Food and retail

Food and retail

General

• Will there be updates on the GoBusiness portal for businesses, e.g. what are the permissible activities?

  Please refer to the Safe Management Measures and guidelines stipulated in the sector-specific advisories on the GoBusiness portal.

• Am I allowed to operate at full capacity during this time? Or must we limit work to specific hours or at certain manpower limits?

  From 26 April 2022, all workers may now return to the workplace.

  Notwithstanding the mask-on requirement in indoor settings, workers are allowed to remove their masks at the workplace:

  • when they are not interacting physically with others and

  • when they are not in customer-facing areas.

  While this concession will provide some flexibility for workers as more return to the workplace, everyone is advised to exercise social responsibility and maintain an appropriate safe distance from others while unmasked.

  Even with these changes, we encourage employers to retain and promote flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting and staggered work hours, as a permanent feature of the workplace. Beyond the workplace benefits of flexible work arrangements, this will also help workers avoid peak period crowds as more of us return to the workplace.

• Do I need to send my staff for regular testing under the FET regime?

  F&B establishments, malls, large standalone stores and supermarket outlets, as well as those in personal care services (e.g. facial and nail services, spas/saunas, massage establishments, hairdressing, and make-up services) are no longer required to conduct Fast and Easy Test Rostered Routine Testing, or FET RRT.

  Companies that have remaining kits that were already distributed to them for RRT are strongly encouraged to continue testing until the test kits are fully utilised. There is no need for companies to submit these test results onto Swab Registration System.

Food Services

• What is the prevailing permissible group size for dining-in at F&B establishments like restaurants, hawker centres and coffee shops?

  There is no longer a limit on group sizes for vaccinated individuals dining in at F&B establishments, including hawker centres and coffee shops. F&B establishments should continue to inform customers that only fully vaccinated persons may dine in, e.g. by putting up notices on their premises. Unvaccinated individuals are not allowed to dine-in and may continue to only take-away food from F&B establishments.

  Safe distancing is also no longer required between individuals or groups dining in at F&B establishments.

  Dining-in remains a high-risk activity because many people will be unmasked and in close proximity to one another. Thus, customers should put on their masks as soon as they have finished eating or drinking.

• Do I need to conduct VDS checks in my F&B establishment?

  Vaccination-Differentiated SMMs (VDS) continue to apply for dining in at F&B establishments. However, F&B establishments no longer need to conduct VDS checks for their customers, which is already the case for hawker centres and coffee shops. The onus will be on individuals dining in to abide by the rules.

  F&B establishments should continue to inform customers that VDS is required for dining in, e.g. by putting up notices on their premises informing customers that only customers who meet any of the following criteria may dine in:

  a. Are fully vaccinated²;

  b. Have recovered from COVID-19³; or

  c. Are unvaccinated children aged 12 years and below (i.e. born in or after 2010); or

  d. Are certified to be medically ineligible for all COVID-19 vaccines under the National Vaccination Programme. Medically ineligible individuals will need to show the ‘vaccination exemption’ status via the Trace-Together App/Token, HealthHub or present a hard copy memo⁴ issued by a General Practitioner (GP) clinic, public or private healthcare institution, along with a government-issued photo identification card for entry into these premises. More details on the criteria for medical ineligibility can be found in the sample of the standard memo here.

  Random spot checks will be done by enforcement agencies to ensure that only fully vaccinated individuals are dining in at such establishments.

  Refer to MOH’s information sheet for more details of the requirements for VDS.

  ² This means they must have received the appropriate regimen of World Health Organisation Emergency Use Listing (WHO EUL) vaccines. Those aged 12 and above who have completed the primary vaccination series would require a booster dose to maintain the vaccination status. For more information, refer to MOH’s information sheet on the requirements for VDS.
  
