The Ministry of Health has announced that TraceTogether tokens will be distributed to all Singapore residents for free from Sep 14. The TraceTogether token is a device that will enhance the current contact tracing system, and is designed to speed up and improve the accuracy of contact tracing in Singapore, including among people who do not own or use a mobile phone.

According to MOH, the tokens exchange short distance Bluetooth signals with other tokens or with mobile phones running the TraceTogether app nearby. Like the app, it does not capture geolocation data or have internet or cellular connectivity. Records of proximity data of close contacts are encrypted and stored for no more than 25 days. Data is only extracted from those who are confirmed Covid-19 cases.

The nationwide collection exercise begins Sep 14, and is slated to be completed by November. The first batch of tokens were distributed to 10,000 vulnerable seniors in June (above).

Not everyone will be able to collect their tokens from Sep 14 — distribution will be done progressively, with priority given to areas where more seniors reside. The first round will kick off at 20 community centres/clubs in Jalan Besar and Tanjong Pagar, where there are more elderly individuals who are more vulnerable to Covid-19 and may face challenges using the TraceTogether app.

To find out which collection point is closest to you, go to the Token GoWhere website (https://token.gowhere.gov.sg/) and key in your postal code. All Singapore residents (including pass holders) aged seven and above can collect it at a designated community centre/club once their turn rolls around.

Collection starts on Sep 14 at these areas: Buona Vista, Henderson-Dawson, Kampong Glam, Kolam Ayer, Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng, Moulmein-Cairnhill, Potong Pasir, Queenstown, Radin Mas, Tanjong Pagar-Tiong Bahru and Whampoa

Collection at these areas is scheduled from Sep-Oct: Ang Mo Kio, Bishan, Toa Payoh Aljunied, Bedok, East Coast, Hougang, Marine Parade, Sengkang, Tampines

Oct-Nov collection: Clementi, Jurong, Queenstown, West Coast Bukit Batok, Bukit Panjang, Bukit Timah, Chua Chu Kang, Holland, Marsiling, Nee Soon, Sembawang, Yew Tee Pasir Ris, Punggol

You will need to show identification with a barcode (NRIC, work permit, driver’s license, Pioneer Generation Card, Merdeka Generation Card) when you collect your token. You may pick it up on behalf of family members, as long as you produce their ID as well.

Besides day-to-day contact tracing, the government will begin to pilot the use of SafeEntry check-ins using the TraceTogether app or token at selected venues to prepare for the further reopening of the economy. They will first be tested at venues with large groups where individuals have to interact closely together or where mask-wearing isn’t possible at all times due to the nature of the activity. This includes larger-scale business-to-business events, before gradually expanding to venues like F&B outlets, cinemas, gyms and some workplaces.

More info at https://token.gowhere.gov.sg/.
Photos: Pyron Tan, Lawrence Wong’s Facebook page, screenshot from TokenGoWhere