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SafeEntry gantries removed in Orchard malls as most COVID-19 measures lifted on Apr 26

While some SafeEntry gantries are still physically around, it is no longer in operation.

Nurul Mardhiah

I like chewing ice.

Published: 26 April 2022, 7:19 PM

The latest COVID-19 measurements took effect Tuesday (Apr 26) after the announcement was made by the Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) on Apr 22.

Youthopia took a stroll down Orchard Road around noon and one thing was clear immediately: Crowds were able to enter and exit the mall seamlessly, thanks to the removal of SafeEntry check-in points.

The sight of people whipping out their phones to scan QR codes, or whipping out their tokens to tap on SafeEntry scanners – common in Singapore for the past two years – were no longer observed.

While the malls weren’t too congested, spaces such as linkways were packed with crowds streaming in and out. PHOTO CREDIT: YOUTHOPIA/TRICIA KUAN

Some places like 313@somerset have yet to remove their SafeEntry gantries, though they are no longer in use. PHOTO CREDIT: YOUTHOPIA/TRICIA KUAN

While Orchard wasn’t exactly filled with people – understandable, considering that it is a working day – F&B outlets and areas such as bus stops were packed, presumably by hungry office workers.

While there is no limit on group sizes, people were still dining in groups of three and four, limited by the table settings in F&B outlets. PHOTO CREDIT: YOUTHOPIA/TRICIA KUAN

The biggest group we saw today was a group of eight. PHOTO CREDIT: YOUTHOPIA/TRICIA KUAN

However, at places where there were still safe distancing markings, people were seen abiding by them.

The biggest cheer of all, perhaps, was the reopening of all mall entrances, bringing back the convenience once enjoyed by Singaporeans before COVID-19 struck.