Dining-in to resume from Jun 21 in groups of two

Groups of up to two people will be allowed to dine in at F&B establishments from Monday (Jun 21). 

Similarly, the group size of two will apply to indoor fitness activities with masks off. 

These are the latest measures announced by the authorities as Singapore calibrates its COVID-19 reopening plans after a new cluster of cases at 115 Bukit Merah View Market and Food Centre was formed. 

Previously on Jun 10, the multi-ministry task force for COVID-19 (MTF) announced that it will allow people to dine-in at F&B outlets in groups of five on Jun 21, should the situation remain under control. On Jun 16, the co-chair of MTF Lawrence Wong said that it was “evaluating the timing and scope” of the second stage of the Phase 3 (Heightened Alert). 

“Regrettably, we are unable to proceed with our second stage of reopening in light of the latest outbreaks and big cluster that we have discovered in Bukit Merah, and now we have to adjust our plans,” said Mr Wong at a press conference on Friday.

The Ministry of Health added in a separate press release that groups of more than two people who are not from the same household will not be allowed to dine-in together at F&B outlets, even if they are split across multiple tables. 

Only those from the same household are allowed to dine in at the same restaurant, but in split tables adhering to the group of two restrictions. 

Authorities also added that wedding receptions will not be allowed until mid-July. Group sizes for higher-risk activities may be allowed to go up to five people from mid-July too. 

F&B establishments will not be allowed to play music, to prevent the risk of transmission from customers talking loudly. There should also be a 1m safe distance between groups of diners and customers should keep their masks on at all times, unless they are eating or drinking. 

While indoor mask-off sports or exercise activities in group sizes of up to two people, or in classes of up to 30 people can resume at gyms and fitness studios, there should be safe distancing of at least 2m between individuals and 3m between groups. 

Mask-on activities and outdoor mask-off sports or exercise activities can continue in groups of up to five people, or in classes of up to 30 people. 

No changes to the social gathering sizes of up to five people, or five household visitors, were announced. 

Work from home remains the default as well.