Members of same household can go out in groups of more than 2 for essential activities

Members of the same household can go out in groups of more than two for essential activities during the Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) period,  Minister of Health Ong Ye Kung said in a Facebook post on Saturday (May 15). 

Such activities include going to school, for medical appointments, or taking care of their elderly relatives like grandparents. 

However, for grocery shopping, those from the same household should try to keep to groups of two to minimise their family’s exposure to the COVID-19 virus, wrote Mr Ong, who took over from Mr Gan Kim Yong as the Minister of Health on Saturday as part of the Cabinet reshuffle. 

Mr Ong added that a family unit from the same household can travel in the same car or take public transport together, although they should observe safe management measures when in public places. 

Grandparents can continue to help out families that require childcare support, but should keep to the cap of two visitors per household per day. Alternatively, parents can send their children to their grandparents’ place, without worrying about the visitor cap. 

“Some have asked about the enforcement of this rule. It does not apply to members of the same household,” said Mr Ong. 

“Enforcement officers will exercise judgement and flexibility. But we will not hesitate to take firm actions against the egregious offenders, such as refusing to wear a mask in public and challenging our Safe Distancing Ambassadors, who perform an important public service.”

In a separate announcement, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said on Sunday – the first day of the P2HA – that taxis and private-hire cars can only carry up to two passengers. 

However, this restriction does not apply to passengers from the same household. 

Commercial car-pooling services such as GrabHitch will be barred until P2HA ends, which is currently slated for Jun 13. 

Non-commercial car-polling trips are only allowed among friends or colleagues, but the social gathering size of two people must be adhered to.

LTA also urged commuters to use taxis and private-hire cars booked through ride-applications. 

Anyone who comes across individuals providing illegal car-pooling services should notify LTA through the OneMotoring portal using the e-service “Report Vehicle-Related Offences”.