The Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health have released a new advisory regarding the changes on the Safe Management Measures (SMMs) and updates to the Leave of Absence (LOA) policies. These changes have been in effect since 19 August 2021. Please refer to the following for a summary of the updates:

(A) Temperature Screening

Temperature screening in Institute of Higher Learning (IHLs) will be removed.

(B) Lectures and Large-scale Events

Up to a maximum of 250 students are allowed in lectures, provided all students are fully vaccinated; otherwise, class sizes will remain capped at 50 students.

Large-scale events, including convocation/graduation ceremonies, may take place with up to 1,000 attendees, subject to a cap of 50 pax per zone, if all attendees are fully vaccinated. Otherwise, only up to 50 attendees will be allowed without Pre-Event Testing (PET). Click here for more information.

The Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health has released a new advisory regarding updates to Safe Management Measures (SMMs) and the resumption of activities for Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs). This has been in effect since 10 August 2021. Please refer to the following for a summary of the updates:

(A) Overall On-campus Presence

• No more than 60% of the total student enrolment should be present on campus at any given point in time.
• In-person classes and lectures are capped at a maximum of 50 persons, inclusive of trainer(s). 
• Group work should be done in groups of not more than 5 persons with masks on at all times. 
• Students on internships will continue with their work attachments, while following prevailing SMMs at their respective organisations. 
• Click here to find out more.

(B) Examinations

• In-person examinations can be held for up to 250 persons, in up to five zones with a maximum of 50 persons per zone, inclusive of invigilators/staff. 
• Individuals in each zone should be seated at least 1 metre apart where possible, if not in groups of no more than 5 persons separated by 1 metre. 
• Students sitting for exams do not need to participate in pre-event testing. 

(C) Dining-In at Food & Beverage (F&B) Establishments

• Groups of up to 5 persons who are fully vaccinated are allowed to dine in at F&B outlets (Subway, Food Fest and Foodclique), with at least 1 metre distancing between groups and queues. 
• Other F&B establishments such as Starbucks will only be able to offer takeaway/delivery.
• Unvaccinated individuals can continue to use takeaway services. 
• Individuals should mask up when not eating or drinking. 
• Click here to find out more.

(D) Gym and Other Sport Facilities 

• Low intensity mask-on activities: up to 50 participants in groups of no more than 5, or 16sqm per user (whichever is lower), are allowed regardless of vaccination status.  
  
• High intensity physical and mask-off exercises: up to 30 participants in groups of no more than 5, or 16sqm per user (whichever is lower), are allowed provided all participants have been vaccinated.

(E) Group Student Activities 
Student activities can resume on campus with the following SMMs from 10 August 2021: 

Group sizes for low-risk, mask-on activities 

• No more than 50 persons are allowed in each venue, with at least 1 metre distance between individuals or groups of no more than 5 persons (regardless of vaccination status). 

Sports and other dynamic activities 

• Students must adhere to the latest SportSG’s guidelines. Click here to find out more. 

1) Outdoor activities (mask-on/off) and indoor mask-on activities:

• Irrespective of vaccination or test status, classes may accommodate up to 50 persons including the instructor(s) in groups of no more than 5 persons, subject to the venue’s capacity limit (whichever is lower). 

2) Indoor mask-off activities:

• Classes may accommodate up to 30 persons in groups of no more than 5 persons, subject to the venue’s capacity limit (whichever is lower), provided all individuals in the class are fully vaccinated. 

Participants in these sports activities should maintain at least 2 metres distancing between individuals, and at least 3 metres distancing for high intensity indoor exercises. Groups should not intermingle before, during and after the activities. Masks should also be put on immediately after the completion of strenuous activities.

Voice training, speech and drama, singing and playing of wind and brass instruments 

• A maximum of 30 participants including instructor(s) and accompanist(s) are allowed per class, with only the same 10 participants allowed to be unmasked for the duration of the class. Please refer to National Arts Council’s advisory here.

The Ministry of Health (MOH) has released a new advisory recommending that those who have received the first and second dose of the vaccine avoid strenuous physical activities for one week. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath or abnormal heartbeat after vaccination, please seek medical advice immediately. 

In addition, the COVID-19 Expert Committee continues to recommend vaccination with mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for all eligible persons, including adolescents and younger men, as the protective benefits from the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines outweigh the risks. Click here to find out more.

*If you fall under any of the below mentioned categories, please write in to Student Support via students@suss.edu.sg to declare.

Please also include important details in the email, e.g. MC period, Quarantine Order / Stay Home Notice period of the person you are staying in the same household with etc.

With effect from 26 May 2021, besides students whose household members are serving Home Quarantine Order (HQO), a LOA will also be issued to students staying in the same household as individuals who are awaiting transportation to a GQF. The LOA will match the duration of the Quarantine Order (QO).

Please send details of the QO start and end date to students@suss.edu.sg and update the University on the swab test result of the person under quarantine (PUQ) when ready.

The LOA will be withdrawn once the PUQ tests negative for COVID-19 at the GQF.

Please stay at home for the duration of the LOA as much as possible and avoid meeting physically with those outside your household. This would make a big difference in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Starting from 8 February 2021, students with household members returning from ALL COUNTRIES and serving ICA-issued SHNs at home would be placed on LOA [SHN]. The duration of the LOA will be aligned to the duration of the household member’s SHN.

If you have any household members on SHN, please declare the following to students@suss.edu.sg immediately:

1. Email subject title: “Household Member on SHN”
2. Indicate whether you are residing in the same place of residence as a household member who is currently serving SHN at home
3. Provide proof of household member’s SHN
4. Indicate which country your household member has visited and returned from

SUSS Student Support Department will then issue you with an LOA. You are to follow the instructions stated in the LOA letter.

If your household members are unwell, especially with flu-like symptoms, please encourage them to see a doctor. Should any of your household members be on MC/HL, please do not return to campus. Instead, email the MC/HL of your household member to Student Support (students@suss.edu.sg) and you will be issued a letter to excuse you from face-to-face classes. If you have online classes, you can continue to attend them as usual.