Coronavirus: Contact tracing

What to expect with mandatory TraceTogether use

New measure will first take effect at places with activities involving big groups

Once TraceTogether-only SafeEntry is implemented, all check-ins must be done using the TraceTogether app or token. This will be mandatory at all public venues, including schools and malls, by end-December.
Once TraceTogether-only SafeEntry is implemented, all check-ins must be done using the TraceTogether app or token. This will be mandatory at all public venues, including schools and malls, by end-December. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH

By the end of December, checking in with the TraceTogether app or token will be mandatory at all public venues in Singapore, including restaurants, workplaces, schools and shopping malls.

This was announced by the multi-ministry task force tackling Covid-19 on Tuesday, with TraceTogether-only SafeEntry to be rolled out progressively from this month.

Here is what you need to know about the new requirement.

Q: What is TraceTogether-only SafeEntry?

A: TraceTogether-only SafeEntry will soon be the only way members of the public can check in at a public venue. They must do so by using the TraceTogether app or token.

There are currently several other options for checking in with SafeEntry, such as scanning the SafeEntry QR code using your phone camera or the SingPass mobile app, or scanning the bar codes on your NRIC.

You will no longer be able to do any of these once TraceTogether-only SafeEntry is implemented.

Q: How does TraceTogether-only SafeEntry work?

A: The TraceTogether app includes a function for users to scan SafeEntry QR codes that are displayed at venues.

The token comes with a QR code that can be scanned for entry.

Businesses will have to download a separate SafeEntry (Business) scanning app on any smartphone that will allow them to scan the QR codes on tokens.

Q: Where will TraceTogether-only SafeEntry be implemented?

A: It will be implemented at all public venues where you currently have to check in with SafeEntry. These include workplaces, schools, places of worships, malls, restaurants, hotels and healthcare facilities.

Q: When will TraceTogether-only SafeEntry be implemented?

A: Mandatory TraceTogether checkins will be introduced from now until the middle of next month at venues where activities involving large groups of people take place.

Cinemas will be the first places where TraceTogether-only SafeEntry is required, starting from next Monday.

Other venues include those where live performances and business events are held, as well as places of worship conducting services with more than 100 people.

The rest of the venues nationwide will follow suit by end-December, when the distribution of TraceTogether tokens has been expanded further and everyone has access to either the app or the token, said Education Minister Lawrence Wong, who co-chairs the task force.

Q: Where can I collect the TraceTogether token?

A: Currently, you can collect the token at 38 community centres (CCs) or 13 mobile booths deployed at various malls. You can go to any of these collection points regardless of where you live.

The full list of locations is on the Token Go Where website. By the end of next month, tokens will be available at all 108 CCs.

Q: Will TraceTogether-only SafeEntry apply to babies or young children?

A: All Singapore residents aged seven and above will need to use the token or app to check in under TraceTogether-only SafeEntry.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 22, 2020, with the headline What to expect with mandatory TraceTogether use. Subscribe