• Safe-Entry check-in is reinstated due to the high volume of patrons at supermarkets
• MOH said antigen rapid tests will be sold at supermarkets and convenience stores from July 16
• The fast and easy tests regime will be made mandatory for employees in higher-risk activities from July 15

SINGAPORE — From July 21, SafeEntry check-in for contact tracing will be reintroduced at all supermarkets, including those located within buildings that also have TraceTogether-only SafeEntry facilities and the same operating hours. 

Standalone supermarkets that already have TraceTogether-only SafeEntry and SafeEntry Gateway check-in facilities will continue to implement these. 

At the monent, large retail stores and supermarkets located inside a mall equipped with SafeEntry facilities do not have to implement TraceTogether-only SafeEntry check-in, unless they are operating outside of the mall’s operating hours.

However, the Ministry of Health (MOH) noted on Wednesday (July 7) that there is a high volume of patrons in supermarkets, increasing the risk of Covid-19 transmission.

MOH said in a statement that having SafeEntry check-in facilities at all supermarkets located within buildings will facilitate more targeted contact-tracing for individuals who have overlapping visits with infected persons in indoor buildings.

Customers of all supermarkets must check in with their TraceTogether mobile application or token using the SafeEntry Gateway, or by scanning the SafeEntry QR code with their TraceTogether app.

“We encourage all members of the public to comply with SafeEntry check-in requirements and to carry their TraceTogether token or keep their TraceTogether app active to facilitate contact tracing, and help protect themselves and their loved ones,” the ministry said.

SALE OF ANTIGEN RAPID TEST KITS 

From July 16, over-the-counter antigen rapid tests will be available for sale at general retailers such as supermarkets and convenience stores, MOH said.

These kits are already on sale at retail pharmacies such as Guardian and Unity pharmacies and Watsons since June 16.

From July 16, the sale limit of 10 kits a person, which was intended to ensure enough supplies for all, will also be lifted, MOH said. 

“With this, more individuals, particularly those who do not have acute respiratory infection symptoms, can test themselves if they are concerned about potential exposure to Covid-19,” the ministry said.

MANDATORY TESTING FOR WORKERS

From July 15, workers who are involved in higher-risk activities will have to start undergoing the fast and easy tests (FET) regime, which involves them conducting regular Covid-19 tests on themselves.

This mandatory regime will apply to staff members in:

• Dine-in food-and-beverage establishments
• Personal care services such as facial and nail services, spas, massage establishments and hairdressing
• Gym and fitness studios where clients are unmasked

To support establishments in their efforts to get started on this, MOH has set up training programmes that companies may tap to train supervisors in their establishments to supervise their staff members in doing self-swabs for antigen rapid tests.

The ministry had set up Quick Test Centres located along Tekka Lane and Yishun Central last month to support people who need to be tested.