Gradual Re-opening of Activities in Phase 3 (Heightened Alert)

On 10 June 2021, the Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) announced as part of a calibrated reopening, from Monday, 14 June 2021, we will move back to Phase 3 (Heightened Alert) in two steps. For more information, please visit the MOH website at https://www.moh.gov.sg/news-highlights/details/maintaining-heightened-alert-to-minimise-risk-of-transmission-as-we-re-open-safely.

Re-opening from Monday, 14 June 2021

No change in number of attendees at funeral events

2.            The cap for attendees applicable to all days of the funeral will remain unchanged; to be kept to 20 persons or less from 14 June 2021. Attendees are reminded to maintain safe distancing and keep masks on at all times to reduce the risk of transmission.

Increase in gathering group size during wakes

3.            The current social gathering group size limit of 2 persons will be increased to up to 5 persons. Tables and chairs must be arranged such that each table can accommodate not more than 5 individuals seated at the table or not more than 5 individuals in each group separated by a space of at least one metre.

Further re-opening from Monday, 21 June 2021

4.            If the situation remains under control in the coming weeks, the following activity may resume from 21 June 2021:

Resumption of Provision of Individually Packed Titbits and Beverages at Funeral Wakes

5.            Provision of individually packed titbits and individually packed drinks to attendees at funeral wakes will be allowed. This is in line with the resumption of dining in at food and beverage establishments. As these are higher-risk settings, please be reminded to strictly observe at least 1 metre safe distancing between groups of attendees (of no more than five persons) so as to mitigate the risk of transmission between unmasked persons. Notwithstanding, individually packed food/drink (e.g. bento boxes) may be supplied to family members of the deceased who keep vigil for the duration of the funeral wake, and need to consume food at the premises. However, they should not interact with the other attendees when consuming their meals, and should consume their meals away from guests present at the funeral/wake event.

6.            Food, drinks and refreshments will continue to be disallowed at Mandai Crematorium and Choa Chu Kang Cemetery before or after cremation and burial services.

7.            As the COVID-19 situation is still evolving, you are encouraged to closely monitor the developments and related advisories. For the latest updates, please visit the MOH website at www.moh.gov.sg.

Annex – Safe Management Measures at Funeral Events [As at 14 Jun 2021]

a.    Attendees at wakes and funerals including foot processions, shall be kept to 20 persons or fewer at any one time, depending on the safe capacity of the venue, whichever is lower. Pre-event testing is not required.

b.    Burials and cremations shall be attended by not more than 20 persons in total. NEA will issue 20 entry passes for each cremation or burial application at the government-managed facilities.

c.     Religious workers, funerary staff and persons involved in the conduct of live instrumental music should be kept to a minimum.

d.    All attendees at funeral wakes, foot processions, burials and cremations must wear a mask. The prevailing group size of no more than 5 persons applies and there should not be mixing between groups. Please ensure that a safe distance of at least one metre is maintained between individuals and/or groups.

e.    Where seating at a table is provided, every chair for each table must be placed at least one metre away from any other chair for another table at all times. Tables and chairs must be arranged such that each table can accommodate not more than 5 individuals seated at the table or not more than 5 individuals in each group separated by a space of at least one metre. There should be no mixing between groups.

f.      Attendees of funeral events should minimize their interaction with fellow attendees and leave the premises immediately after the event. No buffet set-up or reception with food and drinks is allowed. From 21 Jun 2021, provision of individually packed drinks (i.e. bottled/packet drink) or individually packed titbits (e.g. peanuts, melon seeds) may be provided at funeral wakes, but masks must be worn at all times except when the individual is drinking or eating. Funeral Directors are advised to put up signages on the tables to remind attendees that, except when the individual is drinking or eating, masks must be worn at all times. There should be strictly no sharing of drinks/titbits.

g.    Individually packed food/drink (e.g. bento boxes) may be supplied to family members of the deceased who keep vigil for the duration of the funeral wake, and need to consume food at the premises. However, they should not interact with the other attendees when consuming their meals, and should consume their meals away from guests present at the funeral/wake event.

h.    Live instrumental music (non-wind) will be allowed at funeral events. The persons involved in the conduct of live instrumental music must wear a mask at all times and should minimise movement to ensure that the one metre safe distance can be adhered to at all times. They are not to participate in the foot procession. No other performances (e.g. singing, dance, variety act) are allowed and there should be no sharing of equipment (e.g. musical instruments, microphones, props).  Live singing and playing of wind instruments (instruments which require intentional expulsion of air) are not allowed.

i.      Hearse escort party, i.e. musical band and/or display contingent on foot and including vehicles ferrying banners/blanket/flowers, is not allowed during the funeral event.

j.      Religious workers involved in the conduct of the religious rites (e.g. preachers, prayer leader, scripture reader), will be required to wear face mask when performing their speaking duties (i.e. preach, chanting of prayers) at funeral wakes and funeral services (i.e. cremation or burial services). They should largely remain at the spot from which they are speaking and must be at least one metre away from any other individual.   Use of face shields in place of face mask is no longer allowed.

k.     Temperature screening is required for every individual entering the funeral event space and any person who is unwell must be turned away.

l.      SafeEntry check-in is required for funeral events and funeral parlours with wake halls. From 17 May 2021, TraceTogether-only SafeEntry (TT-only SE) check-in will be required for funeral parlours with wake halls and also funeral events. Visitors must perform TT-only SE check-in, via TraceTogether app or TraceTogether token to enable or facilitate contact tracing.

m.  From 19 April 2021, funeral parlours with wake halls are required to deploy SafeEntry Gateway as an additional SafeEntry check-in method. The SafeEntry Gateway enables contactless detection of both the TraceTogether App and Token, and serves as an additional means of SE check-in that is quicker and more seamless. 

n.    Discourage vulnerable persons, such as the elderly, from attending these events to protect their health and consider alternative solutions for them, such as live video screening instead.