• Permissible group sizes for various events will be cut in light of a spike in Covid-19 cases in the community
• A “special provision” will be granted for wedding receptions to have up to 100 people with pre-event testing
• With the tightened safety controls, the Government will provide a support package to affected businesses and workers
• Details will be announced soon

SINGAPORE — The authorities on Tuesday (July 20) announced that it will scale down permissible event sizes in the wake of a spike in the number of coronavirus infections in the community, though a “special provision” will be granted for wedding receptions to have up to 100 people with pre-event testing. 

In a press release, the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced that the move is necessary to “minimise the likelihood of large cluster formations” in light of a growing number of cases linked to karaoke lounges and Jurong Fishery Port.

“For events, pre-event testing remains an essential measure to help ensure that events can proceed safely for attendees,” it said.

At the same time, the Government’s Covid-19 task force announced on Tuesday that social gathering sizes will be capped at two persons and dining-in will be banned from July 22 to Aug 18, as the authorities seek to put a lid on the recent spike in Covid-19 cases. 

With the tightened safety controls, the Government will provide a support package to affected businesses and workers, MOH said.

The package will take reference from the support provided in the previous Phase 2 (heightened alert). The Ministry of Finance will announce more details in the next few days.

The following are some of the restrictions that will take effect from July 22.

1. Live performances, meetings and conferences 

Up to 100 persons may be allowed with pre-event testing, and up to 50 persons may be allowed without testing. This is down from the 250 people now allowed with pre-event testing.

Unmasking is not allowed for speakers and performers, and there should be no singing or playing of instruments that require intentional expulsion of air (for example, wind and brass instruments).

2. Spectator and sports events with participants

Up to 100 persons may be allowed for spectator and participatory sports events with pre-event testing. 

Pre-event testing would not be required if there are 50 persons or fewer. More details will be issued by national sports governing body Sport Singapore.

3. Marriage solemnisations and wedding receptions 

Marriage solemnisations may continue for up to 100 participants with pre-event testing, and 50 participants without testing. This is down from the 250 people allowed under current restrictions, with pre-event testing.

“We acknowledge that wedding couples have faced significant uncertainties over the past few months,” MOH said.

Hence, as a special provision, it will allow wedding receptions to continue with up to 100 persons with pre-event testing for all persons, and with a group size of up to five persons a table.

“This will allow couples to continue with their wedding plans, albeit with some adjustments,” it added.

“All wedding guests must strictly abide by the safe management measures and, in particular, maintain social distancing and avoid mingling with others beyond their own table."

Given their higher vulnerability, MOH strongly discourages non-vaccinated individuals from attending such events until they are fully vaccinated.

In a statement on Tuesday evening, the Ministry of Communty, Youth and Sports (MCCY) said that if the total number of attendees is more than 50 (including the wedding couple), they must be segregated into zones of up to 50 persons each.

Attendees must also maintain a 1m safe distance between groups except a core “wedding party” of 20, comprising the couple, witnesses and close family and friends.

4. Attractions and shows

The operating capacity of attractions that have received prior approval from the Ministry of Trade and Industry will be reduced to 25 per cent from the current permissible capacity of 50 per cent.

Indoor and outdoor shows may proceed with up to 100 persons with pre-event testing, and up to 50 persons without testing.

5. Congregational and other worship services

These may continue with up to 100 persons with pre-event testing, and up to 50 persons may be allowed without testing. This is down from the 250 people allowed under current restrictions, with pre-event testing.

“To further mitigate the risk of spread through aerosol transmissions, religious workers and all other participants must wear their masks at all times.

"Live singing and playing of wind or brass instruments will also be suspended during this period,” MOH said.

In its statement, MCCY said that from July 22, for congregational and other worship services exceeding 50 worshippers and up to 100 worshippers with pre-event testing, attendees have to be segregated into zones holding no more than 50 people each. 

Worshippers can participate in worship services in groups of no more than two persons (down from five persons now).

6. Museums and public libraries 

These will be allowed to operate at a reduced capacity of 25 per cent.

7. Malls and showrooms

The occupancy limits for malls and showrooms will be reduced from the current limit of 10sqm of gross floor area per person, to 16sqm per person.