Zhi Hao, Author at Goody Feed

"We're all in this together." A phrase made famous by the iconic High School Musical series, and one that BMT sergeants have since adopted for their own sardonic desires. "Eh you bloody recruit. Who say you can hump the floor one? You bloody well give me twenty good push-ups or everyone's doing another twenty, you understand? We're all in this together, you hear me?" Yeah, it was easy to hate the phrase. And yet, now that we're out of the Army, it seems that we are still forced to comply with the evil-sounding phrase. Though this time around, it may genuinely be for our own good. TraceTogether Tokens It appears that we're all in this together again. And this time around, we're united by a single crest. A token, actually. Now, lest you're unaware of what a TraceTogether Token is, it's as its name implies: A device that functions the same way as the TraceTogether app on your phone. Image: Smart Nation and Digital Government Office Catered to those without phones (or possess old ones without app usage), the techie permits the exchanging and logging of Bluetooth signals between nearby devices. And though it's listed as an optional item, it has certainly become hot amongst the Singaporean crowd. After the TraceTogether token was unveiled to the public, snaking long queues could be seen forming outside several collection centres. Image: Facebook (Muhammad Zailan Bin Mohd Zain) In fact, according to Mothership, centres like the one at Riverdale even saw some people queueing before the collection started. Image: Facebook (Waltz Ng) The waiting time outside Sengkang CC was reportedly as long as 1.5 hours. Over 400K TraceTogether Tokens Collected; About 50% of Population Now in Programme Yet, just how popular is the TraceTogether token exactly? Well, according to The Straits Times, it's over 400k popular. Image: giphy I never knew that so many of us were in this together. Apparently, more than 400k tokens have been collected to date. So far, 50% of the Singaporean population are now participating in the governmental contact tracing exercise. And to make sure that everyone can get one before end-December, supply and distribution of the token will get boosted. Why The Sudden Spike In Popularity? After all, the government did struggle to get the nation to download the TraceTogether app. In fact, even now, the nation has only managed to record 2.5 million downloads for the TraceTogether app – a far cry from the initial targeted 70% usage. So why the sudden thirst for tokens instead of bubble tea? Well, it may have to do with the government's latest decision to shoe in the importance of TraceTogether. Singapore will be enforcing digital contact tracing on at least three-quarters of its population (70%), as the nation gears up for the third phase of its reopening. And to do so, they'll be scrapping the current makeshift contact tracing measures. After 2020, check-ins with SafeEntry QR codes, Singpass mobile app or NRICs will no longer be allowed on most public places. Instead, you'll need the TraceTogether app or token with SafeEntry to enter your favourite restaurant or your workplace. Schools and shopping malls will also be involved in the venture. And from 16 November onwards, you will need TraceTogether to enter local cinema theatres. So it's little wonder why everyone's flocking to get a token. Apart from the notion that not everyone's tech-savvy enough to handle an app like TraceTogether, a token would also suffice in the sense that it's a physical, reliable object that you can bring around with you. This means that even if your phone goes dead, you'll still be able to check in to your favourite mall. Also, you will be able to continue your run of mobile legends without having to switch apps every few minutes, while exploring Orchard Road.. So... Where Do I Collect Mine? You can go to token.gowhere.gov.sg, enter your postal code and see where your nearest collection point is. Make sure to bring your NRIC, student pass or child’s birth certificate too for verification purposes. Other permitted forms of verification include Pioneer Generation card, Merdeka Genration card and a driving license. Like previous collection instances, residents can also choose to collect for their family members, as long as they are equipped with the necessary documents. Thus far, tokens can be retrieved at 38 community centres and 13 mobile booths at malls. By end-November, however, collection will be extended to all 108 community centres in Singapore. For the record, the Token will not track your location. Data in the device will also be eliminated after 25 days. You can watch this video to the end to understand how it works (and please subscribe to our YouTube channel for more informative videos, too!): https://youtu.be/_ImYLjOzP2E