It’s take two for Phase 2(HA): Here’s what you need to know

Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) starts today, superseding the earlier announced Phase 3 (Heightened Alert) restrictions.

The government reinstated Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) restrictions, starting 22 July to 18 August.

This supersedes the earlier announced Phase 3 (Heightened Alert) that started 19 July, and is up for review two weeks after its implementation, to prevent the ongoing spread of COVID-19.

Work-from-home will continue as the default, and employers must ensure that employees who are able to work from home stay that way, the Ministry of Health announced. Flexible hours and staggered starting times must be implemented for those who have to go to the office.

Group sizes for social gatherings have again been reduced to a maximum of two persons. Individuals should limit their social gatherings to no more than two per day.

All mask-off activities, including dining in at restaurants, must cease. Food and beverage establishments, including hawkers and food courts, will only be allowed to offer takeaway and delivery options. Gyms, mask-off personalised services (ex. facials, saunas), public singing, and playing wind instruments are also banned for this period.

Staff who worked at the above settings, dealing with unmasked clients or patrons, must undergo the 14-day Fast and Easy Test requirement, which would be free of charge during this period.

Event sizes have again been scaled down.

Meeting, incentive, convention, and exhibition events may have no more than 100 persons if pre-event testing (PET) was conducted, and no more than 50 without PET. Speakers and performers should wear their masks even onstage, and there should be no singing or playing instruments that require intentional expulsion of air.

The government is set to announce a support package for affected businesses and workers.