Health

S’pore Halts Easing Of Measures Due To Omicron, Stops New VTL Arrangements After Mid-December

Singapore Halts Easing Of Measures So Authorities Can Learn About Omicron Variant

EDITOR’S NOTE: A previous version of this article quoted The Straits Times, saying that 6 VTLs will be postponed. The information is incorrect. The article has been updated to reflect this.

As the Omicron variant spreads around the world, countries have put in place measures to cut down the risk of transmission.

And Singapore is also choosing to err on the side of caution.

On Tuesday (30 Nov), the Multi-Ministry Task Force (MTF) said they would put further easing of safety measures on hold in light of the current situation.

Source

There will also be no more new VTL arrangements once the VTLs with 6 countries launch after mid-December.

Singapore halts easing of measures to buy time against Omicron

During the MTF press conference today (30 Nov), co-chair Minister Gan Kim Yong said Singapore would be making several “pre-emptive moves” due to the Omicron variant.

This would allow the country to “buy time” to learn more about the new enemy, reports Channel NewsAsia.

For starters, plans to ease existing social measures will be put on hold.

 

Previously, the MTF had said that the “next series of moves” would happen around end-Dec.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said the move is a “prudent” one, given the Omicron variant’s uncertainties.

Though preliminary data suggest that existing vaccines should effectively prevent severe disease and death, more studies are needed to understand variant’s impact on Singapore’s safety measures, including vaccines and treatments.

According to The Straits Times, there will be no more new VTL arrangements after the VTLs with Thailand, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Cambodia, Fiji, and the Maldives start on 16 Dec.

Enhanced measures for air travellers

From 3 Dec, air travellers arriving under VTL arrangements will also have to undergo ARTs on the 3rd and 7th day of arrival. This is in addition to the PCR tests before departing to and arriving in Singapore.

In addition, air travellers who are entering, transferring, or transmitting from Category I countries must test negative on their pre-departure tests within 2 days of departure. These territories include:

  • China
  • Hong Kong
  • Macau
  • Taiwan

Previously, travellers from these countries need not take a pre-departure test and were only required to be swabbed upon arriving in Singapore.

Separately, travellers from Category II, III, and IV countries will need to undergo a PCR test upon arrival. This is in addition to the PCR test they’re currently required to take towards the end of their Stay-Home Notice (SHN) period.

These tightened measures will be in place for 4 weeks and will be reviewed and extended if necessary.

You can view the complete list of countries according to categories here.

Have news you must share? Get in touch with us via email at news@mustsharenews.com.

Featured image adapted by MS News. 

The Must Share News Team

Teamwork makes the dream work.

Recent Posts

2 community cats die after being hit by cars in Marine Terrace, caregivers seeking footage

The driver who hit one of the cats purportedly denied doing so behaved angrily.

23 Nov 2024, 1:33 am

‘Tiger Candy’ contains erectile dysfunction medicine, may cause painful & exceedingly long erections: SFA

It has been marketed online as a candy that helps with male sexual enhancement.

23 Nov 2024, 12:11 am

Pop Mart pursuing legal action over unauthorised use of Labubu images by certain brands

"POP MART does not have any official licensed partners in Singapore," it said.

22 Nov 2024, 11:25 pm

Heavy rain on 22 Nov causes flash floods in Yishun & Potong Pasir, 127.7mm recorded in northern S’pore

51% of Singapore's average monthly rainfall in November fell in northern Singapore over less than…

22 Nov 2024, 10:27 pm

Pilot treats passengers to pizzas after emergency landing causes hours-long delay in the US

He made sure all the passengers were served before taking a slice for himself.

22 Nov 2024, 6:32 pm

Woman in China grows ‘trident’ flesh on fingernail, apparently due to improper & frequent manicures

The doctor recommended a 2-week gap between manicures to allow nails to recover.

22 Nov 2024, 6:08 pm