Self-service buffet lines suspended even as dining-in set to resume

Singapore

SELF-SERVICE buffet lines will stay suspended even as dining-in resumes this Friday, as Singapore moves into Phase Two of reopening, the authorities have said.

This also applies to catering companies providing meals on other premises. They must not offer meals served through self-service buffet lines, but may offer individually-packed options instead, said Tuesday's advisory issued by Enterprise Singapore, the Housing & Development Board, Singapore Food Agency, Singapore Tourism Board and Urban Redevelopment Authority.

Other safe-management measures that apply to food and beverage (F&B) establishments include implementing SafeEntry for customers, except for those only providing takeaways or deliveries, and where there is negligible or transient interaction with customers.

F&B establishments with seated diners must also conduct temperature screening and checks on visible symptoms, such as coughing and sneezing, for customers at entrances; they must advise those with fever or who appear unwell to visit a doctor before turning them away. But food outlets in malls won't have to do this if the mall is already doing so.

For hygiene, all employees, customers, delivery personnel and other onsite personnel must put on their masks properly at all times, except when eating and drinking.

F&B establishments must ensure that common spaces and items, such as utensils placed in common spaces, as well as high-touch surfaces (like counters and menus) and interactive components (such as iPads) are frequently cleaned or disinfected.

Communal amenities including drinks dispensers and common condiments, as well as self-service food samples, must not be used.

The authorities said that government agencies will conduct inspections following the Phase 2 reopening to check on the proper implementation of these measures.

Under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act, first-time offenders will face a fine of up to S$10,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both. Subsequent offences could be fined up to S$20,000, imprisoned up to 12 months, or both.

Businesses that do not implement or comply with the government's requirements on safe-management measures may be ineligible for government grants, loans, tax rebates and other assistance.