Selected retail outlets have re-opened on May 12 after Circuit Breaker restrictions were eased to re-open the economy.

This includes barbers, which today saw long queues and numerous customers looking to chop off their locks after a month-long hiatus.

Do note, however, that only basic haircuts are allowed for now.

Individual barber shops have also implemented their own measures to regulate the crowds, such as temperature checks, extending operating hours and only accepting customers by appointments.

This is on top of mandatory precautionary measures by the government which require stores re-opening to use the SafeEntry system.

Many venues to use SafeEntry

SafeEntry is a national digital check-in system which logs individuals' entry into a venue.

Customers entering the venue can check-in using their NRIC, or use their mobile phone to scan a QR code via the SingPass mobile app.

Customers' particulars will be captured to ensure contact tracing can be carried out more efficiently should a confirmed case arise at that venue.

SafeEntry is currently recommended for areas with high traffic.

Aside from one's NRIC, other forms of official ID with a barcode, such as the Transitlink concession card, Passion card, driver’s license, MOM Work Pass or Work Permit, can be used.

As of May 12, it is mandatory for these venues to implement SafeEntry:

• Workplaces e.g. offices, factories
• Schools and educational institutes
• Healthcare facilities e.g. hospitals, clinics, TCM clinics
• Residential care facilities e.g. nursing homes
• Pre-schools
• Hairdressers/ barbers
• Supermarkets
• Selected popular wet markets (Geylang Serai Market, Block 104 / 105 Yishun Ring Road (Chong Pang Market), Block 20/21 Marsiling Lane, and Block 505 Jurong West Street 52)
• Malls
• Hotels

Retail outlets where customers are unlikely to remain in close proximity for a long time—like pharmacies, convenience stores and heartland provision shops—are not required to implement SafeEntry, but are still encouraged to do so.

F&B outlets are not required to implement SafeEntry for now, as they are only open for delivery and/or takeaway.

SafeEntry will also be progressively rolled out to taxis from May 12 onwards.

Street hail commuters can scan the QR codes deployed in taxis to log their personal details.

Other establishments resuming operations on May 12

A number of establishments have been allowed to resume operations today.

F&B establishments that predominantly sell snacks and desserts may reopen for takeaway and delivery only.

Certain food manufacturing facilities producing chocolates, ice cream, cakes and confectionary are allowed to re-open as well.

Meanwhile retail establishments like pet supplies stores, laundry services and TCM stores can resume operations too.

Top photo by Mothership reader and Zhangxin Zheng