Things You Ought to Know About the Compulsory TraceTogether-Only SafeEntry to Public Places

Back in March, when Covid-19 was still running riot all over Singapore, the government introduced an app to facilitate contact tracing efforts.

Called TraceTogether, all residents had to do to help the authorities combat the outbreak was download the app.

They did download it.

But many did not turn it on.

The government kept asking us kindly to activate it, as they needed a higher take-up rate for it to work.

Their goal is 70%, but we’re only at 45% right now.

They’ve maintained that installing the app will not be made mandatory, so you can choose not to download it if you wish.

But this is going to change.

Soon, you’ll either have to install it, or avoid your workplace for the rest of your life.

Reader: I guess it’s a good thing I have a decade of experience

TraceTogether-Only SafeEntry to be Made Compulsory For Some Public Places

By the end of 2020, you’ll either need the TraceTogether app or token to enter some public venues in Singapore, including restaurants, workplaces, schools and shopping malls.

This is because the government is progressively rolling out TraceTogether-Only SafeEntry from this month.

Only Singapore residents above the age of 7 will need to use the token or app to check in using this method of entry, however.

Here are some things you ought to know about the new move:

It Will Replace Other Methods of Entry

For one, residents will no longer be able to check in at a public venue by scanning a QR code or their NRIC, or by using the SingPass app.

Instead, you can either use the TraceTogether app to scan a SafeEntry QR code, or scan a QR code that comes with each TraceTogether token.

Businesses will have to download a separate scanning app – SafeEntry (Business) – that will allow them to scan the QR codes on tokens.

This new method of entry will be implemented at all public venues where you currently have to check in with SafeEntry.

This includes workplaces, schools, places of worships, malls, restaurants, hotels and healthcare facilities, among others.

In other words, if you don’t have either the app or token, you might as well stay at home.

Cinemas Will Be the First Venue to Have This Feature

Mandatory TraceTogether check-ins will first be implemented at cinemas across the country from Monday (26 Oct).

Venues with large groups of people will follow suit, including some places of worship.

The rest of the venues will progressively roll out the feature until end-December, as it’ll allow more residents to collect the TraceTogether token.

Token Collection Points

While it’s not compulsory to have, the TraceTogether token will be distributed to residents who want one and prefer it to the app.

It’s available for distribution at 38 community centres (CCs) and 13 mobile booths.

You can collect your token at any of these locations, but if you want to find the nearest collection point, visit token.gowhere.gov.sg and key in your postal code for the details.

Then, just head to the collection point, present your NRIC, and collect your token.

Your child can collect the token herself, as long as she’s above the age of seven.

You can also collect tokens on behalf of your family members as long as you bring along their identity cards.