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Starting May 17, 2021, venues such as shopping malls, workplaces, places of worship, schools and educational facilities will be implementing TraceTogether-only SafeEntry (TT-only SE).

This was announced by co-chair of the Multi-Ministry Taskforce Lawrence Wong on Tuesday (May 4).

This means that all venues that are required to enforce SafeEntry (SE) check-in will be required to implement TT-only SE, and members of the public will no longer be able to use SE by utilising their phones to scan a venue's QR code, or use the Singpass app.

Brought forward to strengthen digital contact tracing

Previously, it was announced that TT-only SE will only be implemented from June 1, 2021.

According to a joint press release by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Smart Nation and Digital Government Office (SNDGO), this move was made to achieve greater coverage and active participation in the TraceTogether (TT) programme, especially for venues or settings where community spread is most likely to occur.

"This will strengthen digital contact tracing and help us better manage the recent rise in community cases, some of which are currently unlinked and have resulted in the formation of community clusters," the joint release said.

Scanning IDs will remain until May 31

With the nationwide implementation of TT-only SE on May 17, 2021, SE check-in must be performed using either the TT app or token.

Other modes of SE check-in, such as launching your phone's camera to scan a venue's QR code, and using the Singpass app will be discontinued from May 17, 2021.

However, to help ease the transition, scanning of barcodes on personal IDs will be retained until May 31, 2021.

More venues will be required to deploy SafeEntry Gateways

In addition, from June 15, 2021, more public-facing venues, such as food and beverage dine-in outlets, hotels and sports and fitness centres will be required to deploy SafeEntry Gateways, which will facilitate SE check-in and help users check that their TT Token is working.

These are places where people are likely to be in contact for prolonged periods.

The SafeEntry Gateway will light up or emit a beep sound if the TT Token is working.

Venue operators can either download the SafeEntry (Business) app to use the SafeEntry Gateways, or set up the SafeEntry Gateway Box.

Venues that are required to deploy the SafeEntry Gateway will be able to apply for free SafeEntry Gateway Boxes, and more information on the application process is available on the SE website.

Top image via EZCall Singapore/FB.