  ³ Currently, all recovered persons from COVID-19 who are not fully vaccinated are given a 180-day exemption after infection to enter the F&B establishment for dine in. From 1 June 2022, all recovered persons will need to receive the booster dose within 9 months of their last primary vaccination dose, in order to maintain their vaccinated status.
  ⁴ To be certified as medically ineligible for all COVID-19 vaccines under the National Vaccination Programme, individuals may visit a doctor familiar with their medical condition, or alternatively, any clinic or hospital to obtain a hardcopy doctor-certified memo.

• Can a group of unvaccinated children dine together without an adult?

  Unvaccinated children aged 12 years and below (i.e. born in or after 2010⁵) are be allowed to dine-in at F&B establishments. Such children need not be from the same household to be included within a group for dine in. Unvaccinated children do not need to be accompanied by an adult when dining in.

  ⁵ From 1 March 2022, those born in 2009 who turn 13 in 2022 will need to be fully vaccinated to dine in.

• Is mask wearing mandatory for customers not eating or drinking?

  In indoor settings⁶, including F&B establishments, customers should put on their masks as soon as they have finished eating or drinking. Mask wearing in outdoor settings is optional. However, we encourage individuals to exercise precaution (for example, wear their masks in crowded outdoor areas).

  ⁶ Indoor places refer to inside buildings or enclosed places, and typically have clearly defined entrances/exits. They include office buildings, shopping malls 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, retail block walkways (including where coffee shops outdoor seats may be located) and bus stops will be regarded as outdoor areas. For F&B establishments with Outdoor Refreshment Areas (ORAs) that are not covered or substantially enclosed, the ORAs can be considered outdoor areas. Refer to MOH’s media release for more details.

• Must a food delivery personnel wear a mask at all times?

  All individuals, including food delivery personnel must wear a mask in indoor settings⁸ (such as shopping malls). Mask-wearing in outdoor settings is optional. However, we encourage individuals to exercise precaution (for example, wear their masks in crowded outdoor areas).

  ⁸ Indoor places refer to inside buildings or enclosed places, and typically have clearly defined entrances/exits. They include office buildings, shopping malls 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, retail block walkways (including where coffee shops outdoor seats may be located) and bus stops will be regarded as outdoor areas. For F&B establishments with Outdoor Refreshment Areas (ORAs) that are not covered or substantially enclosed, the ORAs can be considered outdoor areas. Refer to MOH’s media release for more details.

• Can I implement self-service buffet lines in my F&B establishment?

  Yes, self-service buffet lines are allowed to resume at F&B establishments and events such as weddings and funerals and other work-related or social events.

  To safeguard public health, F&B establishments and caterers that provide self-service buffet lines within their establishments or event premises will be required to provide an adequate number of hand sanitisers (containing at least 60% alcohol) or disposable gloves in the vicinity of a self-service buffet, with all starting points covered¹⁰. Please refer to Singapore Food Agency’s (SFA) circular for details.

  F&B establishments and caterers that provide self-service buffet lines are to note that:

  • They must ensure the food is covered. Where the food is not served in chaffing dishes with attached covers, F&B establishments and caterers should install plastic/ glass barriers to protect food from exposure to environmental contamination or respiratory droplets from customers queueing at buffet lines.
  • They must also ensure that all personnel engaged in the sale and preparation of food and drinks wear masks at all times.
  • Communal amenities for self-service (e.g. drink dispensers, cutlery and condiment stations) can be used.
  • They should inform and remind customers to wear masks and use the hand sanitisers or disposable gloves when handling food at the self-service buffet counters.

  ¹⁰F&B establishments and caterers are required to provide at least two bottles of hand sanitisers (containing at least 60% alcohol) or two packs of disposable gloves in the vicinity of a self-service buffet, with all starting points covered, regardless of where the self-service buffet is held.

• Am I required to close off the bar counter in my F&B establishment?

  With effect from 19 April 2022, it is no longer a requirement for F&B establishments to close off bar counters operating purely for the serving of alcohol.

• Can events continue to be held at F&B establishments?

