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It seems like we’ve been waiting forever for the dine-in restrictions to be eased for fully vaccinated individuals and that day has come. On 10 August 2021, if you have proof of being fully vaccinated—two weeks after your second dose—you’ll be allowed to dine-in, in a group of up to five vaccinated individuals. Yes, all persons in said group will have to be vaccinated, but it sure comes as a huge win in our fight against COVID-19 and a sigh of relief for F&B owners and restless diners.
The Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) announced in a press conference on 6 August 2021 that the high percentage (70%) of Singapore’s population completing two doses by 9 August 2021 gives them “some confidence” to resume more activities. The number of infections has also stabilised since it’s been closely monitored, with the number of severe cases and deaths not rising uncontrollably.
Along with dining out, fully vaccinated people will also be able to partake in a wider range of activities. But do take note, that vaccinated individuals constitute the following, according to the Ministry of Health (MOH):
- Those who have received the full regimen of Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty, Moderna or WHO EUL vaccines, with an additional two weeks for the vaccine to be fully effective
- Those who have recovered from Covid-19
In addition to fully vaccinated diners being able to dine-in again, it’s wise to note that unvaccinated children aged 12 years and below may be part of a group of five as long as all the children are from the same household. F&B establishments that are unable to verify a person’s vaccination status may only operate take-away and delivery services, unfortunately.
There is an exception to this shift in regulation, however; unvaccinated people may dine-in but only at hawker centres and coffee shops, and only in groups of up to two people. This is due to these establishments’ environments being open-air and come with better ventilation than enclosed restaurants. Currently, entertainment such as live performances, recorded music, and TV screenings at F&B establishments will still be disallowed.
Home visit regulations will also be eased, with the cap on the number of visitors allowed in each household per day increased to five. This cap on visitors does not apply to grandchildren being cared for by grandparents.
Other articles you might like:
Lawrence Wong: “If you want to go out to dine in a restaurant… you have to be fully vaccinated”
Nic & Tom Eatery, Serangoon: “The braising sauce is reason enough to wallow in this hearty bowl”
