10 Must-Know Updates Mentioned During 24 June COVID-19 Press Conference

2021-06-24 , 6:41 pm

Today, we get to know that we might finally see the light at the end of the tunnel for the pandemic: the task force tackling COVID-19 in Singapore said they’re planning the roadmap for a new normal with COVID-19, and COVID-19 would be treated like the seasonal flu that many of us have regularly.

That can be achieved once enough people in Singapore are vaccinated.

And soon after, this afternoon, the task force held a press conference, and more details were revealed, and it seems like we can finally bury the memories of Circuit Breaker once and for all.

Here are 10 highlights you need to know about today’s press conference.

Singapore on Track to Increase Dine-In Size to 5 in Mid-July

Last week, it was announced that dine-in would be limited to 2 per group, and that the group size will increase in mid-July.

Today, it’s revealed that we’re on track for that goal, which is actually in tandem with the number of vaccines. In other words, there’s more certainty since it does not depend on the number of infections.

The exact date will be worked out and revealed at a later date.

No Delta Plus Variant in Singapore (Yet)

If you’re wondering whether the Delta Plus variant comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack, then read this article.

It’s yet another variant that might be more transmissible, but thankfully, MOH’s Director of Medical Services Assoc Prof Kenneth Mak said that the variant has not been detected in Singapore yet.

A New Vaccine Might be Coming

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung revealed that MOH has signed advanced purchase agreements with American biotechnology company Novavax to secure their protein-based Covid-19 vaccine, and the vaccine has recently shown encouraging results. The supplies would likely arrive before the end of this year.

The vaccine uses a traditional approach to spur an immune response in our body, and late stage data from its clinical trial in the United States shows that it is more than 90% effective against a variety of Covid-19 variants.

But you might not want to wait for it because…

Vaccinated People Might be Able to Have a Larger Group Size

Finance Minister Lawrence Wong said that the authorities will be revising the public health guidelines for vaccinated people within Singapore.

This includes gathering size.

He said, “We could allow gatherings involving just vaccinated persons to have larger group sizes and also relax the social distancing rule in such settings, because only vaccinated persons are involved.”

Examples of such settings are religious services, sporting events and weddings.

Vaccinated People Will Have Shorter or Even No SHN When Coming into Singapore

In other words, vaccine passports might be a thing soon.

Watch this video to the end to know more about vaccine passports:

Co-chair of the COVID-19 multi-ministry task force Gan Kim Yong said that vaccinated people coming into Singapore would be given some concession—this could be either a shorter SHN or even no SHN at all.

Of course, this depends on the country they come from, and they’ll announce the new guidelines when they are ready.

More Migrant Workers & Foreign Domestic Workers will be Allowed into Singapore

Your estate is dirty? Tahan a while more, because more migrant workers and foreign domestic workers will be allowed into Singapore.

But of course, this depends on the rate of vaccination—again. According to Mr Gan, he said that “barring any unforeseen circumstances, we’ll be able to open up quickly and decisively once we have achieved a high level of vaccination.”

In other words, the keyword is this: Vaccination.

So how are we doing?

Key Stats About the Vaccination Programme

As of 23 June, more than 5 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered. Around 3 million individuals have received at least the first dose of the vaccine, of whom about 2 million individuals have received their second dose and completed the full vaccination regimen.

About 75% of eligible seniors aged 60 years and above, 77% of eligible persons aged 45 to 59 years, and 70% of eligible persons aged 40 to 44 years have received the COVID-19 vaccination or booked their vaccination appointments.

39% of Singapore Citizens aged 12 to 39 years have also received vaccinations or booked their appointments.

Faster Vaccination Programme

From 26 June, MOH will accelerate the programme: in May 2021, they administered 40,000 doses a day, and now, it’s 47,000 doses a day.

From 26 June, up to 80,000 doses will be administered a day: that’s twice as fast as last month!

Last Group of People Can Register for Vaccine from 2 July 2021

From 2 July 2021, the last group of people (Permanent Residents and long-term pass holders in Singapore aged 12 to 39 years) will be able to register interest for vaccination, and will be progressively invited to book their vaccination appointments from 2 July 2021 via an SMS with a personalised booking link sent to the mobile number they registered with.

Which means…

Most People in Singapore to Have At Least 1 Dose in July 2021

Lest you’ve forgotten, it’s July next month.

And by then, MOH believe we will be able to substantially cover most of our population with a first dose, and would have achieved our objective of giving as many people as possible some protection if supplies continue to arrive as planned.

With that, the ministry will also review the current dose interval of six to eight weeks with a view to shorten it to four weeks. This will allow more of our population to complete their vaccination with two doses and receive maximum protection sooner.

Watch this video to the end to know more about COVID-19 vaccines in Singapore:

Featured Image: YouTube (CNA)