  F&B establishments may serve as venues for marriage¹¹, MICE¹², work-related¹³ and/or social events, subject to prevailing SMM requirements for these events.

  VDS is required for all events with > 500 participants at any one time. Venue owners and event organisers are responsible for ensuring that VDS checks are adhered to for such events.

  If F&B is served or consumed at events, participants should put on their masks as soon as they have finished eating or drinking.

  ¹¹ Refer to the requirements at the GoBusiness portal for the SMMs on Marriage Solemnisations and Wedding Receptions.
  ¹² Please refer to STB’s Requirements for Safe Management Measures at MICE events.
  ¹³ Please refer to MOM’s Requirements for Safe Management Measures at the Workplace.

• Can I have a live performance (e.g. mascot or lion dance) in my F&B establishment?

  Yes. Entertainment including live performances are allowed within the F&B establishment. This includes mascots and lion dances.

• Can I allow customers to sing songs in my F&B establishment?

  The singing of birthday songs and karaoke is allowed in F&B establishments.

  In accordance with prevailing SMMs, masking-wearing continues to be required for indoor settings. This requirement applies regardless of whether singing takes place on stage. Masks may be removed for the consumption of food and beverages, and should be put back on immediately after eating or drinking.

• Can I allow customers to play card games in my F&B establishment?

  F&B establishments can offer board games/card games. However, gambling and/or gaming instruments (e.g. dice, mahjong tiles, playing cards) are not permitted.

• Can I conduct a food/beverage-related workshop/talk or stream a Zoom meeting in my F&B establishment?

  Yes, recorded and live music and entertainment, including video streaming, talks and workshops are allowed at all F&B establishments.

• Can I serve drinks/small bites at a work-related event? (e.g. product launch/store opening)

  Yes, F&B can be served or consumed at events and no longer needs to be served in individual portions.

  If F&B is served or consumed at events, participants should put on their masks as soon as they have finished eating or drinking.

  VDS is required for all events with > 500 participants at any one time, including those held at F&B establishments. F&B operators or event organisers must conduct VDS checks for such events:

  • The SafeEntry (Business) App can be used with both the TraceTogether App and Token.
  • The SafeEntry Gateway Box cannot be used for VDS checks.
  • Please refer to https://go.gov.sg/acceptabledocs for the list of acceptable documents for eligibility checks.
• Can I have a pop-up kiosk or engage a food truck to do an event at public and common areas?

  Yes. Pop up kiosks or food trucks are permitted at public and common areas such as mall atriums, public transport nodes, HDB estates and common corridors.

  On-site F&B preparation and food tasting are allowed, subject to relevant regulatory approvals and licence requirements for such F&B operations. In indoor settings, participants should put on their masks as soon as they have finished eating or drinking.

  VDS is required for dining in, even if the event has less than 500 participants. Notices should be put up to inform customers that only customers who meet any of the following VDS criteria may dine in:

  a) Are fully vaccinated²¹;

  b) Have recovered from COVID-19²²;

  c) Are unvaccinated children aged 12 years and below (i.e. born in or after 2010); or

  d) Are certified to be medically ineligible for all COVID-19 vaccines under the National Vaccination Programme. Medically ineligible individuals will need to show the ‘vaccination exemption’ status via the Trace-Together App/Token, HealthHub or present a hard copy memo²³ issued by a General Practitioner (GP) clinic, public or private healthcare institution, along with a government-issued photo identification card for entry into these premises. More details on the criteria for medical ineligibility can be found in the sample of the standard memo here.

  Refer to MOH’s information sheet for more details of the requirements for VDS.

