As Singapore returns to normalcy and COVID-19 case number and hospitalisations decline, the government has decided to ease the community safe management measure (SMMs) and border measures.
This is a positive step as we finally see the easing of some long-standing community SMMs and streamlining of border measures that moves us in the right direction of endemic living.
Here are the winners and losers of easing of community SMMs and border measures from 29 March 2022.
#1 Food And Beverage (F&B) Establishments
F&B is a clear winner with the expansion of social groups from 5 to 10 from 29 March 2022. In particular, F&B establishments that cater to large groups and family meals will likely see an uptick in business as families and larger social groups make a return to dining out. Groups of up to 10 fully vaccinated persons will be allowed to dine-in at F&B establishments, including hawker centres and coffee shops, where full vaccination-differentiated SMMs (VDS) checks have been implemented at their entrances.
Additionally, all F&B establishments will be allowed to seat smaller groups of up to 5 fully vaccinated persons, without VDS checks. This will ease the operational burden for F&B operators. Instead, the onus will be on the individuals to abide by the rules and random spot-checks will be conducted.
Another boon for F&B, particularly those who also have alcohol licences is the removal of the current restriction on the sale and consumption of alcohol after 10.30pm, from 29 March 2022.
Screening of live broadcast programmes and recorded entertainment in F&B establishments will also be allowed to be resumed.
#2 Live Performances
The local arts and performance scene had been hard hit by the restrictions on live performances and live singing.
From 29 March 2022, live performances will be allowed to resume at all venues, including F&B establishments. Outdoor live performances and busking will also be allowed to resume. The sizes of these groups will be in line with the prevailing SMM, which will be capped at 10 unmasked persons.
Additionally, singing in large groups will be allowed to resume, subject to masks being worn during the vocalisation activity
#3 Outdoor Activity Providers
The removal of mandatory mask-wearing in outdoor settings is likely a long-awaited breath of fresh air for Singaporeans.
This would likely drive a renewed interest in outdoor activities in Singapore as Singaporeans take the opportunity to remove their masks outdoors. Providers of outdoor activities, such as outdoor adventure providers, outdoor sports and bicycle rentals, will likely see stronger interest from 29 March 2022.
#4 All Businesses
From 29 March 2022, all businesses will be able to have up to 75% of employees who are able to work from home can now return to the workplace, an increase from the current limit of 50%.
Additionally, social gatherings are allowed in workplaces and other social settings, so long as the general group size and masking rules are adhered to.
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#5 Events Including MICE
The event management industry will also benefit from the increase in capacity limits for large events and settings of more than 1,000 pax.
From 29 March 2022, the capacity limit will be raised from the current 50% to 75%. This means that smaller settings/events with less than 1,000 pax can proceed without being subject to any capacity limit, while larger settings/events with >1,000 pax and that are mask-on will be subject to operating within 75% of the capacity limit of the venue.
Mask off events will be subject to the prevailing group size and will be required to comply with the 1 metre safe distancing requirement.
#6 Travel Industry
The streamlining of border measures will likely benefit the travel industry as well.
From 31 March 2022, 2359 hours, fully vaccinated travellers and non-fully vaccinated children aged 12 and below are permitted to enter Singapore, without the need for entry approvals or VTL transports. They will also no longer be required to serve a Stay-Home Notice (SHN) or undergo an unsupervised Antigen Rapid Test (ART) after arriving in Singapore
#7 Businesses That Hire Malaysian Workers Or Have Close Business Ties With Malaysia
From 31 March 2022, 2359 hours, Singapore and Malaysia will reopen the land borders for fully vaccinated travellers. All fully vaccinated travellers, and non-fully vaccinated children aged 12 and below, will be allowed to enter Singapore without the need to undergo border health measures, such as testing and quarantine.
This applies to both the designated vaccinated travel bus services and border crossing via private vehicles.
For Malaysian workers living and working in Singapore and businesses that have close ties with Malaysia, this will be a step to restoring that close connection.
#7 Migrant Workers In Dormitories
Migrant workers in dormitories will also benefit from the new SMMs as the SMMs for migrant workers will be aligned with the community SMMs.
From 1 April 2022, vaccinated migrant workers will also no longer need to apply for Exit Passes to visit recreation centres (RCs). Only unvaccinated MWs must continue to apply for Exit Passes and also fulfil their pre-visit ART before visiting the RCs. For community visits, the quota will remain the same at 15,000 for weekdays and 30,000 for weekends and public holidays for vaccinated migrant workers but there will no longer be a need to do pre-visit ART. However, unvaccinated migrant workers will continue to be disallowed to visit the community.
From 29 March 2022, RRT for all sectors will also cease, along with the government subsidies provided for companies on RRT. Employers and businesses who wish to impose regular testing at the workplace may continue to do so at their own cost.
Loser #1 Night Life
While the sale and consumption of alcohol and live performances will resume on 29 March 2022, the night life sector is still pending the relevant authorities for safe resumption.
This includes bars, pubs, karaoke establishments, discotheques and nightclubs. As these are activities with much higher risks of transmission and have more difficulties complying with the prevailing SMMs, the government is looking separately into its safe resumption.
Loser #2 Safe Distancing Ambassadors
Under the new SMMs, the stance emphasises more on social and personal responsibility and relies less on external forces or enforcement checks.
This is likely to reduce the demand for Safe Distancing Ambassadors in the near future and allow this group of people to be redeployed into other sectors or return to the aviation sector where they were deployed from.
Loser #3 Unvaccinated Persons
The restrictions on unvaccinated persons have not lifted and in light of the easing measures in the community, this makes the difference more stark for unvaccinated persons who continue to be restricted in their activities outside of the home.
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