Singapore to enhance COVID-19 testing protocols for all travellers as part of measures to deal with Omicron variant

COVID-19 multi-ministerial activity power co-chair Gan Kim Yong mentioned the land VTL with Malaysia is not going to be subjected to the extra ART exams as it's at present restricted to residents, everlasting residents and long-term passholders of both nation."With Malaysia, we have always taken a risk management approach," he mentioned, pointing to how authorities carried out further on-arrival ART exams for these getting into Singapore on the land VTL as soon as the potential menace of the Omicron variant turned clear."So, there are various measures in place to mitigate the risk."Travellers utilizing the land VTL with Malaysia will nonetheless be topic to a pre-departure check and an on-arrival ART.When requested how Singapore would possibly resolve on suspending VTLs, COVID-19 multi-ministerial activity power co-chair Lawrence Wong mentioned authorities will take a look at information regarding the unfold of the Omicron variant in these nations."If we think that there is a very strong likelihood or we assess that there is a risk of imported infections coming through that particular channel, then indeed we will consider suspending the VTL with that country," he mentioned.When it comes to border measures, Mr Wong mentioned Singapore can select the drastic steps of leaving issues unchanged, or shutting the borders and stopping journey altogether."Of course at this juncture, we should not under or overreact or rush to any of these extremes. In fact, there are many options in the middle of the spectrum," he added."We should judge the situation carefully and develop our responses based on data and signs, as we have been doing throughout this pandemic."

ADDITIONAL MEASURES 

In additional stepped up measures towards the Omicron variant, travellers getting into or transiting by Singapore from Dec 3, together with travellers from Category I areas, should endure a pre-departure check inside two days of their departure for Singapore and produce a adverse outcome.Those getting into Singapore, together with travellers from Category II, III and IV nations, should additionally endure a PCR check on arrival.Currently, travellers from the Category I areas of Hong Kong, Macao, mainland China and Taiwan solely want to take a PCR check on arrival, whereas these from Category II, III and IV areas solely want to take a PCR check close to the tip of their stay-home discover interval.These enhanced measures will apply for 4 weeks within the first occasion, and might be reviewed and prolonged if obligatory, MOH mentioned.The ministry may even conduct a one-time surveillance PCR testing train for travellers who arrived between Nov 12 and Nov 27, and had travelled to the nations or areas affected by the Omicron variant within the 14 days earlier than their arrival in Singapore.These affected nations or areas are Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe."These travellers have been notified of their scheduled test time and venue. We seek the understanding and cooperation of affected travellers for the testing exercise," MOH mentioned.MOH suggested Singapore residents to defer all journey to greater threat nations or areas, together with these affected by the Omicron variant, till additional discover.Travellers who go to locations with reported instances of the Omicron variant or nations that see lots of guests from these locations ought to take additional precaution, MOH mentioned.This consists of sporting masks, and observing good private hygiene and protected administration measures even when these necessities should not required there."This will protect you during this period of uncertainty," MOH added.

BORDER MEASURES ALONE NOT ENOUGH

Mr Wong mentioned Singapore is aware of from the previous two years dealing with the pandemic that border measures alone can't cease the Omicron variant from getting into Singapore."Even the countries with the strictest of border regimes like China and New Zealand, for example, have experienced the Delta variants in their countries," he mentioned."And so it will be for this new variant. The bottom line or the more important point is to recognise that border measures are really part of an overall system of defence."The different measures embrace vaccinations and boosters, testing, as properly as tracing and ringfencing each cluster that could possibly be linked to the Omicron variant."All the basic measures around safe management that we have put in place – these remain vital," he added, highlighting how some nations in Europe have began to reinstate measures like sporting masks and social distancing."We have maintained these basic safe management measures throughout, and we should continue to maintain such a posture."Editor’s observe: This story has been up to date after MOH amended its press launch. The enhanced COVID-19 testing protocols will apply to all travellers getting into or transiting in Singapore, not simply air arrivals.