Use of TraceTogether, SafeEntry to be stepped down; most venues to no longer require check-ins except large events

SINGAPORE — Members of the public will no longer be required to check in using the TraceTogether application or token at most places from April 26, as the use of the nationwide TraceTogether and SafeEntry systems will be stepped down.

Checking in for contact-tracing purposes during the Covid-19 pandemic will only be required in certain settings, such as at larger events with more than 500 participants at any one time, as well as at certain nightlife establishments where checks on vaccination status are still required at entry, for instance.

In a press release on Friday, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said that as health-risk notices will no longer be issued to people suspected of being infected by the coronavirus, Covid-19 patients will also not need to upload their TraceTogether data or submit their TraceTogether token from April 26. 

However, the TraceTogether and SafeEntry capabilities will still be maintained as a means of conducting vaccine-related checks, MOH added.

This is to enable a rapid step-up of contact tracing and infection controls if necessary in response to new virus strains of concern. 

“The public is therefore strongly encouraged to keep the TraceTogether application on their phones as well as their TraceTogether tokens.” 

The ministry also reminded the public that any data generated from TraceTogether or SafeEntry may continue to be used by the police and law enforcement officers for criminal investigations and proceedings for serious offences. This is in line with the existing practice, which was explained in Parliament in February last year.

“In order to safeguard the public, the police must be able to use this available data to bring perpetrators to justice and seek redress for victims,” MOH said.

It also announced that free antigen rapid tests for the community and weekend testing of acute respiratory infections at the Combined Test Centres and Quick Test Centres will stop from April 26.

These free tests were provided to alleviate the workload at General Practitioner (GP) clinics and other healthcare facilities, so they will be ceased as Covid-19 case numbers decline.

Paid antigen rapid tests will still be available for members of the public at the two types of test centres, GP clinics or via tele-providers of antigen tests.