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By Ian Tan Hanhonn
Up to five fully vaccinated individuals from different households may dine together at F&B establishments from 22 November 2021. These establishments include selected hawker centres and coffee shops that have implemented the necessary checks.
The new measure comes after the end of the stabilisation phase on 21 November 2021.
The Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) made the announcement on 20 November 2021. The taskforce calls the easing of the measures a return to the transition phase.
“We will also align the permissible group size for social gatherings this will be increased from two persons to five persons. In addition, we will increase the cap on daily number of household visitors also to five,” said MTF Co-Chair Gan Kim Yong.
The return to the transition phase will also see the extension but tapering of Government support measures such as the Jobs Support Scheme (JSS), rental waivers managed by the National Environment Agency (NEA) or NEA-appointed operators, and the COVID-19 Driver Relief Fund.
While up to five fully vaccinated individuals may dine together at approved establishments, unvaccinated children aged 12 years and below (or born in 2009 or later) may be included within the group of five.
This is provided the children are from the same household.
People who are medically ineligible may also be included in the group of five from 1 December 2021.
However, the Ministry of Health (MOH) continued to caution that medically ineligible persons are more susceptible to severe illness if infected with COVID-19.
MTF Co-Chair Lawrence Wong said: “I know many are keen to go out and meet with their family and friends and dine together in a larger group. I just want to remind everyone to stay disciplined and to exercise caution and restraint.”
The JSS will also be extended to 19 December 2021. However, the 25 per cent support for the eligible sectors will taper down to 10 per cent from 22 November 2021 onwards.
Rental waiver for cooked food and market stallholders in centres managed by NEA or NEA-appointed operators will also be extended but reduced to 0.5 months.
The COVID-19 Driver Relief Fund payout in December 20212 and January 2022 will be reduced to $10 and $5 per vehicle per day respectively for taxi and private hire car drivers.