The dos and don’ts this Lunar New Year

Below are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the latest standard operating procedure for Chinese New Year celebrations this year.

Q 1. Is the family reunion dinner allowed?

A Yes, but not more than 15 close family members are allowed for the dinner. All those attending the dinner should live within a 10km radius with cross-border and cross-district travel not allowed.

Q 2. When can the reunion dinner be held?

A Only on Thursday, Feb 11,2021.

Q 3. I live within a 10km radius of where the dinner is being held but I live in an adjacent district. Can I attend the dinner?

A Not allowed.

Q 4. How many people are allowed in a vehicle for the reunion dinner?

A Only two people are permitted for every vehicle as per standard operating procedure issued by the National Security Council on Feb 4.

Q 5. How is close family defined?

A This includes husband and wife, parents, children and siblings.

Q 6. Are prayer activities allowed at houses of worship in conjunction with Chinese New Year?

A Yes, it is but with several conditions. There can be no more than 30 people present at any one time with face masks compulsory and physical distancing to be practised. Prayer time is 30 minutes followed by sanitisation for 30 minutes before the next session. Prayers are allowed on three days – Feb 11,12 and 19 – from 6am to 2pm.

Q 7. Are prayers allowed for the Hokkien community on the night of Feb 19?

A Yes, in the compounds of their own homes.

Q 8. If the porch of my home is not big enough to conduct prayers on Feb 19, am I allowed to conduct the prayers outside my house porch?

A Yes, as long as the prayers are held within the house compound, subject to the rules and laws of the local governments.

Q 9. In conjunction with Chinese New Year, I will attend prayers at the “ancestral home”. Is it considered as a house of worship?

A Yes, prayers at houses of worship in conjunction with Chinese New Year are allowed with the set SOP

Q 10. Where can I refer to for the schedule for prayer times or religious activities at houses of worship in conjunction with Chinese New Year?

A The schedule is available at the website of the National Unity Ministry.