5 COVID-19 Cases Today (28 Dec); 1 is a Community Case

Today’s a special day, for we’re finally in Phase 3, all thanks to the consistent low COVID-19 infections here in Singapore.

But it’s not a goody day, though.

As of 12pm today (28 December 2020), the Ministry of Health (MOH) has preliminarily confirmed 5 new cases of COVID-19 infection.

4 of them are imported, while 1 is a community case. MOH will provide more details about the cases tonight.

This brings the total number of cases in Singapore to 58,529.

Nevertheless, Phase 3 is still ongoing, and here’s a recap of what you can do from today onwards.

What You Can Do from Today Onwards

Hang Out In Groups Of Eight

You probably already know this but let’s just get the obvious out of the way.

For months, you’ve been told that if three couples meet, one must turn up without their partner because only five people from different households can meet up at public places.

Well, from 28 Dec 2020 onwards, you can now meet in groups of up to eight individuals and either dine out or visit another person’s home.

Previously, it was also reported that shortly after PM Lee’s good news speech, people started calling restaurants to reserve for groups of eight, or switch their bookings to increase group size.

Easing of Restrictions On Religious Organisations

Wedding organisations are allowed to hold congregational and worshipping services for up to 250 people, a substantial increase from the previous 100 limit.

For congregational service, people must be segregated into different zones, with each zone holding a maximum of 50 people.

The zones must be completely separated and the entry and exit of different zones must be staggered so that they will not interact (and intermingle) with one another.

Live performances for religious activities such as rites, prayers or services held by religious organisations will be resumed as well.

For these performances, safe management measures must be in place, including a limit on the number of singers and wind instruments on stage.

By early next year, TraceTogether-Only SafeEntry will be made compulsory for places of worship after everyone has a chance to collect their TraceTogether token.

The Ministry of Community, Culture and Youth (MCCY) says religious organisations must prepare to accept check-ins via the TraceTogether tokens or app.

Weddings, Funerals & Solemnisations

Marriage solemnisations at indoor venues, as well as funerals and funeral-related activities, are allowed to have live instrumental music performances.

However, no wind instruments are allowed.

Up to eight visitors are also allowed to attend marriage solemnisation held at home.

Live Performances

For those who miss live performances, we have good news for you.

Indoor live performances will be allowed to have up to 250 people.

Meanwhile, ongoing trials for outdoor live performances will increase from 100 to 250 people.

People must still be separated in zones of up to 50 people each.

As for other activities, the authorities will be running pilots to assess the risks and bring them back safely.

These include busking and live performances in outdoor venues, karaoke and the Singapore nightlife.

Four Attractions Allow To Increase Capacity

According to CNA, four local attractions have successfully managed to apply to increase their visitor capacity from 50% to 65% when Phase 3 kicks in.

These include Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Zoo, so don’t be surprised if you find the places more crowded than usual.

You don’t have to panic either as these places have to pass stringent requirements before the authorities allow them to increase their visitor capacity.

It’s not just local attractions.

The capacity for malls and large standalone stores will also have their capacity limit increased from 10 sqm per person to 8 sqm per person.

Groups of 8 Allowed For Sporting Activities in Phase 3

Groups of up to eight participants will be allowed for sport activities when Singapore enters Phase 3 on 28 Dec, Sport Singapore (SportSG) said on Thursday (24 Dec).

This means you can finally play a game of 4v4 whether you’re engaging in basketball, football, sepak takraw, hockey, or volleyball.

Participants should maintain a distance of 2m or two arms-length while exercising or playing sport, SportSG said in an advisory.

If there are multiple groups sharing a recreational space, they must not interact and must maintain a distance of 3m apart from one another at all times.

This distance of 3m should also be maintained for indoors high intensity or high movement exercise classes, reported CNA.

Instructors or coaches are now allowed to guide the group for organised programmes and classes, as long as they’re from a permitted enterprise.

As for capacity limits at sports facilities, each facility will be limited according to its gross floor area, based on 8 sq m per people or 50 people, whichever is lower.

No facility is permitted to admit more than 50 participants unless they have specific approval by Sport Singapore.

More Public Spaces to Reopen

In addition, more public spaces such as lawns, playfields, and open spaces in parks and state lands under the National Parks Board and the Singapore Land Authority will reopen to the public once the country shifts to Phase 3.

Group sporting activities and physical exercise may resume in these areas.

Do note that enforcement officers and safe distancing ambassadors may be deployed at these areas to ensure that participants are adhering to safe management measures, so any plans of breaking the rules should be flung out the window.

All in all, a substantial easing of rules, yes?

Just make sure to keep on obeying Covid-19 rules because like PM Lee once said, the phases aren’t a one-way track.

If the situation worsens, we might just reverse and enter back into Phase two, one or even circuit breaker, just like many other countries are facing now.

It doesn’t help that the UK variant of the coronavirus, which is said to be 70% more contagious, was detected here in Singapore.

On a separate note, remember to collect your TraceTogether token or download the app because next year, TraceTogether-Only SafeEntry will become a thing.

Featured Image: Rajaraman Arumugam / Shutterstock.com (Image is for illustration purpose only)