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7 Must-Know Announcements from the COVID-19 Task Force Press Conference Today (24 Aug)

2022-08-24 , 12:26 pm

After PM Lee’s National Day Rally, we know that the Multi-Ministry Task Force tackling COVID-19, whom you probably forget about, would be holding a press conference to announce the new rules regarding masks.

Well, today’s the day.

Here’s what you need to know about the announcements made summaried for you.

Masks Become Optional in All Places Except Public Transport and Healthcare Settings

Masks will no longer be required in most indoor situations beginning from next Monday (29 August) as Singapore takes an important step toward coping with COVID-19.

Today (24 August), Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong stated that masks will only be required in two places: healthcare facilities, residential care homes, and ambulances, as well as indoor premises within hospitals and polyclinics.

They will also be required on public transportation, including the MRT, LRT, public buses, and indoor facilities such as bus interchanges and MRT stations.

However, masks will be optional in the airport and on private forms of transportation such as school buses, private bus services, and taxis.

Still No Change in Vaccination-Differentiated Safe Management Measures

If you’re hoping to head to Jeff Ng’s concert without TraceTogether, hold your horses.

DPM Wong said that the Vaccination-Differentiated Safe Management Measures have not changed. At the moment, everyone who eats out or goes to a large event with more than 500 people must have their vaccination status checked.

Of course, I bet you’ve forgotten that people who’re not vaccinated technically aren’t allowed to eat out.

New Border Measures

Border controls will be eased as of Monday, when visitors to Singapore who are not completely vaccinated will no longer be subject to a seven-day stay-at-home notice (SHN).

Such travelers won’t be required to undergo a polymerase chain reaction test after leaving SHN. They’ll still require a pre-departure test that comes back negative within two days before leaving for Singapore.

Long-term pass holders who are not fully vaccinated and transient visitors who are 13 years of age or older won’t need to submit an application for admission approval beginning on Monday.

Another Wave Might be Coming at The End of the Year

The number of Covid-19 infections has gone down steadily, and the number of daily hospital cases has dropped from more than 800 in July to less than 400.

However, DPM Wong warned, though, that even though the pandemic situation is much better now, Singaporeans should be ready for any sudden changes, since the next version of COVID-19 could be more dangerous and aggressive.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said that Singapore should get ready for a “northern hemisphere winter wave” at the end of the year, which the US, UK, and Europe are also getting ready for.

Boosters to be Rolled Out for Children 5 to 11

The Government is exploring immunizations for infants and younger children, and will begin administering booster shots to kids between the ages of 5 to 11 in the fourth quarter of this year.

He pointed out that one major factor in Singapore’s ability to weather the BA.5 variant wave without strengthening safe management measures and having hospitals overburdened is that approximately 80% of the populace has received their booster doses.

He said the Government is giving very early notice of plans as parents are concerned about the safety of their children.

Vaccines Still Needed for Work Pass Applications & Some Renewals

All new applications for long-term passes and work passes will continue to require proof of vaccinations against COVID-19 in order to be approved.

For renewal applications, immunization will still be necessary for workers with work permits and S Pass holders who work in the construction, maritime shipbuilding, or process industries, or who live in dormitories.

This is due to the fact that their workplaces and dorms are places where illness transmission is more likely to occur.

Beginning from 1 October, the updated vaccine requirements for work pass renewals will be in force.

Task Force Will Not Stand Down (Yet)

So, given that the Task Force seems to be less active now, should Health Minister Ong take over the reins of this fight?

No, DPM Wong said.

He stated that the multi-ministerial task team will not stand down (yet) because the pandemic situation could change abruptly.

He noted that the task force is still constantly monitoring the situation and has measures in place for various situations such as increasing healthcare capacity and stepping up vaccination activities as needed.