Phase 2 Heightened Alert: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Understanding the Phase 2 Heightened Alert

In light of the recent increase in COVID-19 community cases in Singapore, the government has implemented a Phase 2 Heightened Alert (P2HA) from May 16 to June 13, 2021. This enhanced set of measures aims to curb the spread of the virus and safeguard public health.

What is Phase 2 Heightened Alert?

P2HA is a period where stricter safe management measures are in place to reduce interactions and transmission risks. It follows Phase 2, which had already implemented restrictions on social gatherings and public activities.

Key Differences from Phase 2

Compared to Phase 2, P2HA introduces additional measures, including:

• Reduced social gathering size: Maximum of 2 persons
• Work-from-home default: Employers are strongly encouraged to implement WFH arrangements for as many employees as possible
• Suspension of higher-risk activities: Dine-in services, indoor sports and fitness classes, cinemas, museums, and art galleries
• Enhanced border controls: Stricter testing and quarantine measures for travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Social Gatherings and Events

Q: Can I meet more than 2 persons for social gatherings?
A: No. Social gatherings are limited to a maximum of 2 persons, regardless of the venue.

Q: Can I still visit my family or friends at their homes?
A: Yes, you can visit your family or friends at their homes, but only in groups of up to 2 persons.

Work and Education

Q: Is WFH mandatory?
A: No. WFH is strongly encouraged, but not mandatory for all businesses. Employers are urged to implement WFH arrangements for as many employees as possible.

Q: Are schools and childcare centers open?
A: Yes. Schools and childcare centers remain open, but with enhanced safe management measures in place.

Activities and Services

Q: Can I still go to the gym or exercise outdoors?
A: Yes. Outdoor exercise is permitted, but you must keep a safe distance of at least 1 meter from others. Gyms and fitness centers are closed for indoor activities.

Q: Can I go shopping for groceries or essentials?
A: Yes. Essential services such as supermarkets and pharmacies remain open.

Travel and Borders

Q: Can I travel to Singapore from overseas?
A: Yes, but you must comply with the enhanced border control measures, including pre-departure testing and post-arrival quarantine or stay-home notice (SHN).

Q: Can I travel between Singapore and Malaysia?
A: Yes, but only for essential travel via the vaccinated travel lane (VTL) scheme.

Enforcement and Penalties

Q: What happens if I breach the safe management measures?
A: Individuals who breach the safe management measures may be issued with fines or other penalties.

Q: Where can I get more information about the P2HA measures?
A: You can visit the Ministry of Health (MOH) website or call the MOH hotline at 1800-333-9999.

Why the Phase 2 Heightened Alert Matters

The implementation of P2HA is crucial for the following reasons:

• Curbing community transmission: The stricter measures aim to reduce community spread and contain the number of infections.
• Protecting healthcare system: Preventing a surge in cases ensures that our healthcare system remains resilient and able to care for those who need it most.
• Preserving economic stability: Containing the outbreak helps to prevent further disruptions to businesses and the economy.

Benefits of Adhering to P2HA Measures

Complying with the P2HA measures is essential for the following benefits:

• Saving lives: Reducing transmission rates saves lives and prevents serious illness.
• Protecting the community: Limiting interactions protects vulnerable populations and reduces the risk of vulnerable infections.
• Supporting healthcare workers: Adhering to measures reduces the burden on healthcare workers and allows them to focus on patient care.

Effective Strategies for Compliance

To effectively comply with the P2HA measures, it is important to:

• Stay home when possible: Work from home, avoid unnecessary outings, and limit social interactions.
• Mask up in public: Wear a mask at all times when outside your home and where social distancing is not possible.
• Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and use hand sanitizer.
• Get vaccinated: Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of infection and serious illness.
• Use TraceTogether: Use the TraceTogether app to enable swift contact tracing if exposed to COVID-19.

Stories and Lessons

Story 1:

A woman attended a social gathering with more than 2 persons. Subsequently, she tested positive for COVID-19 and unknowingly infected several of her close contacts. The outbreak spread rapidly, infecting dozens of people.

Lesson: Adhering to the social gathering limit of 2 persons is crucial to prevent the spread of infection.

Story 2:

A company allowed a significant number of its employees to work on-site despite the WFH default policy. An employee who had contracted COVID-19 unknowingly infected several of his colleagues. The workplace outbreak led to a temporary closure and disrupted business operations.

Lesson: Implementing WFH arrangements for as many employees as possible reduces the risk of workplace transmission.

Story 3:

A traveler who returned from overseas failed to comply with the pre-departure testing requirement. Upon arrival in Singapore, he tested positive for COVID-19 and infected several family members. The outbreak spread within the community, requiring extensive contact tracing and quarantine measures.

Lesson: Complying with border control measures is essential to prevent the introduction of COVID-19 from overseas.

Call to Action

The success of the Phase 2 Heightened Alert depends on the cooperation of every individual in Singapore. By adhering to the measures, we can:

• Save lives
• Protect the community
• Support healthcare workers
• Preserve economic stability

Let us all do our part to flatten the curve and emerge from this challenging period stronger together.

Additional Resources

• MOH Website on P2HA
• TraceTogether App

Table 1: Key Differences Between Phase 2 and Phase 2 Heightened Alert

Table 2: Safe Management Measures for Social Gatherings

Table 3: Safe Management Measures for Workplaces