The Multi-Ministry Taskforce on Thursday announced an easing of restrictions, imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic, on marriages and wakes/funerals as part of the resumption of activities in Phase 2.
Marriages
From August 4, marriage solemnisation ceremonies will be allowed to have 50 persons (including the couple, excluding the Solemniser and vendors) in attendance. This will be subject to the venue’s capacity limit based on safe management principles. This rule will apply to venues such as places of worship, HDB common areas and other external venues as well.
Solemnisations at home, the Registry of Civil and Muslim Marriages (ROM/M) Building, and designated areas at the National Museum of Singapore operated by ROM will continue to take place with up to 10 persons (including the couple, excluding the Solemniser and vendors), as these venues are usually smaller.
“In addition, we will launch a pilot where each wedding couple will also be allowed to hold one wedding reception (including food and drinks), with up to 50 attendees (including the couple) for the entire duration of the event, in venues that are permitted to serve food and drinks (e.g. restaurants, hotels), and subject to their capacity limit based on safe management principles,” the statement by the Multi-Ministry Taskforce said.
It added that all other wedding-related activities including customary rites and ceremonies, would have to adhere to prevailing gathering size limits e.g. up to 5 visitors to each household, or up to 5 persons in a group outside the home.
“As these receptions remain of higher risk, we seek couples’ understanding and compliance with these guidelines, to keep their family members and friends safe, so that all present can look back on the event with happy memories. We also seek Singaporeans’ understanding that there is still a need to limit our total risk exposure so that we can keep community transmission low while resuming key activities,” the taskforce added.
Wakes and Funerals
From August 4 up to 30 people can be present for wakes/funerals at any one time, subject to the venue’s capacity limit based on safe management principles.
“We will continue to review the group size limits and safe management measures as part of the gradual re-opening,” said the taskforce.