Masks optional in most indoor settings from Aug 29; businesses have no plans for separate rules

SINGAPORE’S nightlife businesses have no plans to impose separate requirements once masks become optional in most indoor settings from Aug 29, though it is less clear what other venue operators may choose.

“At this point, we plan to align with the government guidelines and have masks optional, and we’ll monitor along the way,” Andrew Li, chief executive of the Zouk Group, told The Business Times. “We’ll leave it up to the individual to do as they feel most comfortable.”

The multi-ministry taskforce on Covid-19 announced the change on Wednesday (Aug 24), alongside the end of quarantine requirements for non-fully vaccinated arrivals. Masks will still be needed on public buses and trains, in indoor public transport facilities, and in healthcare settings such as hospitals, residential care homes, and ambulances.

Even where masks are optional, event organisers and venue operators can encourage, advise, or even require patrons to wear them, said Deputy Prime Minister and taskforce co-chair Lawrence Wong.

Asked why masks will not be required for crowded events, Wong replied: “Events… are not essential and I don’t think you have a higher proportion of older people who are vulnerable.” Public transport and healthcare are “more critical” settings with more elderly and vulnerable persons, he added.

The National Arts Council said in response to queries that masks will be optional for live performances, as well as arts and culture classes, lectures, talks and workshops – as long as these are not held in healthcare and public transport settings. “However, audiences are encouraged to continue to exercise responsibility and caution, such as wearing masks voluntarily when in crowded places.”

The Singapore Sports Hub welcomes the move as patrons “will be able to fully share their emotions and excitement with each other”, said a spokesperson, but added: “Masks may still be appropriate in certain situations and we will work closely with our stakeholders to promote the safety of all patrons.”

Cinemas and other venue operators contacted by BT either declined to comment or have yet to respond.

Nightlife businesses told BT that they intend to follow government rules and keep masks optional.

“At this point… I would think it’s up to the consumers’ preferences. If patrons do want to keep their mask on, it’s completely up to them,” said Immelia Izalena, group marketing manager for 1-Group Concepts, which manages nightlife businesses such as 1-Atico, 1-Arden and Yang Club.

Most patrons have expressed that they would prefer not to wear a mask in the club, she added. “Dancing with your mask on takes your breath away,” she laughed.

“We have also checked with them to see if they would feel comfortable if our staff members do not wear a mask, and I think from the consumer’s perspective, generally it doesn’t matter to them.”

Singapore Nightlife Business Association president Nasen Thiagarajan said the industry body welcomes the move, and will not be issuing its own guidelines to members. “This gives… our members and nightlife operators the discretion on whether they want to apply masks indoors or not, both for their customers and for their staff.”

Without the need to enforce mask restrictions, companies can free up staff or reduce additional hiring, which will help their day-to-day operations, he added.

Teo Heng KTV will not enforce any mask requirements either, but will continue to make masks and hand sanitiser available to customers. Its director Jean Teo believes that customers will be excited by the news, and expects the return of those who were put off by the effect of masks on breathing and sound quality when singing.

The green light from the government to go maskless is also an assurance to customers, as it signals that the situation has improved, she added.

Masks will also be optional in airports, said Wong, in response to questions. On flights, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said that masks will be needed to or from destinations that require them onboard, but not other flights. Operators may also require mask-wearing as part of company policy.

“The further easing of SMMs (safe management measures) and border measures is a significant milestone for us in our journey towards living with Covid,” said Wong.

But while the pandemic situation here is “much better today”, Wong said Singapore must continue to be “mentally prepared for any sudden changes because we don’t know how the virus will mutate and what the next variant will look like”.

“That is why we are not standing down the MTF (multi-ministry taskforce),” said Wong.

Mask-wearing as part of sectoral regulations will continue to apply. The Singapore Food Agency said that all food handlers must continue to wear either a mask or a spit guard. This applies to those who sell or prepare food and drinks at retail food establishments – from hawker centres and restaurants to supermarkets and trade fairs – and where food is processed, including slaughterhouses.

MOH stressed that the elderly and immuno-compromised individuals should continue to wear masks in crowded indoor settings to reduce their risk of catching any respiratory infections.

There will be no change to vaccination-differentiated SMMs (VDS) for now. Said MOH: “We are reviewing our vaccination policy, to transition to a system where we keep our vaccinations up-to-date, and we will review and update the VDS requirements at the same time.”