Updated Advisory for Safe Management Measures at Retail Establishments and Lifestyle-Related Services

Who Should Know:
Mall developers, building owners, retail business owners

1. This joint advisory updates on the Safe Management Measures (SMMs) for Retail and Lifestyle-Related Services Establishments. The following updates will take effect from 29 March 2022.
   
   Updates on Group Size for Dine-In and Social Gatherings
   

2. The group size for social gatherings will be increased from 5 persons to 10 persons for mask-off activities.
   
   Updates on Capacity Limits
   

3. Shopping malls and large standalone[1] stores are allowed to have a capacity limit of up to 1,000 persons.

4. Only malls and standalone stores with Gross Floor Area (GFA) of more than 7,000 sqm are allowed to have more than 1,000 people. However, there will be a capacity limit of one person per 7 sqm of GFA.

5. Premises operators should spread crowds out as evenly as possible.
   
   Updates on Mask Wearing
   

6. Mask-wearing will continue to be required for indoor settings when people leave their homes, but will be optional in outdoor settings[2]. However, we encourage individuals to wear their masks even when outdoors for personal protection and to protect others, especially in crowded areas.
   
   Updates on Contact Tracing
   

7. Supermarkets, pet care and grooming services, and veterinary clinics now no longer need to conduct SafeEntry checks, regardless of whether they are standalone stores or located in premises with SafeEntry checks (such as malls). However, for those located in malls, they need to do so if they operate outside the hours of these premises or have their own direct entrances separate from the mall entrance. Malls, standalone large retail stores and establishments providing personal care services need to continue with SafeEntry checks. See Annex for details.
   
   Updates on Events
   

8. Activities and events can be held at public and common areas such as mall atriums, public transport nodes, HDB estates and common corridors, subject to capacity limits stated below and any further restrictions imposed by the premises owner.

9. Capacity limits for mask-on events are as follows:

   • 9.1. Events with ≤ 1,000 persons will not be subjected to any capacity limit.

   • 9.2. Events with > 1,000 persons will be subjected to a capacity limit of 75%[3].

10. For mask-off events, capacity limits will be determined by the size of the venue as long as individuals comply with the prevailing group size and safe distancing of at least one metre between groups.

    • 10.1.Outdoor mask-off events will be subject to the same SMMs as all other mask-off events. Event organisers are recommended to impose the wearing of masks at outdoor events due to the possible crowds at such events.

11. Vaccination-Differentiated SMMs (VDS) must be implemented for all events. This also applies to events held at retail and lifestyle-related services establishments, unless they are located within premises that already require VDS upon entry.
    
    Other Safe Management Measures
    

12. In addition to the above, Retail establishments and Lifestyle-Related Services must adhere to prevailing SMMs in the Annex.

13. Firm action will be taken against any breaches under relevant laws. For instance, under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act, first-time offenders will face a fine of up to S$10,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both. Subsequent offences may face a fine of up to S$20,000, imprisonment of up to twelve months, or both. Businesses that do not comply with the government’s requirements on SMMs may also be ineligible for government grants, loans, tax rebates and other assistance, and may also be subject to temporary closures. 

[1] These refer to standalone stores > 930 sqm (or 10,000 sqft) of GFA.

[2] Indoor places refer to inside buildings or enclosed places, and typically have clearly defined entrances/exits. They include office buildings, shopping malls, retail shops and public transport (i.e. when commuting in trains and buses), and hawker centres and coffee shops. Places which are sheltered but which are not enclosed at the sides and allow open access generally will be regarded as outdoor areas. For example, HDB void decks, rooftop gardens, walkways outside shopping malls, taxi stands and bus stops will be regarded as outdoor areas. Refer to MOH’s media release for more details.

[3] For example, for a 1,200 pax event, the event would need to be held at a venue which accommodates 1,600 pax, or the event size would have to be capped at 1,000 pax. Events where one-metre safe distancing and group size limits apply will not be subject to the 75% capacity limit, as these SMMs already ensure spreading out of attendees.

Annex [PDF, 159 KB][PDF, 160KB]: Other Safe Management Measures (SMMs) for all Retail Establishments and Lifestyle-Related Services

Thank You.

ENTERPRISE SINGAPORE
HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT BOARD
SINGAPORE FOOD AGENCY
SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD
URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

Updated as of 28 March 2022

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¹ These refer to standalone stores > 930 sqm (or 10,000 sqft) of GFA.

² Only mask-on events are allowed and these include religious services, business events, media conferences, funerary memorial events, wedding receptions, and classes. Refer to the relevant sectoral advisories for more details.

³ For example, for a 1,200 pax event, the event would need to be held at a venue which accommodates 2,400 pax, or the event size would have to be capped at 1,000 pax. Events that are mask-off where one-metre safe distancing and group size limits apply will not be subject to the 50% capacity limit, as these SMMs already ensure spreading out of attendees.

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