• Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Life
  • Women
  • Video
  • Beauty
    • Beauty
    • Makeup
    • Skin
    • Hair
    • Body & Fragrances
    • Aesthetics & Services
    • Best Of Beauty
    • Reviews
  • Fashion
    • Fashion
    • Shopping
    • Trends & Tips
    • Style Files
    • Watches & Jewellery
  • Life
    • Life
    • Food
    • Entertainment
    • Wellness
    • Travel
    • Tech
    • Sex & Love
  • Women
    • Women
    • Women Now
    • Career
    • Money
  • Woman of the year
  • Video
  • Events & Promos
  • Weddings
    • Weddings
    • Gowns & Suits
    • Ideas & Advice
    • Real Weddings
    • Love Nest
    • Luxe
  • Covid-19 Survival Guide
  • Power Your Happy
  • Mental Health
  • Beauty Club
  • Showcase
    • SingHealth 2020: Defining Tomorrow’s Medicine
    • Dior Capture Totale
Subscribe!
  • Also available at:
Privacy Menu
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertising with Us
  • Conditions of Access
  • PDPA
  • Privacy Statement
SPH Magazine

Copyright 2005-2020 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. co. Regn No 1984 02868E. All rights reserved.

  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Life
  • Women
  • Video

Life

TraceTogether tokens will be distributed in batches from October 29 onwards

T / Tech

TraceTogether tokens will be distributed in batches from October 29 onwards

Plus, what a TraceTogether token is and how it works

by Anna Tan, Jessie Lim, Wong Shiying  /   October 28, 2020
tracetogether-token-singapore-collection-facts

For the past few weeks, one of the topics that have been abuzz on the internet is the TraceTogether token. When it was first introduced, it was said to not be mandatory, but as Singapore prepares to enter Phase 3 of its reopening by the end of the year, one of the changes the government has put in place is that check-ins via TraceTogether will be compulsory at public venues to enhance contact tracing efforts, as more social gatherings are allowed.

This has caused many to rush to community centres to collect their token. Yesterday, the government announced that the distribution of TraceTogether tokens, which has been ongoing at 38 community centres (CCs) for the past six weeks, has been temporarily suspended so that the tokens can be distributed one constituency at a time.

This is to prevent long queues from forming at certain CCs, which happened last weekend following the announcement that the TraceTogether app or token will be required for SafeEntry check-ins across a range of popular venues by end-December.

The Smart Nation and Digital Government Office on Tuesday (Oct 27) said the new mode of distribution will begin on Thursday, starting with Marsiling CC.

CCs in other constituencies will be progressively opened for token collection between October and December, alongside CCs that opened earlier.

“By the second half of December, all CCs will be opened for collection, including the initial 38 CCs. Residents in the 38 CCs who have not collected their tokens during the first collection wave will be able to do so at that time,” said SNDGO.

SNDGO also said on Monday that people should collect their TraceTogether tokens only from CCs in their own constituencies.

The office said that all constituencies will be served in due course and urged members of the public to wait for the collection exercise to start in their constituencies.

Checking in using the TraceTogether token or app, dubbed TraceTogether-only SafeEntry, will be enforced only after everyone who needs a token has had a chance to collect one, SNDGO said.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the TraceTogether token as well as the mobile app answered.

READ NEXT

What you can and cannot do in Phase 2 of Singapore’s reopening from June 19

Phase 2: Do I have to wear mask indoors when visiting a friend’s home?

Phase 2: Is it safe to hit the gyms and fitness studios?

https://www.herworld.com/gallery/life/tech/tracetogether-token-singapore/
TraceTogether tokens will be distributed in batches from October 29 onwards
What is the TraceTogether token?
image

The TraceTogether token is a contact-tracing device that enables quick tracking of people who have been exposed to confirmed Covid-19 cases. It complements the existing TraceTogether app.

SMART NATION AND DIGITAL GOVERNMENT GROUP
What's the difference between TraceTogether vs SafeEntry?
image

TraceTogether — both token and mobile app — help identify people in close contact with those who test positive for Covid-19 with the use of proximity data via Bluetooth technology. They will then be alerted immediately to so they can help curb the spread of the coronavirus.

SafeEntry is a digital check-in system that helps keep track of the people who enter and exit locations so the Ministry of Health (MOH) can spot possible clusters when a Covid-19 case pops up.

If a location is equipped with QR code scanners, you can start using the TraceTogether tokens to check in to the SafeEntry system as well. Here is the current list of locations where you can do so.

How does the token work?
custom

Users can carry the TraceTogether token in a bag or in their pocket, since it is a small device.

