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6 Things To Know About Phase 3 In Singapore Which May Be Happening Soon By End 2020

6 Things To Know About Phase 3 In Singapore Which May Be Happening Soon By End 2020

Lifestyle
By Rachel Yohannan on 21 Oct 2020
Senior Digital Editor
Crazy cat lady who loves afternoon tea, kawaii Japanese fashion, and all things Sanrio.

Pandemic fatigue is real, and after being stuck in Phase 2 for what seems like forever, we’re all more than ready to move on to Phase 3. Just yesterday, the Singapore government announced their possible plans for Phase 3 by the end of 2020 - provided that community cases remain low and everyone continues being responsible b following the rules that have been set in place.

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Here are 6 things to know about what will be happening in Phase 3 in Singapore, which may come into play before the end of the year if we’re all on good behaviour.

#1: Social gatherings of up to 8 people may be allowed

Phase 3 social gatherings 8 peoplePhoto from @gathershop.co via Instagram

You’ll no longer have to yell “BO JIO” at your friends come Phase 3, as the maximum number of people allowed in a social gathering will likely be raised from 5 to 8. This is great news for those in large squads that have become fragmented over the past few months. Time to rekindle those long-lost friendships!

#2: Households may be able to receive up to 8 guests

Phase 3 Singapore household guests limitPhoto from @lemonfridgestudio via Instagram

Similarly, households would be able to take in up to 8 visitors, up from the current 5. These 8 do not include the house's usual inhabitants.

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#3: Events like religious services and weddings can hold multiple zones of 50 people

Currently, events like religious services and weddings can hold up to 100 people, halved into 2 groups of 50 in separate zones. In Phase 3, this limit will likely be increased to allow up to 50 people over various zones. For example, you can choose to have half your wedding party in the main ballroom, with the other guests located in a separate function area with a livestream. 

#4: Nightlife venues like pubs, clubs, and karaoke bars will not reopen

Phase 3 clubs pubs karaoke bars SingaporePhoto from K.STAR Karaoke

Unfortunately, singing off-key while drunk in a room full of strobe lights and sweaty people won’t be happening anytime soon - unless you wanna recreate that experience yourself at home. As they are deemed to be more high-risk zones, nightlife venues like pubs, clubs, and karaoke bars will not reopen during Phase 3 - at least, not immediately.

#5: Using the TraceTogether app or token will already be compulsory

TraceTogether app token compulsory SingaporePhoto from Smart Nation and Digital Government Group

One of the conditions for us to move forward to Phase 3 will be the usage of the TraceTogether app or token. By the end of December 2020, using TraceTogether to check in at locations like shopping malls, eateries, and workplaces will be compulsory for everyone.

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By then, you will no longer be able to use SafeEntry QR codes, SingPass, or scan your IC to do this, so might as well join the TraceTogether party now and get used to it. You can download the app here or find out where to redeem the token here.

 #6: Pre-event COVID-19 testing might be required for large events like weddings

Phase 3 COVID-19 testing weddings eventsPhoto from @knottiesframe via Instagram

Though larger-scale events will be allowed to happen, it goes without saying that they still carry with them a certain level of risk, more so than casual outings to your neighbourhood coffee shop. As such, there might be mandatory pre-event COVID-19 testing for all attendees of events like weddings to prevent possible new clusters from forming. This can either be done at the event venue itself, or at a separate facility.

These rapid tests can be done within 30 minutes. Attendees must have a negative test result, which will be valid for 24 hours including the entire duration of the event. Those who test positive will be whisked off for a confirmatory swab test and will not be allowed to leave isolation until or unless a negative test is obtained.

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The government has mentioned that Phase 3 will not be static, and other restrictions may be lifted in time provided that there are no increased cases in the community. Let’s all do our part so that we can achieve this before 2020 ends, and look forward to a better 2021 for all.

For now, do keep safe as you hang out in groups of not more than 5. For ideas on things to do with your scaled-down squad, check out these articles: