In a statement, the ministry said the new ruling was part of revised standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the celebration agreed upon at a National Security Council (MKN) meeting.

However, inter-district and interstate travel is still off limits.

The previous SOPs, announced on Thursday, only allowed those in the same house to take part in the annual dinner, a move which was met with huge backlash on social media, as it would mean a normal dinner for the household.

Meanwhile, for religious ceremonies at temples, the ministry said religious activities on Feb 11, 12, and 19 are allowed but will be subjected to strict SOPs.

“The number of worshippers must not exceed 30 people at any one time. Those attending must wear face masks and observe physical distancing,” it said.

It said every prayer must be limited to only 30 minutes. The place needs to be sanitised for 30 minutes before the next prayer session can begin.

Prayers will only be held from 6am to 2pm, it said.

The ministry said religious activities are allowed within house compounds at night on Feb 19 for the Hokkien clan to observe their Chinese New Year tradition.