The token exchanges short-distance Bluetooth signals with nearby tokens or handsets that have the TraceTogether app, and this interaction is logged into the devices.

All logs are encrypted and logs older than 25 days will be automatically erased.

If the user becomes infected with Covid-19, the device will need to be physically handed over to the authorities to extract the data needed for contact tracing.

What are the benefits of the TraceTogether programme?
image

The TraceTogether mobile app and token, along with the SafeEntry system, allow for quicker contact tracing whenever there is a community outbreak.

With these implemented, the average time for contact tracing and quarantining a close contact of a Covid-19 case has been reduced from four days to two days, MOH said.

123rf
Where do I need to use TraceTogether?
image

Currently, TraceTogether is being implemented first at locations with large crowds, starting with cinemas.

Following cinemas are locations where large gatherings happen such as workplaces, schools, places of worships, malls, restaurants, hotels and healthcare facilities.

By the end of 2020, TraceTogether must be used to check in at all venues where SafeEntry is mandatory.

123rf
Without the token, can I still visit the cinema?
image

Cinemagoers have to use either the TraceTogether mobile app or the token to be allowed entry to the cinema. There will be a three-week grace period from Oct 26.

By Nov 16, it will be compulsory for you to have either the app or the token to be allowed entry into the cinema.

123rf
How do I collect my token?
image

Those who wish to check where the TraceTogether tokens will be distributed can go to the TokenGoWhere website for details on collection sites and timings.

To collect your token, you will need to present your original identity document with barcode.

Members of the public can collect tokens on behalf of their family members by producing their identity documents.

123rf
Do I have to use the token if I have the TraceTogether mobile app?
image

You can choose to either use the Tracetogether mobile app or the token.

The token was created to support those who may not own a mobile device like the elderly or those who prefer not to have the app running on their phone at all times.

If you choose to use the mobile app instead of the token, the app has to be running in the background with Bluetooth turned on.

123rf
Do kids need to use TraceTogether?
image

As long as your child is aged seven or above, they will need to use either the app or the token.

123rf
Can I modify the token?
image

One concern some people have about the use of the token is privacy. In this vein, some people on online forums have allegedly modified their TraceTogether token by prying it open or removing the battery, and some even suggested pasting QR code from another device on their token.

However, any acts to modify the token is a crime.

A Smart Nation and Digital Government Group (SNDGG) spokesman told The New Paper, “Any deliberate or mischievous act to tamper the token is a criminal offence under the Computer Misuse Act.”

Mr Roland Turner, the chief privacy officer for analytics company TrustSphere, who was one of the experts invited by GovTech to check how the device worked, told TNP: “TraceTogether keeps the information that it collects on the device until you are diagnosed, and purges anything more than 25 days old. This means more than 99.9 per cent of data collected never enters government hands.”

ST Photo/Kua Chee Siong
Whom can I contact if I need help with my token?
image

Users who require assistance with their tokens can e-mail support@tracetogether.gov.sg or call 6973 6511. The hotline is operational on weekdays, from 9am to 6pm.

Versions of this article was first published in The Straits Times and AsiaOne.

Read Next

Improve your immunity system by eating these foods right now

SG experts: No basis for Msia's claim about coronavirus strain being 10x more infectious

6 hygiene tips for when you 'da bao' food or receive food delivery

123rf
  • TAGS:
  • covid-19 singapore
  • phase 2
  • tracetogether app
  • tracetogether token
SHARE THIS ON

T / Trending

Life

What data does TraceTogether collect? Can you delete it?

Life

Can WhatsApp and Facebook read your messages or listen in to call...

Highlights
  • Beauty This Laser Treatment Gave Us A Brighter And Bouncier Comp...
  • Aesthetics & Services The laser treatment you should do to get clear and youthf...
  • Aesthetics & Services This hardworking laser brightens, refines and refreshes s...
  • Aesthetics & Services This quick-fix facial brightens and refines the complexio...
  • Aesthetics & Services This Opulent Facial Will Give You Glowing Skin
  • Aesthetics & Services This clarifying treatment will keep maskne at bay
Editor’s Picks
  • Watches & Jewellery 3 creative entrepreneurs on their passions, struggles, an...
Newsletter Subscribe
Sign up for one of our free newsletters to receive the latest news, commentary and fashion features straight from Her World.
Will be used in accordance with our Privacy Statement
Footer Menu
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise With Us
  • PDPA
  • Conditions of Access
  • Privacy Statement
?>
SPH Magazine

Copyright 2005-2020 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. co. Regn No 1984 02868E. All rights reserved.