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The government will not allow for a number of indoor “mask-off” activities, such as dine-in establishments and indoor exercise activities, the Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) on Covid-19 announced in a press release on Friday (May 14).

The press release noted that recent clusters have demonstrated higher attack rates and secondary transmission occurred in mask-off settings, households, and at eateries.

Halting of indoor activities

Starting May 16 until Jun. 13, social gatherings will be limited to a maximum of two people, and dining in at food and beverage (F&B) venues will no longer be allowed.

“We will take tighter measures around the higher-risk settings, and these higher-risk settings are the ones where people are gathered together in an indoor environment without their mask on,” said Minister Lawrence Wong at the MTF press conference on May 14.

“All F&B establishments will only be able to offer takeaway and delivery options. In line with this, wedding banquets will also have to cease because it’s a dining activity," he said.

Apart from the barring of dining-in, other activities that will no longer be allowed include strenuous indoor exercise classes and sports, as well as personalised services like facials and saunas that require masks to be removed.

Singing and the playing of instruments that require intentional expulsion of air such as wind or brass instruments will also not be allowed.

However, medical and dental services will be allowed to continue.

Reduction of Activity and Event Sizes

To minimise the likelihood of large cluster formations, the government will further scale down event sizes and lower the event size caps. Pre-event testing (PET) remains an essential measure to ensure that events can proceed safely for attendees.

a. Congregational and other worship services: Congregational and other worship services may continue with a reduced capacity of 50 attendees at any one time without PET, or up to 100 attendees at any one time with PET implemented.

Religious workers and all other participants must wear their masks at all times. Live singing and playing of wind instruments will also be suspended during this period.

b. Shopping malls and showrooms: The occupancy limits for shopping malls and showrooms will be further reduced from the current limit of 10sqm per person of Gross Floor Area (GFA), to 16sqm per person.

Odd and even date entry restrictions on Sundays for popular malls will continue.

c. Attractions and shows: The operating capacity of attractions that have received the Ministry of Trade and Industry's prior approval will be reduced to 25 per cent from the current permissible capacity of 50 per cent.

Indoor and outdoor shows may proceed with up to 100 persons with PET, and up to 50 persons without PET.

d. Museums and public libraries. Museums and public libraries will be allowed to operate at a reduced capacity of 25 per cent.

e. Cinemas. Up to 100 persons may be allowed into cinema halls with PET implemented. Without PET, only up to 50 persons may be allowed.

The prevailing group size of 2 persons applies, and food and beverages may not be sold or consumed in the cinema.

f. MICE and live performances. Up to 100 persons may be allowed with PET, and up to 50 persons may be allowed without PET. Unmasking is not allowed for speakers and performers, and there should be no singing or playing of instruments that require intentional expulsion of air.

g. Wedding receptions and solemnisations. Wedding receptions will not be allowed. Marriage solemnisations may continue for up to 100 participants with PET and 50 participants without PET.

h. Funerals. The cap for attendees applicable to all days of the funeral, including the burial/cremation, is 20 persons or less, down from 30 persons currently. Attendees are reminded to maintain safe distancing and keep their masks on at all times.

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Top image credit: Singapore Sports Hub/Facebook