Ifah SakinahIn light of the escalating COVID-19 community cases, Singapore is back to Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) as of 20 July 2021. With that, the question on what you can do during Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) is certainly on your mind. Let the following list serve as a guide on the things you can still enjoy in the Lion City during these uncertain times. Just remember to practise social distancing while donning your mask at all times!
Also read: Vaccinated Against COVID-19? Here Are 10 Deals You Can Avail in Singapore
List of things you can during Phase 2 (Heightened Alert)
1. Visit your loved ones
Image credit: National Cancer Institute
Missing your family? Fret not, you can still pay them a visit during this time. However, do bear in mind that there is a cap on the permissible group size. Each household will only be able to receive two distinct visitors per day. Plus, each individual is only allowed two social gatherings per day, whether to another household or in a public place.
2. Tuck into a sumptuous repast
Image credit: Jakub Dziubak
It’s no secret that Singaporeans’ love affair with food knows no bounds. The new restriction in place during Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) whereby the banning of dining-in across the region will certainly dampen the spirits of many. Do not let that get in the way of you digging into a delicious meal, though: Food delivery to the rescue!
With a plethora of food delivery services, you can still enjoy an array of mouth-watering dishes in the comfort of your own home. Moreover, many of your favourite restaurants are currently doling out incredible promotions, including discounts on islandwide food delivery. Check them out so that you don’t miss out on your fill of good food. Additionally, you can still opt for takeaway options at various eateries, including hawker centres and food courts, if you do not wish to avail of food delivery services.
3. Hole up at a hotel
Yes, one thing you can still do in Singapore during Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) is enjoy a much-needed staycation! So, if you currently have any existing bookings, you don’t have to scamper to cancel them. Just take note of the following rules, and you can be on your way to a rejuvenating respite:
- There should be no more than two people in a hotel room. However, families with the same residential address can have more than two people in a hotel room. They will have to split into groups of up to two people when stepping out of their room.
- Only room service, takeaways and deliveries will be available during the stay. Dine-in at restaurants is not allowed.
- No intermingling with members of the public during their stay.
4. Take to the sea
Image credit: Miguel Ángel Sanz
A staycation is not your only option for a mini break. You can consider taking to the sea — cruises are still permitted to operate at a capacity of 25%. Having said that, do bear in mind the same rules on land will still apply. In other words, you will not be allowed to dine in at restaurants onboard, gyms will be closed, and you can only indulge in spa services that enable you to wear your mask. If you’re seeking some time off and enjoy your own company, this makes for an ideal things to do during Phase 2 (Heightened Alert).
5. Get a haircut and a therapeutic massage
During Phase 2 (Heightened Alert), you can still trim your tresses or shower your locks with a treatment at a barber or a hair salon. On top of that, you can let the nimble fingers of massage therapists work out those knots in your body at a spa. At all times, you have to put on a face mask and maintain a one-metre distance between you and the other customers. Only services which enables masks to be on can continue.
6. Watch a blockbuster at a cinema
Image credit: Felix Mooneeram
Tired of scouring for binge-worthy movies on Netflix? Make your way to a cinema near you, where you can feast your eyes upon the screenings of new movies —cinemas can still operate under the new restrictions.
They can accommodate up to 100 pax with pre-event testing (PET) and up to 50 pax without PET. In both situations, there must be safe distancing between groups of up to two pax. Also, keep in mind that you will not be able to purchase food and beverages. So, be sure to grab a bite prior to the movie so that your stomach growls won’t disrupt any important scenes.
7. Pick up some books from a library
Image credit: Susan Q Yin
Fuel your love for reading by picking up a few books from public libraries in Singapore. As of now, libraries in the Little Red Dot are still in operation. However, there is a reduced capacity of 25% in place. Plus, there is a dwell time limit of one hour for visitors at most of the libraries. You can book your time slot ahead of your visit to avoid any disappointment.
Alternatively, consider clearing the dust accumulated on your bookshelves and reread some of your all time favourites. You will be surprised at the amount of details you have initially missed out on. Also, one of the best parts about rereading books is that it conjures up beautiful memories and gives you a sense of comfort about an unaltered chain of events.
8. Purchase essential things
What you can do during Phase 2? Purchase things at shopping malls across Singapore. Good news, in case you aren’t aware: Shopping malls are still up and running. That means that you can still get your hands on a variety of goods. While occupancy limit is reduced to one person per 16sqm of gross floor area, that’s an added layer of safety for many shoppers.
If you’re like the majority of Singaporeans who prefer online shopping, stick to your preferred shopping habit. Grab a myriad of items online at wallet-friendly costs, all without stepping out of home. The best part: You won’t have to lug around heavy shopping bags as the items will reach your doorstep in no time.
9. Tick off attractions in Singapore
Image credit: Sergio Sala
Bored from cooping yourself up at home? Play tourist for a day by visiting an attraction in Singapore that you’ve always wanted to. There are multifarious attractions operating at a reduced capacity of 25% to help quell your wanderlust as travel takes a backseat. A word of advice: Check out the official websites of the attraction you’re planning to visit beforehand for more information.
Out of ideas? You can check out this list of things to do in Singapore for some inspiration. Just remember that only one friend or family member can tag along with you. Plus, you will have to wear your mask at all times during your exciting escapade!
10. Enjoy a blissful hike at a nature trail
Image credit: Visit Singapore Official Website
Bask in the beauty of nature at one of the many parks in Singapore. It’s a great way to get in some extra steps for the day, which will in turn help you burn calories and improve your mood. During these unprecedented times, staying fit is especially important. One way you can achieve that is by taking to one of Singapore’s resplendent hiking and nature trails for a hike. Strap on a comfortable pair of shoes and grab a friend or family member to work up a sweat together. Be mindful to practise social distancing from the rest of the park-goers.
If working out at home is more of your thing, these exercises you can do with simple household items will come in handy!
11. Embark on a walking/guided tour
This response to what you can do during Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) will excite those with a keen sense of adventure. You can still go on some tour groups with up to 20 pax per tour to see Singapore with fresh eyes. With fascinating stories shared by experienced guides coupled with uncovering off-the-beaten tracks, you are bound to fall in love with a different side of the Lion City. However, tours with food and drink components that require the removal of masks, including dining-in at food and beverages outlets and food sampling/tasting are not allowed.
Rest assured that a safe distance of at least one metre between each group of not more than two pax will be upheld. Additionally, everyone must put on a face mask and will not be allowed to intermingle with others from different groups.
12. Hold a wedding reception/solemnisation
Image credit: Shardayyy Photography
Lovebirds, if you’re planning to tie the knot and commit to your partner forever, you can still mark the joyous occasion with an intimate affair with your loved ones. Couples can hold a wedding reception with up to 100 guests with pre-event testing required for all attendees. On the other hand, for a wedding solemnisation, you can invite up to 100 persons with pre-event testing required for all attendees, or up to 50 persons without pre-event testing.
There you have it: A series of answers to your question on what you can during Phase 2 in Singapore. All in all, make sure to mask up at all times while practising social distancing.
While we can still go about a slew of activities, the government encourages everyone to stay at home and only leave the house whenever necessary. That way, we can do our part to fight the spread of COVID-19!
