SINGAPORE — All schools will implement the SafeEntry system requiring students to use the TraceTogether token or app once everyone in Singapore has a chance to collect them. Students not carrying either will however not be denied entry to school, said the Ministry of Education (MOE).

In an update on its website, MOE said that students are encouraged to bring their TraceTogether token to school for the ease of contact tracing even if they are able to download the app as they may not have access to their handphones at all times during classes or while doing outdoor activities.

In a reminder, MOE said that parents and students can collect the TraceTogether token at their constituency community centres or clubs when the collection exercise for the tokens has started in their constituency.

The ministry reiterated that schools are safe with all of the existing safe management measures in place, and that the implementation of the TraceTogether system only serves to “support existing contact tracing efforts to ensure that contact tracing is carried out swiftly and effectively when necessary” as schools progressively resume more activities and ease certain restrictions.

STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS REQUIRE TRACETOGETHER TOKEN, TOO

At the same time, MOE said that students with special educational needs will still need to check in with either the TraceTogether token or app.

“Whilst in school, staff will assist students who face challenges accessing the TraceTogether app or who did not bring their token to school. This is similar to current practice, and students will not be denied entry to schools,” MOE said.

The ministry added that parents should obtain the TraceTogether token for their children for occasional school activities and for their private use.

The Smart Nation and Digital Government Office said last month that it will be compulsory from December for the wider population to use the TraceTogether mobile application or token to check in at venues such as workplaces, schools, malls as well as food and beverage outlets under the Government's plan to further reopen the economy. 

At these venues, people will not be able to check in by scanning their identification cards or SafeEntry QR codes with their phones.

Instead, they will have to either use the TraceTogether app to scan a QR code at the premises or have the staff there scan the QR code found on their token.

CLARIFICATION: An earlier version of the article stated that schools would implement TraceTogether-only SafeEntry from Dec 1 with the first month being a grace period for students before it would be strictly enforced. This was based on information on MOE's website on Nov 2. The ministry clarified on Nov 3 that their website has been updated to reflect changes announced by the Smart Nation and Digital Government Group on Oct 27.