Can’t wait for Phase 3 to kick off in Singapore? We bring you the lowdown on everything you need to know.
We’ve been through a whopper of a year, but the day we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived. Goodbye, Phase 2. Here’s lookin’ at you, Phase 3! The magic date you’ll wanna mark on your cals: 28 December. Prime Minster Lee Hsien Loong announced this joyous news on 14 December, thanking Singaporeans for complying with the restrictions to end the year on a good note. Can you believe it’s been almost a year since Singapore’s first Covid-19 case on 23 January? Anyway, if you’re anxious to find out what you can expect from Phase 3 in Singapore, just read on!
Everything you need to know about Phase 3 in Singapore
1. Bigger social gatherings
No longer will you have to cut out that sixth friend from your gatherings! In Phase 3, permitted group sizes will go up from five to eight. That means you can eat out in groups of eight and every home can host up to eight visitors. Perfect for a cosy (but still fun) New Year’s Eve party or belated Christmas shindig. Plus, capacity limits at places like malls, attractions and places of worship will be increased. Attractions will also see bigger operating capacities –from 50 percent to 65 percent.
2. Larger worship services and weddings
Religious worship services will be able to host up to 250 people across multiple zones of 50 each. Live performances will be allowed as well, alongside religious rites or prayers. Oh, and if you’re getting married at an indoor venue, live instrumental music will be permitted (no wind instruments, though). Same goes for funerals. Wedding solemnisations at home can also welcome up to eight visitors, excluding members of the household, the solemniser and the vendors.
3. More art and culture
Concerts and larger-scale productions are coming back, y’all! Get psyched, ‘cause live indoor performances will be returning, with up to 250 people in zones of 50 each. Outdoor gigs will also see an increase of capacity from 100 to 250. As for the pilot programmes for karaoke, nightlife and outdoor performances, the government will continue to monitor the situation, so we’ll have to wait and see.
4. Covid-19 vaccine is on its way
Singapore has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which will start arriving on our shores from the end of December. This Covid-19 vaccination will be free for all Singaporeans and long-term residents. It’s entirely voluntary, but all adults are encouraged to get it. First dibs will go to healthcare and frontline workers, the elderly and the vulnerable in the community. The rest of us will receive it progressively, with the aim of getting enough vaccines for everyone in the country by the third quarter of 2021.
This vaccine consists of two doses, 21 days apart, and is suitable for those 16 years old and older. But pregnant women, patients with compromised immunity and those under 16 are not recommended to be vaccinated, as more data is required for evaluation.
5. TraceTogether to start next year
The TraceTogether app and token will be implemented early next year for SafeEntry check-ins to allow time for everyone to collect their tokens from community clubs and centres. Until then, you can use the app, identity cards, SingPass mobile or QR reader apps to check in to places.
Even with the good news, we do still need to remain vigilant and play our part to keep the community safe. Singapore’s Phase 3 will last for a while, likely a year or more. And Covid-19 hasn’t been completely defeated yet, but we’re well on our way… fingers crossed!
