Congregational singing with masks on will be allowed in churches in Singapore from next Tuesday (March 29, 2022), as part of a relaxation of safety measures announced today.

In a “decisive step forward” towards living with COVID-19, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced a slew of relaxed measures with the wave of cases of the Omicron variant gradually subsiding.

For churches, this includes allowing congregational singing with masks on, which has previously not been allowed.

“We had previously taken a strong position against such group vocalisation activities, like mass singing, because of the higher risk of transmission. But given we are now in a different position, we will start easing this restriction,” said Mr Lawrence Wong, co-chair of the nation’s Multi-Ministry Taskforce in a press conference following the Prime Minister’s address.

“So long as masks are worn throughout such activities, we will allow for congregational singing, cheering by audiences at events, as well as singing in general settings, including our schools.”

These changes will take effect from March 29, Mr Wong confirmed. Further details will be provided by the Government.

“Remain watchful” 

Among the other changes Mr Lee announced, which will kick in from next Tuesday:

• Group gatherings can include up to 10 people, up from 5
• Mask-wearing outdoors will be optional, but remain mandatory indoors
• Up to 75% of workers can return to the workplace, up from 50%
• A simplified Vaccinated Travel Framework allowing all vaccinated travellers to enter Singapore

Also, venues with more than 1,000 seats can take in up to 75% capacity, up from 50%. This may impact larger church venues. Confirmation is expected from the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) in the coming days.

Mr Lee sounded a word of caution that Singaporeans must “remain watchful” and not “throw caution to the wind”, with the reinstatement of more stringent measures a possibility should cases rise again.

“If you feel ill, test yourself. If you test positive, isolate yourself at home. If you test negative, and decide to go out, please wear a mask to protect others, even outdoors, just in case,” said Mr Lee.

“Let us all continue to exercise personal and social responsibility.”

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