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Singapore streamlines safe management measures: What you need to know
Following previous postponements, Singapore’s Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MMF) announced that the city-state will streamline Safe Management Measures (SMMs) across five core parameters. The streamlining of SMM 1 to 5 has been/will be revised, with the latest revision occurring on March 29th, 2022. The decision to implement new measures comes as the daily local numbers have started to gradually decline. In this Pacific Prime Singapore article, we take a closer look at the latest safe management measures in Singapore.
The latest COVID-19 measures in Singapore
The COVID-19 situation has improved and the MMF has announced the easing of SMMs along five parameters. Let’s dive into these five measures to watch out for in Singapore effective March 29, 2022, along with other SMMs worth knowing.
- Group sizes
- Mask-wearing
- Workplace requirements
- Safe distancing
- Capacity limits
Group sizes
Social gatherings in Singapore will be increased from 5 people to 10 people for activities that don’t require a mask. In addition to this, the maximum number of unique visitors per household will also be adjusted from 5 people to 10 people at any one time.
Mask-wearing
Mask-wearing will continue as usual for indoor settings. In Singapore, this measure is required as a default as it provides effective protection against infection. That being said, masks have now become optional in outdoor settings.
Not sure what counts as indoor and outdoor settings? Here are some examples.
- Indoor settings: Office buildings, shopping malls, public transport, hawker centers, etc.
- Outdoor settings: Bus stops, retail block walkways, housing development (HDB) void decks, etc.
Workplace requirements
Now, 75% of employees who can work from home can return to the office. Previously, the figure was capped at 50%. For measures regarding social gatherings and other social settings, see the ‘group size’ measure.
Safe distancing
In settings where people do not need to wear masks, safe distancing of 1 meter will continue to remain a requirement. As for settings where masks are required, social distancing is encouraged but will not be required.
Capacity limits
The sizes of events will depend on the venue’s capacity and zoning requirements will be removed. This implies that there is no capacity limit for mask-on events involving 1,000 persons or less. Similarly, a 75% capacity limit (up from a 50% capacity limit) of the venue will apply to events with 1,000 persons or more.
This change means that services in smaller settings can proceed as usual, if there are no more than 1,000 persons and they all wear masks, such as:
- Business events
- Classes
- Wedding receptions
- Religious services
- Funerary memorial events
- Media conferences
- Solemnizations
Since settings of over 1,000 persons and large events continue to pose a greater risk of infection, they’ll be subject to a 75% capacity limit. These include:
- Attractions
- Cruises
- Meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE)
- Work-related events
- Performing arts venues
- Sports stadiums
Groups with children
Unvaccinated children born in 2010 or later (or 12 years old and below) do not need to be from the same household to be part of a group participating in activities or entering premises with vaccination differentiated measures.
Resuming team sports
Team sports are permitted for up to 30 fully vaccinated persons, including players, coaches, etc., at specified sports facilities like ActiveSG/PA facilities and private facilities approved by Sport-SG. The Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth (MCCY) will gradually increase the number of venues in the weeks to come.
Migrant workers
Up to 15,000 vaccinated migrant workers will be permitted to visit the community on weekdays, along with up to 30,000 on weekends and public holidays. Additionally, fully vaccinated migrant workers no longer need to do a pre-visit antigen rapid test (ART) for a community visit.
Border measures
Singapore’s borders are also just one step closer to being fully open. Starting April 1st, 2022, all travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and children aged 12 and below will be able to enter Singapore with just a pre-departure COVID-19 test.
Prioritize your health with Pacific Prime Singapore
As healthcare facilities in Singapore continue to deal with a heavy workload, the public is urged to exercise personal responsibility as best they can. One way that you can do your part is to stay as healthy as possible. One easy and cost-effective way to do that is to secure individual health insurance in Singapore.
With a comprehensive health insurance plan, you can confidently access quality medical care whenever you need it – without worrying about paying for hefty hospital bills out of pocket. But choosing the right health insurance plan can be a daunting task. That’s why many expats and locals turn to a reputable insurance broker like Pacific Prime Singapore.
Our 20+ years of industry experience gives us the knowledge and expertise to help you choose the ideal plan for your needs and budget, along with our highly trained insurance advisors who are there to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re looking for expat health insurance in Singapore or globally, look no further than Pacific Prime.
Contact us for impartial advice and a free plan comparison today.
Jantra curates and reports on the results of Pacific Prime’s monthly newsletters, as well as manages Pacific Prime’s Deputy Global CEO’s LinkedIn posts. Complemented by her background in business writing, Jantra’s passion for health, insurance, and employee benefits helps her create engaging content - no matter how complex the subject is.
Growing up as a third-culture kid has given her a multicultural perspective that helps her relate to expats and their families while 8 years of working remotely have given her unique insight into hybrid work arrangements and enthusiasm for employee benefits.
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