Written by Max Loong

With a higher vaccination rate in Singapore, the country will continue the easing of its Safe Management Measures from 10 August 2021. In addition, with further easing of measures from 19 August 2021.

Increase in Social Gathering Group Size

The current social gathering group size limit will be increased from 2 persons to 5 persons.

Unvaccinated individuals should remain in groups of no more than 2 persons, to reduce the likelihood of transmission and severe infection.

Increase in Event Size and Capacity Limits

Meetings, Incentives, Conferences/Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) Event sizes may increase to 500 attendees (1,000 from 19 August) if all are fully vaccinated. Otherwise, only up to 50 attendees will be allowed without pre-event testing (PET).

Change in work-from-home defaults 

While employees are encouraged to work from home, if possible, up to 50% of employees who are able to work from home will be allowed to return to the workplace.

Removal of Temperature Screening Requirement

With other public health tools and increased surveillance measures including self-test antigen rapid test (ART) kits and rostered routine fast and easy tests (FETs) in higher-risk settings, the requirement for temperature screening in public premises will be removed from 19 August 2021 onwards.

“Vaccinate or Regular Test” Regime for Selected Sectors of the Workforce

To mitigate the risk of transmission to colleagues and the public, workers in selected sectors will be required to be either vaccinated or regular testing in lieu.

These sectors include:

1. For those working in the healthcare sector, eldercare sector and settings with children 12 years and below.
2. For individuals working in sectors that interact with customers in higher-risk mask-off settings, and at our borders or COVID-19 frontline work. These sectors include F&B establishments, gyms and fitness studios, and personal care services.

The requirement will take effect from 1 October 2021 to give more time for individuals to get vaccinated. Beyond that, any unvaccinated persons from the above sectors will have to be tested with an ART kit twice a week.

For the small group that remains medically ineligible for vaccines, the Government will subsidise their tests.

Resuming Entry Approvals for Vaccinated Work Pass Holders and Their Dependants

From 10 August 2021, the Ministry of Manpower will resume entry approvals for work pass holders and their dependants with travel history to higher risk countries/ regions. Eligible work pass holders and their dependants must be fully vaccinated before arrival in Singapore. They will also be subjected to the prevailing health protocols in Singapore.

Option for 14-day Stay Home Notice (SHN) at Suitable Place of Residence/ Accommodation of Choice

From 20 August 2021, 2359 hrs, all fully vaccinated travellers from Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Italy, Norway, the Republic of Korea (ROK), and Switzerland may be able to apply to opt-out of dedicated SHN facilities and serve their 14-day SHN at their respective places of residence (e.g. residential address) or other suitable accommodation if they fulfil certain criteria.

All other travellers must continue to serve the SHN in a dedicated SHN facility.