  ²¹ This means they must have received the appropriate regimen of World Health Organisation Emergency Use Listing (WHO EUL) vaccines. Those aged 12 and above who have completed the primary vaccination series would require a booster dose to maintain the vaccination status. For more information, refer to MOH’s information sheet on the requirements for VDS.
  ²² Currently, all recovered persons from COVID-19 who are not fully vaccinated are given a 180-day exemption after infection to enter the F&B establishment for dine in. From 1 June 2022, all recovered persons will need to receive the booster dose within 9 months of their last primary vaccination dose, in order to maintain their vaccinated status.
  ²³ To be certified as medically ineligible for all COVID-19 vaccines under the National Vaccination Programme, individuals may visit a doctor familiar with their medical condition, or alternatively, any clinic or hospital to obtain a hardcopy doctor-certified memo.

Vaccination-differentiated SMMs (VDS)

• Are there concessions for individuals who are medically ineligible for all COVID-19 vaccines?

  Those who are medically ineligible for all COVID-19 vaccines under the National Vaccination Programme are eligible for VDS.

  They will need to show the ‘vaccination exemption’ status via the Trace-Together App/Token, HealthHub or present a hard copy memo²⁸ issued by a General Practitioner (GP) clinic, public or private healthcare institution, along with a government-issued photo identification card for entry into these premises. More details on the criteria for medical ineligibility can be found in the sample of the standard memo here.

  ²⁸ To be certified as medically ineligible for all COVID-19 vaccines under the National Vaccination Programme, individuals may visit a doctor familiar with their medical condition, or alternatively, any clinic or hospital to obtain a hardcopy doctor-certified memo.

• Do I have to conduct VDS checks for customers?

  All F&B establishments, malls, large standalone stores²⁹ and establishments providing personal care services³⁰ no longer need to conduct Vaccination-Differentiated SMMs (VDS) checks.

  However, F&B establishments should continue to inform customers that VDS is required for dining in, e.g. by putting up notices on their premises informing customers that only customers who meet the VDS criteria may dine in.

  ²⁹ These refer to standalone stores > 930 sqm (or 10,000 sqft) of GFA. ³⁰ These refer to personal care services that require the removal of face masks, such as facial treatments, make-up services and saunas.

• Do I need to do SafeEntry at my F&B establishment?

  F&B establishments no longer need to implement SafeEntry via TraceTogether-only SafeEntry (TT-only SE) for dine-in customers, visitors, as well as workers and vendors.

  However, they can continue to use the SafeEntry (Business) App to conduct VDS checks for events with > 500 participants at any one time.

• Can unvaccinated individuals visit the mall?

  Yes. From 26 April 2022, VDS are removed from mall settings. Refer to MOH’s information sheet for more details of the requirements for VDS.

• I am an unvaccinated food delivery rider that needs to pick up orders from F&B establishments in malls. Am I exempted from VDS?

  The Workforce Vaccination Measures (WVM) has been lifted and unvaccinated employees are not prohibited under the law from entering the workplace from 26 April 2022. This includes delivery platform’s HQ, malls and picking up food orders from F&B outlets.

  However, Vaccination-Differentiated SMMs (VDS) continue to apply for dining in at F&B establishments and unvaccinated individuals are not permitted to dine in.

  For more details, please refer to MOM’s Advisory on COVID-19 Vaccination at the Workplace.

Workplace Vaccination Measures

• Can my unvaccinated workers enter the workplace?

  From 26 April 2022, unvaccinated workers can return to the workplace. However, employers may implement vaccination-differentiated requirements for their workers based on workplace health and safety, and operational needs of their respective companies or sectors.

  Refer to MOM’s updated advisory on COVID-19 vaccination at the workplace for more details.

• Can I ask my employees to declare their vaccination status to me?

  Employers may ask employees for their vaccination status for business purposes e.g. business continuity planning. While employers may adopt differentiated workplace measures for vaccinated and unvaccinated employees, they should not terminate or threaten to terminate the service of unvaccinated employees on the basis of their vaccination status alone.

Retail

• What are the latest measures that retail establishments and lifestyle-related services need to note?

  Retail establishments and lifestyle-related services are to comply to the measures stipulated in the Updated Advisory for Safe Management Measures at Retail Establishments and Lifestyle-Related Services.

