Singaporean residents and tourists will no longer be legally required to wear their masks indoors from Aug 29, announced the multi-ministry task force (MTF) on Aug 24.
The announcement comes after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s National Day Rally speech, where he announced that the government will reduce mask requirements with Singapore’s Covid-19 situation “stabilising”.
Mask-wearing, however, will still be required in healthcare settings such as clinics, hospitals and residential and nursing homes. They will also include the retail, food and beverages (F&B) outlets in hospitals and polyclinics, as well as dental facilities, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinics, renal dialysis centres, and so on.
Mask-wearing is also still required on public transport, which includes trains, public buses and boarding areas. However, mask-wearing on private transport modes such as private bus services and taxis will be optional.
Despite the relaxing of measures, the MTF cautioned that people should still wear masks in crowded areas or when interacting with vulnerable persons.
The elderly and immuno-comprised are also recommended to wear their masks in crowded indoor settings.
See also: BioNTech beats estimates as vaccine maker pursues more diseases
Non-fully vaccinated travellers can enter Singapore without serving SHN
Non-fully vaccinated travellers can enter the country from Aug 28, 11.59 pm, without serving the seven-day stay-home notice (SHN) upon arrival. These travellers will also no longer be subject to an exit-SHN polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.
They will, however, be required to test negative on a pre-departure test within two days before leaving for Singapore.
See also: Covid-19 global health emergency is over after three years: WHO
Long-term pass holders no longer required to apply for entry approval
Non-fully vaccinated long-term pass holders and short-term visitors will no longer be required to apply for approval to enter Singapore. The requirement will also be lifted on Aug 28, 11.59pm.
However, Covid-19 vaccinations are still needed for long-term passes and work passes. Vaccinations are also required for renewal applications.
Two visitors at hospitals
Locally, two visitors per patient will be allowed at any one time in hospitals and homes from Sept 1.
Hospital visits will be limited to visiting hours, while home visits will be limited to hour-long sessions.
The MTF is also recommending Singaporeans aged 60 years and above to receive their second booster jab five months after their first. This is from a previous recommendation for residents aged 80 years and above to do so.
In addition, children aged five to 11 years old are also recommended to receive one booster dose from five months after the second dose of their primary vaccination series.
