What sports, physical exercises and activities are allowed in Phase 2 (Heightened Alert)

As Singapore returns to Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) on Thursday (Jul 22), new guidelines for sports and physical activities will take effect. 

Sports Singapore have announced that all strenuous and unmasked exercises at indoor facilities will cease from Jul 22 to Aug 18. 

Only low-intensity activities and exercises with masks on at all times are permitted at indoor facilities, including private gyms and fitness studios. Facilities are not allowed to offer weight, strength or resistance training to minimise the risk of transmission via common surfaces. 

Group activities are to be kept to no more than two individuals and physical distancing must be maintained at any time. 

For organised indoor and outdoor classes, masked activities can take place in groups of two with up to 30 participants, including instructors. The groups of two should not be intermingling before, during or after class and are to remain 3m apart. 

Indoor activities have to cease immediately if any individual removes his/her mask even for a short while.

View the full list of affected Sports Singapore’s indoor facilities and programmes during this period here. 

“These measures are directed towards containing community spread of COVID-19 by restricting sports and physical activities that take place in higher-risk settings such as those that take places indoors, as well as those where participants are likely to be engaging in strenuous activities unmasked,” said Sports Singapore in a statement on its website. 

Here are some answers to some common questions you may have regarding sports and physical activities and exercises. 

What indoor facilities are to be closed and for how long?

All indoor facilities including gyms and fitness studios, sports halls, indoor swimming pools, squash courts are to be closed from Jul 22 to Aug 18.

Indoor facilities can open only if they offer low-intensity physical activities, sports and exercises with masks on at all times and no sharing of common equipment. 

What is the maximum number of people a sport facility can accommodate?

All facilities can only accommodate a maximum number of persons according to its gross floor area based on 16 sqm per person. Regardless of size, no facility should admit more than 50 persons. 

Will I be allowed to swim?

Yes. However, there should be no more than two in a group, including yourself. 

Will I be allowed to play sports such as badminton, basketball and table tennis?

Yes. However, there should be no more than two in a group, including yourself. Masks must be worn at all times when playing sports indoors and may only be removed during high-intensity activity outdoors. 

Can I still use the gym?

Yes, but only for low-intensity activities and exercises with masks on at all times. 

What are some examples of low-intensity sport/physical activities?

These are activities that can be done with masks on at all times. 

Can I do high-intensity activities and exercises outdoors?

Yes. However, there should be no more than two in a group, including yourself. Masks should be worn as default and may only be removed for the activity. 

What high-intensity activities are suspended indoors?

Any high-intensity activity that requires individuals to remove their masks to catch their breath is suspended. 

What about safe distancing while playing sports? 

The physical distancing between individuals and groups of two must be maintained while playing sports. 

Can outdoor classes continue?

Approved outdoor classes and public spaces such as parks can continue, subject to the venue size and safe distancing requirements. All instructors must be registered with Sports Singapore.