Most businesses and activities have resumed, as Singapore headed into the second phase of its reopening. Small group gatherings of up to five people are now allowed, but must you wear a mask indoors when you enter someone else’s home? And if a household already has five members, can another five visitors go over?
Some of your burning questions on mask usage and other aspects of phase two, are answered here.
A: The Health Ministry said that household visitors are strongly encouraged to observe safe management principles, including wearing a mask, keeping a safe distance of at least 1m, minimising physical contact and washing hands regularly.
People should not be visiting others if they are unwell.
Masks must still be worn when outside homes.
A: Yes, such home-based services are allowed by, for instance, repairmen fixing water pipes, electricity, cable or air-conditioning problems; part-time cleaners, gardeners, tuition teachers; and day-time nannies.
Homes offering services such as private dining, hairdressing or tuition can receive up to five visitors at any one time.
Those providing services should wear masks and keep the 1m safe distancing.
As these services involve customers visiting for a prolonged period of time, the SafeEntry check-in system must be used.
A: As masks must be worn outside homes, they must be worn at all these venues.
This also applies to workplaces, from front-line staff such as food handlers, cashiers and bus drivers, to workers in offices such as pay-roll executives and data entry personnel.
Masks should be removed only when engaging in strenuous activity, and promptly put back on after.
They can also be removed when eating or drinking.
A: Masks must be worn outside homes. Children aged 12 and below who may have difficulty wearing and keeping face masks on for a prolonged period can use face shields instead.
A face shield must be worn properly such that it covers the entire face, from the forehead to below the chin, wrapping around both sides of the face.
A: In homes, households may receive up to five visitors at any one time, regardless of the number of people already in the household.
A: All diners, even those from the same household, should be in groups of no more than five at F&B outlets.
This article was first published in The Straits Times.