Cassandra NervaIn order to curb the increase in community cases of COVID-19 in Singapore, the Singaporean government introduced TraceTogether–only SafeEntry, a digital check-in system that makes contact tracing in Singapore easier for local businesses and their customers. For those planning to head out for both essential and non-essential purposes, here’s what you need to know about it.
How does TraceTogether–only SafeEntry work?
From 17 May 2021, visitors have these options for checking in to any public venue:
- Using the TraceTogether app to scan the venue’s QR code.
- Displaying the TraceTogether token for venue staff members to scan.
- Alternatively, visitors can tap their token or app against the SafeEntry Gateway Box. Simply tap your TraceTogether token or pull up your TraceTogether app on your phone (just ensure your Bluetooth is switched on) against the SafeEntry Gateway Box scanner.
Image credit: Marsha Izzah Binte Mohamed Azhar
There will be no need for the Singpass and ID check-in methods.
What is the SafeEntry Gateway Box?
An initiative by Smart Nation and Digital Government Office, the SafeEntry Gateway Box was first trialed in Downtown East last October and was met with positive responses.
Image credit: Singapore Atrium Sale Official Facebook Page
In an effort to reduce bottleneck crowds during peak hours at places with high traffic, the SafeEntry Gateway Box works like how you’d tap your EZ-Link card as you enter a bus or go through the gantry at an MRT station. Doing so ensures that the flow of traffic is kept constant.
Image credit: gov.sg Official Website
By adopting this new feature at places with high traffic – such as food and beverage dine-in outlets, hotels, wet markets, cinemas, and hospitals – you can avoid the hassle of scanning a QR code which is troublesome and can create bottleneck crowds.
Also read: 10 Unique Things That Singaporeans Can Enjoy in Their Country Despite COVID-19
Where can I find the SafeEntry Gateway Box?
Here are some of the participating outlets that feature the SafeEntry Gateway Box (which operates in conjunction with TraceTogether–only SafeEntry):
- Malls and large standalone stores > 930 SQM or 10,000 SQFT
- Supermarkets
- Selected popular wet markets (Geylang Serai Market, Block 104 / 105 Yishun Ring Road (Chong Pang Market), Block 20/21 Marsiling Lane, and Block 505 Jurong West Street 52)
- MICE event venues (hotels/convention centres with events for >100pax)
- Gated tourist attractions
- Selected museums, heritage institutions, and galleries
- Cinemas (Golden Village, Cathay Cineplexes, Shaw Theatres, Filmgarde, WE Cinemas, The Projector, Eaglewing Cinematics, Carnival Cinemas and Salt Media@Capital Tower)
- Places of worship (worship services for >100pax)
- Public and Private Hospitals, National Specialty Centres, Community Hospitals and Polyclinics
- Public libraries
- Funeral parlour with wake halls
Image credit: The Projector Official Website
The SafeEntry Gateway Box is also useful at indicating if your TraceTogether token should be replaced. If tapping your token against the scanner doesn’t work, you can still use the QR code on your token to check in. However, this means it’s time to replace your token.
Image credit: Urban Development Authority Official Facebook Page
Fortunately, there are already some TraceTogether replacement booths where SafeEntry Gateway Boxes are located. Don’t forget, you can still always get your token replaced at a nearby community centre. Replacement is free!
TraceTogether meets Bluetooth
Image credit: Sara Kurfeß
Furthermore, to ensure the highest efficiency and reliability TraceTogether–only SafeEntry in performing contact tracing, all members of the public should do the following:
- Ensure that their TraceTogether app is consistently updated to the latest version.
- Leave their Bluetooth kept on while simultaneously ensuring that the TraceTogether app is active in their phone background.
Image credit: Kingsley Yang
The purpose of this is that both the TraceTogether app and the Bluetooth signal can recognise any possible Covid-19 exposure based on people you come into contact with, regardless of whether you’ve checked in to any location. For instance, if the possible transmission is from someone you pass by on the street or the public bus, your Bluetooth will be able to detect this as part of contact tracing.
More information can be found on the SafeEntry website.
Image credit: Victor He
While we await the reopening of borders so that we can make travel something to look forward to again, why not take the time to be tourists in our country in the meantime? Besides, there’s a lot more to explore than one would expect within our little island.
Featured image credit: TraceTogether | Official Website
