Frequently Asked Questions

Updated 5 May 2022

General Safe Management Measures

1) What is the capacity limit for a place of worship at any one time?

From 26 April 2022

The capacity limit of 75% for worship services of more than 1000 persons will be removed. Worship services with more than 500 persons are subject to Vaccination-Differentiated SMMs(VDS). For the latest information on VDS, please refer to https://go.gov.sg/vdsmminfo.

2) Can I have concurrent worship services and religious rites taking place at the same time (e.g. different language services)?

Concurrent activities can be held at the same time. The capacity limits imposed previously will be removed.

3) What are the SMM requirements for Marriage Solemnizations held at Places of Worship?

Please refer to ROM/ROMM’s guidelines and the SMMs for Marriage Solemnizations at: https://www.marriage.gov.sg. Please refer to https://www.gobusiness.gov.sg/covid-19-faqs/for-sector-specific-queries/marriage-solemnizations-and-receptions for FAQs on Marriage Solemnizations

4) What are the SMM requirements for funerals held at Places of Worship?

Please refer to SMMs for Funeral Events at: https://www.gobusiness.gov.sg/safemanagement/sector/

5) Do ROs need to submit SMPs before proceeding with worship services?

ROs are not required to submit SMPs but should acknowledge the SMM requirements via the following link: https://form.gov.sg/6264d02819e9a20012f4713d

6) Must I wear a mask at the place of worship, even while praying?

Mask-wearing will continue to be required for indoor settings but will be optional in outdoor settings. Nonetheless, we encourage individuals to wear their masks even when outdoors for personal protection and to protect others, especially in crowded areas.

You can refer here for more details.

7) Can the worship/religious leader be unmasked for speaking duties during worship service?

Persons can be unmasked for speaking only for the duration of their preaching duties during congregational worship services/religious rites. Safe distancing is no longer required between unmasked personal and worshippers.

8) Are we allowed to conduct AGMs and other social activities at Places of Worship?

AGMs and other social activities can be held at places of worship please refer to MOM’s advisory at https://www.mom.gov.sg/covid-19/requirements-for-safe-management-measures for more details.

9) Is sanitising of the premises after worship services still mandatory?

Although not mandatory, we encourage ROs to continue regular cleaning and ventilating the venue after usage

ROs are encouraged to apply for the SG Clean Quality Mark, you may refer to the following link: https://www.sgclean.gov.sg/join/for-owners/how-to-be-certified/

10) Is ART still a requirement for singers or persons playing wind/brass instruments?

ART is no longer required for personnel involved in live performance. There is no need for performers/crew to be fully vaccinated to sing or play instruments that require intentional expulsion of air, in line with lifting of workforce vaccination measures that will also take effect from 26 April.

11) Can we have singing and other live performance elements during religious classes?

From 26 April 2022, singing in religious classes is permitted. Participants are to remain masked while singing.

12) Is ART still a requirement for religious and supporting workers before conducting religious classes?

ART testing is no longer required for staff conducting the religious classes.

You can refer to the SMM requirements for classes at : https://www.moe.gov.sg/faqs-covid-19-infection

Consumption of Food & Drinks

13) Can food be served at Places of worship?

Consumption of Food and Beverages will be allowed in places of worship.

From 30 Apr 2022, self-serve buffet lines are permitted subject to the necessary SMMs i.e. provide hand sanitisers (containing at least 60% alcohol) or disposable gloves for its patrons. ROs are strongly encouraged to remind worshippers to sanitise their hands or use the disposable gloves.

Participants must remain masked when not eating/drinking.

14) Can Religious Organisations (ROs) organise auctions?

ROs may resume live auctions in places of worship, subject to the prevailing premises capacity limits and the following safe management measures.

i. The auction can be conducted via the use of signs, bidding paddles, or other physical instruments to minimise shouting. Bidders are not allowed to shout out their bids but instead hold up their paddles or hand-sign the bid amounts.

ii. Live auctions should be kept to as short a duration as possible. Attendees are encouraged to leave immediately after the auction and minimise mingling among attendees before, during, or after the auction.

iii. ROs are encouraged to request attendees to pre-register prior to the day of the auction.

iv. Auctions at external venues will be subject to premises owners’ discretion and additional SMMs.

15) Are Live performances allowed for worship services at external premises?

Live performances external venues will be subject to premises owners’ discretion and additional SMMs. All prevailing SMMs for live performances will apply.