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10 Things In SG We Can't Wait To Do With Our 9 Other Besties

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Qistina Bumidin •  Mar 24, 2022

We Singaporeans woke up to some good news today, didn't we? Prime Minister Lee announced a slew of changes to our current Covid-19 restrictions that will take effect from 29th March and we're EXCITED! ? Gone are the days of having to separate large family or friends gatherings to two tables that are usually so far apart! ? It's only a week away and we bet many of you, like us, are excited about what to do, so if you need some inspiration, or perhaps you have too much ideas popping up all at once, we got you covered! But first, here are the new rules you should know ?

Current Covid-19 Regulations In Singapore From 29th March

From March 29, we have the option of not wearing of face masks while outdoors! You'll still be required to wear it indoors. And of course, the one that has gotten many really excited for is  group sizes restrictions for social gatherings will be doubled from 5 to 10 individuals ?

According to Ministry of Health (MOH), the outdoor and indoor settings are marked as follows:

Outdoor

  • Housing and Development Board (HDB) void decks, HDB retail shop walkways, five-foot ways
  • Bus stops and naturally ventilated bus interchanges
  • Open unenclosed spaces such as parks, fields, nature trails
  • Open-air sheltered walkways and bridges

Indoor

  • Spaces within office buildings, shopping malls, lifts
  • On public transport such as buses and trains
  • Within hawker centres, coffeeshops wet markets
  • Within HDB retail shops and other shophouses
  • Within classrooms and libraries

While you're out and not wearing masks, you still need to practice safe distancing of one metre between your groups of friends. There will also be an increase over the capacity limit for larger events and settings, such as those with more than 1,000 people, to 75 per cent, of course with safe distancing rules. For instance, there should be no more than 10 persons per table, and there should be safe distancing of 1m between tables. And of course, up to 75 per cent of employees can return to their workplaces, up from the current 50 per cent. No more pesky Zoom calls or slow internet connection! ?

For all food and beverage (F&B) establishments, including hawker centres and coffee shops, you're now allowed to sit with groups of up to five fully vaccinated persons, without the need for vaccination status checks at their entrances. Do note that that random spot-checks might occur to ensure that only vaccinated people are dining at these places. Okay, so now that we got that down, it's time to start planning your hangout sessions next week! ?

10 Ideas For Your Next 10-People Gathering

1. Food, glorious food!

Credit: El Carbon

It goes without saying that this is one thing that's definitely off the top of our heads! You might already be planning a large gathering of your loved ones for iftar buffets next month, or perhaps you can head down to your nearest hawker centre with your entire family of 5 to dig in into some delicious meats from El Carbon. Whatever it is, food definitely tastes better when you're with the best (full) company! ?

Need a little foodie guide? HHWT has hundreds of article catered to you, from new stalls, to your classic favourites. Here's some articles to get you started:

P.S. Eating at El Carbon? Our new platform Tribes have exclusive deals just FOR YOU if you sign up for FREE! Hint: you'll be getting a complimentary meal ? Read up for more information on Tribes by clicking on this link

2. Camping

Credit: Unsplash

Being one with nature, roasting marshmallows over a campfire, sharing stories and songs by it, and lounging under the stars with sounds of crashing waves lulling you to sleep - sounds like good vibes only ? Camping has been allowed since 18th March 2022, but now that more of us can be outside, it's going to be double the fun and vibes! We compiled the ultimate camping guide you need for your next trip to nature, and you can check it out by clicking on this link!

3. BBQ

Credit: @bbqwholesale for Instagram

You don't need to pitch a tent to enjoy a BBQ night under the stars ? BBQ pits are not only opened at parks, but also at HDB estates and condominiums! Applications for camping permits and the booking of barbecue pits in gardens and parks are managed by NParks and you can book it via the AXS system here. If you're looking for some ideas on where to get all the things you need to cook up for your BBQ feast, you can check out BBQ Wholesale Centre! BBQ Wholesale Centre is dedicated to helping you host a great barbecue for your guests. Their barbecue packages feature a dizzying array of marinated meats and seafood, all set to go straight on your grill upon delivery! What's more, you don't even have to scuttle around to get essentials (think: charcoal, wire mesh and fire starters) you need to start up the fire because all these are part of the package ?

4. Picnic time!

Credit: @atikahaha for Instagram

There's no better way to spend quality time with your loved ones than by laying down a picnic mat, some food and just chatting or playing games. All these while basking in the greenery that our garden city has to offer ? While picnics have already been allowed, you can now bring in MORE friends if it's a birthday or just a lazy day and choose not to wear your masks out too, almost just like the good ol' days! Of course, do remember that we're still in the pandemic, so follow the safe distancing rule of being 1 metre apart, ya! We have 22 picnic spots for you to choose from for your next picnic session, so check out the link! Not sure what to bring on a picnic? These 5 simple ideas are a great start to your picnic! Ahh, aren't you excited for next week already?!

5. Throw a party

It's time to go big and wild with your celebrations (of course safely!). Throw a huge birthday celebration, or make your anniversary much more special! Want to turn up the fancy? Why not throw a birthday or anniversary bash on a yacht?! ? Now that sounds like a party ? And yes HHWT has all your party needs covered with these articles:

6. Movie marathons

Credit: Unsplash

Sure, we could do it already at the comfort of our homes, but movie marathons are way more fun if you do it with ALL of your best buds! ? Chilling with your friends with heaps of popcorn and other snacks while watching reruns of your childhood favourites to new TV shows on Disney Plus is the cheapest, easiest way to spend good quality time together. Cinemas are considered indoors, so you do have to keep your masks on, but we will keep you updated on other mandatory safe distancing measures that are applicable! Really considering re-watching Batman with my other friends though ?

7. Take group photos without masks on

It might sound a little lame to you, but we've been reminded to keep our masks on when we're out way too many times! Now post all you want over your social media with your friends outdoors, with no masks on ?The only problem we have is this: we've forgotten how to smile for photos now ?

8. More bigger outings to fun attractions

Remember those end-of-year trips to the zoo or Universal Studios Singapore with friends or family members? A group of us would spend the day out snapping pictures, braving through thrilling rollercoaster rides, and digging in into any halal eateries. Well, we're getting closer to those good memories! We have so many articles for you to prep yourself for your next outing. A little tip though: there might be more people visiting popular attractions like this, so do plan ahead!

9. Try new large-group activities

Credit: Kayak Fishing Fever

The merrier it is, the more fun your day would be, and if you've been wanting to do something but it definitely isn't fun to do by yourself, you can now gather all your friends and try a new activity together! Kayak along our southern islands while trying your luck at catching a big fish, be an F1 driver for the day at any of our go-karting spots, do some canvas painting together, the list is endless! You can simply check out even more activities by searching up on our HHWT's website bar!

10. Travel plans? Raya plans?

Credit: Unsplash

Many countries all over the world has allowed Singaporeans to travel quarantine-free! Today (Mar 24th), it's also been announced that fully vaccinated travelers will be allowed to travel across the land border between Singapore and Malaysia without quarantining or testing, including pre-departure and on-arrival tests, so we can say hello to our weekly Johor and Desaru trips soon! If you're planning your future trip, use HHWT's comprehensive travel guides to help you!

Credit: Zuleyha Keskin on Facebook

With restrictions loosening in Singapore, and between Singapore and Malaysia, there might be hope for a semblance of pre-Covid Raya! Iconic Ramadan bazaars such as Laloolalang and Geylang Serai have returned, and newer pop-up bazaars will start as well. Right now, all we can do is follow safe distancing rules where it's appropriate! Have fun out there and stay safe!