Singapore Raises Limit on Gatherings, Makes Outdoor Masks Optional

The Singaporean government increased the limit on social gatherings as part of a slew of measures meant to significantly ease the city-state’s COVID-19 policies.

Effective March 29, social gatherings will be allowed in groups of up to 10 people, from five, while the capacity limit for larger events will be increased to 75%, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced on March 24. The government will also permit up to 75% of employees who can work from home to report back to their office.

Wearing of masks outdoors will now be optional because the risk of transmission in this setting is now “significantly lower,” but masks will still be mandatory indoors, Lee said in his speech. Social distancing measures will be kept, meaning the distance between groups where masks are off should be one metre.

Additionally, the government will ease border restrictions for travellers since the Omicron situation is “well under control.” The eased protocols include streamlining testing and quarantine requirements for travellers. By April 1, fully vaccinated travellers entering Singapore no longer need to quarantine.

“These domestic and cross-border changes represent a major step towards living with COVID-19, but they stop short of a complete opening up. We remain watchful because COVID-19 may yet bring further surprises,” Lee said.