The Covid situation is ever-evolving – especially now, as Singapore eases up restrictions. It’s been almost a year since the circuit breaker completely changed our lives, and we’re gradually going back to some semblance of ‘normal’. But if you can’t keep up with the endless Covid updates in Singapore, fret not. We’ve listed them down for you right here.
Covid updates in Singapore
1. More workers can return to the office
Starting from 5 April, Singapore will move to a more ‘flexible and hybrid way’ of working, according to Lawrence Wong, co-chair of the Covid-19 multi-ministry task force. That means working from home will no longer be the default, though it is still encouraged. Meetings should be virtual as much as possible. But, split team arrangements will not be necessary, so you can say goodbye to teams A and B. Cross-deployment across workplaces is still not permitted.
The number of employees allowed to be in the workplace will increase from 50% to 75%. There won’t be a cap on how long an employee spends at the workplace, though employers should stagger start times and offer flexible working hours. (Let’s face it – we all want to avoid rush hour.) Of course, safe management measures are still ongoing.
2. Social gatherings in the workplace can resume
Missing out on team bonding fun with your colleagues? Well, from 5 April you can have social and recreational activities – but they’re limited to a maximum of eight people. However, work-related events can host up to 50 people, with safe distancing measures implemented. Since the emphasis is on masking up, hosting events over meals should be avoided.
3. Larger live performances are back
When it comes to live arts or sports events, these can scale up to 750 attendees with pre-event testing, or up to 250 without testing from 24 April. Sadly, the nightlife industry pilot programme is still on hold for now.
4. Bigger weddings are allowed
Here’s a little cheer for those wanting to get married in 2021. From 24 April, your marriage solemnisation or reception can host 250 attendees – up from 100 – in zones of up to 50 people each. This number includes the wedding couple, but not the solemniser or vendors. For weddings smaller than 100, pre-event testing is not mandatory. However, it’s required for the unvaccinated bride and groom for larger solemnisation events, as well as every unvaccinated individual attending receptions with more than 100 people.
5. Wakes and funerals can host more people
From 24 April, the cap will be raised from 30 to 50 attendees on the day of burial or cremation. But, it still stays at 30 attendees for the rest of the wake.
6. Vaccine program now open to residents aged 45 to 59
Any Singapore resident in this age range can now register online to get vaccinated. As soon as slots open up, each individual will receive a text with a personalised URL for you to book your appointment online. As of 23 March, over 1.1 million Covid vaccine doses have been administered. Those who have gotten the full vaccine dose and have developed enough protection against the virus (two weeks after their second dose) can attend events without undergoing testing.
7. Social gatherings remain capped at groups of 8
Well, that headline just about says it all.
These are the latest Covid updates in Singapore for now – check back for more information as and when announcements are made.
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