Five things youth should know about revised Phase 3 measures

The COVID-19 multi-ministerial task force announced on Wednesday (Jul 7) an update to Phase 3 (Heightened Alert) measures.

These loosened restrictions are due to the COVID-19 infection being brought under control and because Singapore has been making good progress in its vaccination programme, said Finance Minister Lawrence Wong.

Here are five things you should know about the new COVID-19 measures:

From Jul 12 onwards, groups of five can dine out together, in line with the current limits for social group gatherings.

This is an increase from the current dine-in limit of two people, which began on Jun 21.

However, entertainment programmes like live performances and recorded music will continue to be prohibited at F&B establishments.

Diners are also reminded to adhere to safe distancing measures, such as keeping their masks on at all times except when eating or drinking.

The task force announced that social and recreational gatherings at the workplace will be allowed from Jul 12, but these gatherings must be limited to five people.

However, working from home must still remain the default arrangement so as to reduce overall interaction within workplaces and on public transport.

For employees that need to be at their workplaces, employers should continue to stagger start times and implement flexible working hours.

Mr Wong also said that there is a possibility of allowing more fully vaccinated employees in the workplace as Singapore vaccinates more of its population.

Gyms and fitness studios can conduct indoor high-intensity or mask-off sports and exercise in groups of up to five from Jul 12.

Indoor sports and exercise classes can also be conducted for up to 50 people including the instructor, if venue capacity limits allow.

Participants will still have to be split up in groups of five.

SportsSG will be releasing more details on regulations.

Do take note that strenuous activities should be avoided for up to a week after taking your COVID-19 vaccination jab! 

The task force also announced that wedding receptions can resume, with no more than 250 people if pre-event testing (PET) is in place.

Wedding receptions with 50 people or fewer can carry on without PET, but the wedding party will need to be tested.

Since wedding receptions are higher-risk activities where attendees tend to socialise more and over a longer period of time, the task force reminds attendees to adhere to safe-management measures to reduce the risk of transmission.

The task force also announced that vaccinated people, who received the jab under the national vaccination programme, may be able to gather in groups of eight.

This measure will be allowed when Singapore reaches its important milestone when 50 per cent of the population is vaccinated.

This target is expected to be met during the week of Jul 26.

However, this may only apply to those who received the Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty or Moderna vaccine.