Last year, reunion dinners were allowed, but only for 15 family members living within a 10km radius. House visits were not allowed.

The government has also announced a ban on open houses, but house visits are allowed.

At a press conference today, national unity minister Halimah Sadique said that gatherings must be limited to 50% of a venue’s capacity and should comply with physical distancing.

Prayers at temples, including for Chap Goh Mei, are allowed in line with SOPs for non-Muslim houses of worship under Phase 4 of the national recovery plan.

Performances such as lion dances have also been given the green light on the condition that they adhere to the SOPs for creative industries as outlined by the communications and multimedia ministry.

Transport minister Wee Ka Siong, who was also present at the press conference, said the SOPs were endorsed by the Covid-19 quartet ministers meeting and the health ministry before being brought to the Cabinet today.

“I think Halimah has done a good job,” the MCA president said.

“There were three rounds of discussions with many stakeholders (before the SOPs were finalised).

“We understand that in the past, we had to stay at home. We could only celebrate Chinese New Year at home, but this year, we can celebrate Chinese New Year, but we have to comply with the SOPs.

“We are here to facilitate. We are not here to restrict people.”

We are live on Telegram, subscribe here for breaking news and the latest announcements.