11 Things to Know About Today’s COVID-19 Press Conference Whereby Some Restrictions Are Eased

It’s been quite a while since the multi-ministry task force that’s set up to fight COVID-19 held a press conference; the last was in December 2020, when the task force updated us about Phase 3.

After three months, Lawrence Wong and friends are back today, and they’ve got more good news.

Well, they should be good news unless you’re one who loves working at home, then it could’ve been the worst news you’ve heard since Circuit Breaker.

Here are the 11 things you should know.

Updates on Vaccination Numbers

As of yesterday (23 March) more than a million doses have been administered. Over 799,000 individuals have received at least one dose of the vaccine. Amongst them, around 310,000 individuals have received their second doses and completed the full vaccination regimen.

In particular, there has been good progress since 22 February in vaccinating the seniors, starting first with those aged 70 years and above. With more regular deliveries of vaccine supplies, the vaccination of seniors aged 60 to 69 years old was brought forward by two weeks to mid-March 2021.

More than 55% of the seniors have received their vaccination or made appointments to do so.

45 to 59 Years Old Individuals Can Now Register for the Vaccine

MOH will now roll out the vaccination programme to younger age groups.

As they are more familiar with the use of digital technology, MOH will no longer be sending personalised letters of invitation to them. Instead, all who are eligible can register directly at the vaccine.gov.sg website and the registrants will receive an SMS with a personalised URL enabling them to book their vaccination appointments online.

The first group will be for individuals between 45 to 59 years old. With immediate effect, everyone in this age group can register their interest for the vaccination at vaccine.gov.sg.

SMSes will also be sent to the registrants as soon as there are vacant slots available for booking. This should happen within a few days of registration, but the timing may vary and it may take longer in particular if there is a delay in the vaccine delivery schedule.

Work From Home Will No Longer be the Default Mode

From 5 April 2021, you can welcome traffic jams back to the roads as by then, WFH will no longer be the default mode, so your boss can order you back to the office legally.

However, employers are encouraged to continue with work-from-home arrangements, but more employees will be allowed to return to the workplace to better support work and business operations.

Yes, this means while it’s not a default mode, there’s still a limit on how many people can head back to the office. And the magic number is…

Up to 75% of Employees Can be in the Workplace

Currently, by right ah, only 50% of the employees can be in the office. This will be increased to 75% come 5 April 2021.

Also, the current cap on the time an employee spends at the workplace will also be lifted.

Split team arrangements are no longer mandatory, although companies may continue to adopt such arrangements for business continuity purposes if they so choose. Restrictions against cross-deployment across workplaces remain in place.

Social and recreational gatherings, such as team bonding events organised by the employer, will be allowed but must be limited to a total size of no more than 8 persons.

Warning: If There’s an Outbreak, Workplace Measures Will be Re-introduced

Employers must continue to implement the prevailing safe management measures such as regular cleaning of common spaces, demarcating safe physical distancing and mask wearing at all times, so if your office is small, then you’d have a valid reason to work from home #justsaying

In organising work-related events, companies are reminded to adhere to the necessary safe distancing and capacity limits to keep employees and stakeholders safe. Due to the higher risk of transmission when people are unmasked, meals should not be the main feature of the event, and companies should avoid holding events over mealtimes as far as possible.

Now, if there is increased risk of COVID-19 resurgence, MOH might adjust their posture and more stringent measures at workplaces will have to be re-introduced.

More People Allowed in Marriage Solemnisations & Wedding Receptions

Getting married in 2021? Well, it’s a tad better than 2020.

From 24 April 2021, the limit for marriage solemnisations will be increased from 100 to 250 attendees in total (including the wedding couple, excluding the Licensed Solemniser and vendors) for the entire event, in zones of up to 50 attendees each.

For solemnisation-only events involving more than 100 attendees, pre-event testing will be required for the wedding couple.

If there are 100 or fewer attendees, pre-event testing will not be required.

Incidentally, the limit for wedding receptions will be increased from 100 attendees to 250 attendees in total (including the wedding couple, excluding vendors) for the entire event, in zones or timeslots of up to 50 attendees each.

Pre-event testing for all attendees (including the wedding couple) will be required for wedding receptions involving more than 100 attendees.

Wakes & Funeral Can Have Up to 50 People

From 24 April 2021, the cap for wakes and funerals on the day of the burial/cremation will be increased, from 30 to 50 persons at any one time.

The cap for other days of the wake remains at 30 attendees at any one time. Pre-event testing is not required.

Live Performances With Up to 750 Attendees

Similarly, from 24 April 2021, live performances at designated venues will be allowed to have up to 750 attendees if they implement pre-event testing, or to have up to 250 attendees if they do not implement pre-event testing.

The National Arts Council will release updated guidelines on audience management at live performances subsequently.

Business-to-Business Events With Up to 750 Attendees

Note that we’re referring to B2B events like a trade fair, and not B2C event like an IT Fair.

Currently, business-to-business events being piloted and approved by Singapore Tourism Board (STB) may have up to 250 attendees, in zones of no more than 50 attendees each.

From 24 April 2021, if pre-event testing is implemented, these events will be allowed to have up to 750 attendees, in zones of no more than 50 attendees each. STB will release the updated Safe Business Events framework and application details subsequently.

Sports Event up to 750 Spectators

Currently, sport events being piloted and approved by SportSG have been allowed to take place. Under this pilot, sport events will be allowed to have up to 750 spectators if they implement pre-event testing, or to have up to 250 spectators without testing. SportSG will release further details on the pilot subsequently.

Vaccinated People Won’t Need to Undergo Pre-Event Testing

Still wondering if you should be vaccinated? This should give you another reason to go for the jabs.

From 24 April 2021, individuals who have completed the full vaccination regimen and have had time to develop sufficient protection (i.e. two weeks after the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccination) can gain entry to events that implement pre-event testing without the need to undergo pre-event testing.

MOH will be releasing further information and tools to support the implementation of pre-event testing.

In the meantime, continue to wear your masks as they’ve been proven to stop lockdowns. Watch this video to the end to understand more:

Featured Image: YouTube