The Ministry of Education (MOE) has announced that students will not be denied entry to schools if they happen to misplace or forget to bring their TraceTogether token. They will also not be denied entry should they not have the TraceTogether app.
This is among the many updates shared on MOE’s frequently asked questions on Thursday (22 April) on.
TraceTogether-Only SafeEntry Will Be Mandatory From 1 June
Image source: Facebook / Ministry of Education, Singapore
According to MOE and Smart Nation, and Digital Government Group, TraceTogether-only SafeEntry will be mandatory at venues that experience “higher throughput of visitors, and/or where people are likely to be in close proximity for prolonged periods.” These include:
- Shopping malls
- Workplaces
- Restaurants
- Schools
This will be implemented starting from 1 June.
MOE also noted that other modes of SafeEntry such as the SingPass app or scanning of barcodes on personal IDs, will now be discontinued.
“This would help to identify and inform close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 cases quickly and isolate them, so as to limit the risk of transmissions,” says MOE.
Students “Strongly Encouraged” To Have TraceTogether App Or Token In Schools
Image courtesy: Stock
In their updated FAQs, MOE noted that schools are “generally safe” with the existing safety management measures.
- With the nationwide implementation, students are “strongly encouraged” to have either the TraceTogether app or token when at school. Especially if they want to involve themselves in external activities at venues that require Trace. This is to ensure that they are still able to take part in such activities.
Both the TraceTogether app and token serve the same function.
- But MOE still encouraged students to bring their tokens with them for ease of contact tracing. This is because they may not always have access to their mobile phones to check for the TraceTogether app during classes or outdoor activities.
- MOE also noted that some out-of-school activities may involve entry to a public or commercial building that requires the TraceTogether app or token. They reminded parents to also carry the token or app to ease this process.
“For such activities, parents may wish to work out an arrangement with their child’s school to facilitate the use of the child’s (TraceTogether) token for these activities,” adds MOE.
- The ministry also encouraged parents of students with special educational needs to use the TraceTogether token. This will help when school activities demand for it and for their private use, as well.
What To Do If Students Don’t Have The TraceTogether App Or Lose Their Token?
Image source: iStock
With their updated FAQs, here’s more on what you need to know about the TraceTogether app and token for students:
1. Students who have lost or misplaced their tokens can get replacements. First-time replacements for lost tokens are free.
2. Those who have missed the deadline to request for a token through their school may still collect it at any community centre. They may also collect them at any community club listed on the TokenGoWhere website. Parents of these students may also collect their token for them.
3. The ministry adds that the TraceTogether-only SafeEntry will also apply to higher learning institutes. Private educational institutes are also included. Students and staff members who are not on board with this programme should download the TraceTogether app or collect a token.
4. Batteries of tokens are expected to last for six months. MOE also notes that they are not rechargeable. If the token’s light that blinks about once every minute turns red or there is none at all, users should replace them. They can replace them at any community club or community centre. Or they may also replace them at token replacement booths set up at selected malls.
Does your child already have the TraceTogether app or have a token of their own?
Lead image source from Facebook / Vivian Balakrishnan and Yahoo Singapore.
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