• How can supermarket manage queues now that the measures may result in more people buying groceries to cook at home?

  Supermarket retailers should implement crowd management measures to maintain orderly queues in-store, and at entrances to store. Safe distancing is encouraged but not required between individuals or groups.

• Are TCM patients allowed to take off their masks during their consultation?

  Patients of licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners are allowed to remove their masks during their consultation/treatment, if required. In indoor settings, they must wear their masks as soon as their consultation/treatment is completed.

• What kind of activations are allowed in mall atriums and common areas?

  Work-related events can be held within the workplace premises or third-party venues³⁴.

  Activities and events can be held at public and common areas such as mall atriums, public transport nodes, HDB estates and common corridors.

  Vaccination-Differentiated Safe Management Measures (VDS) must be implemented for events with > 500 participants at any one time. Venue owners and event organisers are responsible for ensuring that VDS checks are adhered to for such events. Participants can only enter if they meet any of the following criteria:

  a. Are fully vaccinated³⁵;

  b. Have recovered from COVID-19³⁶;

  c. Are unvaccinated children aged 12 years and below (i.e. born in or after 2010); or

  d. Are certified to be medically ineligible for all COVID-19 vaccines under the National Vaccination Programme. Medically ineligible individuals will need to show the ‘vaccination exemption’ status via the Trace-Together App/Token, HealthHub or present a hard copy memo³⁷ issued by a General Practitioner (GP) clinic, public or private healthcare institution, along with a government-issued photo identification card for entry into these premises. More details on the criteria for medical ineligibility can be found in the sample of the standard memo here.

  Live performances, including busking and those held in outdoor settings, are allowed to resume at events.

  On-site F&B preparation and food tasting will be allowed, subject to relevant regulatory approvals and licence requirements for such F&B operations. In indoor settings, participants should put on their masks as soon as they have completed the food tasting.

  If F&B is served or consumed³⁸, e.g. food fair, the F&B SMMs below must be implemented:

  a. In indoor settings, participants should put on their masks as soon as they have finished eating or drinking.

  b. VDS is required for dining in, even if the event has less than 500 participants. Notices should be put up to inform customers that only fully vaccinated persons may dine in (see above for VDS criteria).

  ³⁴ Work-related events held in F&B establishments must comply with the SMM requirements for F&B establishments.
  ³⁵ This means they must have received the appropriate regimen of World Health Organisation Emergency Use Listing (WHO EUL) vaccines. Those aged 12 and above who have completed the primary vaccination series would require a booster dose to maintain the vaccination status. For more information, refer to MOH’s information sheet on the requirements for VDS.
  ³⁶ Currently, all recovered persons from COVID-19 who are not fully vaccinated are given a 180-day exemption after infection to enter the F&B establishment for dine in. From 1 June 2022, all recovered persons will need to receive the booster dose within 9 months of their last primary vaccination dose, in order to maintain their vaccinated status.
  ³⁷ To be certified as medically ineligible for all COVID-19 vaccines under the National Vaccination Programme, individuals may visit a doctor familiar with their medical condition, or alternatively, any clinic or hospital to obtain a hardcopy doctor-certified memo.
  ³⁸ Self-service buffet lines are allowed from 30 April 2022. Refer to the Advisory for SMMs at F&B Establishments for details.

• Is lion dance allowed in malls /atrium spaces /common areas /retail stores?

  Lion dance is considered as a form of live performance. As live performance restrictions have been lifted, lion dance is allowed in malls / atrium spaces / common areas / retail stores.

• Should event organisers / retail establishments / mall management approach ESG to obtain approval to organise events in malls / atrium spaces / common areas / retail stores?

  Event organisers / retail establishments / mall management do not need to obtain approval to organise events in malls / atrium spaces / common areas / retail stores so long as the event is compliant with the prevailing retail and F&B advisories.

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