New SafeEntry Gateways to be set up at malls, cinemas, supermarkets and more public places
The new SafeEntry Gateway developed by GovTech that enables contactless detection of the TraceTogether token or app. (Photo: Ang Hwee Min)
SINGAPORE: Checking in to a location via the TraceTogether token or mobile app will soon be a faster process with a new system called SafeEntry Gateway.
It allows visitors to check in by placing their TraceTogether tokens or mobile phone within 25cm of the gateway device or a box – similar to using an EZ-Link card on public transport.
The box will beep and show a green light if the check-in is successful. For those using mobile phones, the TraceTogether app must be open for the check-in to proceed.
Announcing this on Tuesday (Mar 16), the Smart Nation and Digital Government Group (SNDGG) said the SafeEntry Gateways will be deployed from Apr 19 at selected places with large numbers of visitors, such as malls, cinemas, hospitals and gated tourist attractions.
Other venues include large standalone retail outlets, supermarkets, public libraries, selected museums and galleries, MICE event venues, places of worship and funeral parlours with wake halls.
Public and private hospitals, national specialty centres, community hospitals and polyclinics will also need to deploy the gateways.
READ: New SafeEntry Gateway device on trial at Downtown East to make TraceTogether check-ins more convenient
In addition, they will be set up at selected popular wet markets, including Geylang Serai Market, Chong Pang Market, the markets at Blocks 20 and 21 Marsiling Lane, and Block 505 Jurong West Street 52.
These venues will be required to deploy the SafeEntry Gateway in addition to the current SafeEntry check-in methods, said SNDGG.
The existing SafeEntry (Business) App will also be updated so that users can similarly place their token or phone near the operator’s phone to check in, said SNDGG.
Currently, some businesses use the SafeEntry (Business) App to scan QR codes on TraceTogether tokens or visitors’ identity cards.
Businesses can apply for one SafeEntry Gateway box to cover each existing manned public entry point at no charge, for up to four boxes. They can appeal for more boxes if they have more than four manned public entry points at their premises, SNDGG said on its website.
Other locations such as schools, gyms and F&B outlets for dine-in customers can also apply for one SafeEntry Gateway box at no charge, but the use of the SafeEntry Gateway at these venues will be optional.
The gateways only need to be deployed for SafeEntry check-in, and businesses are not required to set them up for check out.
Existing ways to check in via SafeEntry will remain in place at these venues, said SNDGG.
“Older mobile phone models that may not work well with SafeEntry Gateway can continue to use these existing modes to check in,” the SNDGG added in its press release.
NEX has used the SafeEntry gateway device at six entry points into the mall since Feb 15, said its spokesperson.
“The check-in experience has proven to be quick and convenient for users of TraceTogether token and app even during peak hours,” the spokesperson added.
“Shoppers will be more familiar with the use when TraceTogether token and app becomes mandatory.”
Those who use the TraceTogether token can also use the SafeEntry Gateways to check if their tokens are out of battery. Tokens that are out of battery will not trigger a beep at the gateways.
From April, token replacement stations will be set up at some venues where the gateways have been deployed, so that the tokens discovered to be not transmitting Bluetooth signals can be "expeditiously replaced", said SNDGG in a press release.
Users can also replace tokens that are out of battery or faulty at any community centre for free. The TraceTogether token battery is expected to last four to six months depending on the model.
Users can check if their token is working by looking out for a green light that blinks about once every minute. If the token is blinking red, or when there is no light at all, the token needs to be replaced.
More than 3 million TraceTogether tokens have been distributed, said SNDGG.
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