New SafeEntry Gateways to allow contactless tracing without scanning QR codes

Sick of having to scan a QR code every time you wish to enter a new location? With the new SafeEntry Gateways, you won’t have to go through as much trouble anymore.

On Mar 16, the Smart Nation and Digital Government Group (SNDGG) announced that SafeEntry Gateways will allow visitors to perform seamless and contactless SafeEntry check-ins.

Before entering a venue, visitors need to prepare either their phone that has the TraceTogether application open, or their TraceTogether token. Upon placing their device near the SafeEntry Gateway, the box will emit a green light and beep, indicating a successful check-in.

These gateways will be deployed at the entrances of selected popular venues, including:

1. Malls
2. Large retail outlets
3. Popular wet markets (including Geylang Serai Market, Block 20/21 Marsiling Lane, and Block 505 Jurong West Street 52)
4. Supermarkets
5. Public libraries
6. Selected museums, heritage institutions and galleries
7. Cinemas
8. Gated tourist attractions
9. Hotels or convention centres with events for over 100 participants
10. Places of worships with worship services for over 100 participants
11. Public and private hospitals, national specialty centres, community hospitals, and polyclinics
12. Funeral parlours with wake halls

Existing modes to check in via SafeEntry, such as scanning of QR codes or ICs, will remain at these venues. 

Venue operators can choose to install the SafeEntry Gateway box or a physical device, or use the updated SafeEntry (Business) application. The SafeEntry Gateways are only needed at the entrances of venues, and are not required for check-outs.

Visitors can also use the SafeEntry Gateways to check the battery levels of their TraceTogether tokens.

If the SafeEntry Gateway does not produce a beep sound when the token is held to it, the token is out of battery. Token replacement stations will be set up at some venues so visitors can continue to use them.

The SNDGG reported that more than three million TraceTogether tokens have been distributed so far.