,” according to the health ministry, will only be allowed from 21 Jun 2021 onwards. Such activities include singing and the playing of certain instruments. Tuition and enrichment classes for those aged 18 and below will also be allowed starting 21 Jun.

Fitness studios and gyms will be able to reopen starting 21 Jun. However, they have to ensure that a distance of at least two metres is kept between each person, and a distance of at least three metres is kept between each group of five. Indoor and outdoor fitness classes may resume with a cap of 30 people per class.

5. Increased cap on event sizes

Image credit: Carlton Hotel Singapore Official Website

Weddings

Wedding receptions will be allowed starting 14 Jun 2021, with a cap of 100 participants with pre-event testing. However, wedding receptions that include dining-in will only be allowed starting 21 Jun.

From 14 Jun, 250 participants will be allowed at outdoor wedding solemnisations with pre-event testing. Wedding solemnisations at home will also be allowed, with groups of up to five participants or up to 10 participants in total.

Worship

Congregational and worship services will be allowed with up t0 250 people with pre-event testing. Singing and playing of instruments at services will only be allowed starting 21 Jun.

Places of attraction

Places of attraction, including museums and public libraries, will be allowed to operate at an increased capacity of 50%. Indoor and outdoor shows may continue with a maximum of 250 people with pre-event testing, and 50 people without testing. Cinemas will also follow this rule.

For all such events, participants must make sure to wear their masks at all times.

6. Regular testing for staff in high-risk settings

Image credit: CapitaLand Official Website

Regular testing will be carried out for staff working in high-risk settings such as F&B establishments, gyms, and other places that require the removal of masks.

Starting 16 Jun 2021, members of the public will also be able to purchase DIY antigen rapid test (ART) kits from pharmacies like Guardian, Watsons, and Unity.

Also read: Is It Safe to Travel to Singapore Amidst the Novel Coronavirus?

During this crucial period, let us all do our part to practise social distancing, stay home as much as possible, and follow all COVID-19 rules in Singapore. Remember: The fight against COVID-19 is a combined effort.  Stay safe, Singapore — we can do this!

Featured image credit: Gov.sg | Official Website