Fill Me In
According to the Ministry Task Force, Singapore is looking to enter Phase Three by the end of 2020.
What happens in Phase Three?
Good news! Singapore is looking to open Phase Three should the number of community cases continue to remain low as the country ramps up its testing and contact tracing said the Ministry of Task Force.
As part of Phase Three, the gathering size outside homes could potentially be increased from five to eight people. Similarly, home owners can also expect to welcome eight visitors into its home, an increase from the five people rule that we are currently facing. In addition, events such as weddings and place of worship will also see an increase up to 50 people in a venue.
What should we continue doing?
Though the thought of Phase Three, feels sort of liberating and promotes a sense of achievement for Singapore, it does not mean that we can put our guard down and resume life as per normal. The truth is, life will never return to normal unless a vaccine is found. According to the gov.sg, Singapore must be prepared to stay in Phase Three for a prolonged period, potentially up to a year until vaccine is widely available.
Adhere to safe management measures
First, Singaporeans will have to continue to adhere to the safe management measures set up by the government. The COVID-19 has resurfaced in other countries as they continue to open up more activities due to the lack of adherence to safe management measures. In order for Singapore to remain under control and safe, it is vital for Singaporeans to keep up with the baits and practices that they have developed in the past few months.
Pre-event testings
Next, more testings will be carried out to allow more activities to take place safely. For a start, Singapore will conduct a rapid COVID-19 tests before they are allowed to enter and participate in events. Rapid tests can result in a lower accuracy competed to the PCR test, which means that safe management measures including mask and safe distancing will still be required. If proven successful, the pilot program will be adjusted and refined so that Singapore can continue to adapt it in other forms.
Increase of safe entry in public venues
Lastly, more venues are required to implement the SafeEntry rule which means that more Singaporeans will be checking in via the SafeEntry route or by the TraceTogether token or app. This is to ensure that when there is high traffic, people can still be traced via the TraceTogther App or Token. TraceTogther-only Safe Entry is set to be introduced at workplaces, schools and public venues gradually.
The tokens are expected to be available at all CCs by end of November 2020. Head down to the TokenGoWhere website to find your nearest CC and date of collection.
The Health Ministry added in a separate press release that Phase Three does not mean returning to the pre cover life. They emphasise for Singaporeans to continue to keep their guards up and follow the rules like they have in the past few months.
Lawrence Wong who co chairs the Ministry Task Force along with Gan Kim Yong described the current situation as a fire where the embers are reduced but the fire is still not extinguished. Hence, extra care and caution still have to be in place.
He added that every time we relax the rules, we add fuel to the embers which may flare up again.
What is still not allowed?
Though Singapore is looking to enter Phase Three soon, the nightlife settings are deemed as high risk and will still remained close in Phase Three.
The Multi-Ministry Task Force has said that nightlight businesses such as bars, karaokes, and pubs may still not be able to return to life before the pandemic anytime soon.
Mr Wong said that the industry have to be prepared “for quite a long period of restrictions to be in place”.
The government, however are open to consider certain reopening if steps such as rapid testing and intermingling between groups can be cut off along with the deployment of CCTVs.
Conclusion
It seems that Singapore is going is heading in the right direction, more so when the number of community cases are little to none. But with that being said, it is insanely important for us to remain vigilant and adhere to the safety measures that have been implemented. The opening of Phase Three can backfire if we do not take care.
What are you most excited about when Phase Three kicks in?
