Here’s Why The Government is Extending COVID-19 Laws for a Year

By
Lin Jiawen
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If there’s one thing that all Singaporeans can’t wait to get rid of, it’s definitely COVID-19.

And with the gradual relaxation of COVID-19 measures, such as moving back into Disease Outbreak Response System Condition (DORSCON) Green, it seems like we’re well on our way.

(I mean, most of us probably don’t even remember what wearing a mask feels like.)

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However, despite feeling like we’re almost completely back to pre-COVID times, it seems like some rules are still here to say for the time being, and here’s why.

(Don’t worry, you won’t have to go back to wearing a mask in the sweltering heat.)

Extension of COIVD-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020

Just yesterday (6 March), it was announced that the control orders established to manage the COVID-19 pandemic were extended one more year after parliament passed amendments to the Act.

In particular, the amendments extended the validity of Part 7 of the Act, which will allow the government to implement regulations that help Singapore prevent, protect against, delay, or control COVID-19 whenever needed.

This is under the assumption that the existence and spread of COVID-19 is a severe public health threat within the community.

For the unaware, schemes such as the Circuit Breaker from April to June 2020 were carried out as part of this act.

Thankfully (for most), this will be the last extension of the orders, which were passed under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act in 2020.

Extension of Rules to Help Combat New Variants if They Arise

Regarding the extension of the rules, Senior Minister of State for Health Janil Puthucheary explained that this would allow authorities to combat new variants if they arise in the near future promptly.

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According to him, this is especially due to how COVID-19 may still be spread in unexpected ways on a global scale.

“We cannot rule out the possible emergence of new variants that can cause infection waves and strain our healthcare resources,” he mentioned.

As such, he highlighted the “necessary tools” that Singapore needs to continue its fight against the pandemic, such as the need for the statutes to allow measures used during the COVID-19 pandemic to be re-implemented when necessary.

He also emphasised that Singaporeans should not be complacent about the current COVID-19 situation despite it being treated like an endemic right now.

MOH to Continue Observing Evolution of COVID-19

It was also mentioned that the Ministry of Health (MOH), which has been monitoring the COVID-19 situation since the beginning of the pandemic, will continue to do so.

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It will also continue to observe COVID-19’s evolution via international networks and local surveillance.

This will enable them to be aware of new variants that may be more contagious or cause more severe diseases as early as possible.

MOH Currently Reviewing Infectious Diseases Act, Amendments Should Be Made Later This Year

Apart from the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020, Dr Janil also touched on how MOH has started its review of the Infectious Diseases Act (IDA).

The IDA is the main act in Singapore that handles the control and prevention of infectious diseases.

According to Dr Janil, MOM is looking to propose amendments to the IDA in the second half of this year.

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One aspect of the review includes adding provisions that belong to Part 7 of the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020 in the IDA, which Dr Janil said will allow the IDA to become “more robust”.

Additionally, this will let the authorities be more flexible when faced with different situations.

Regarding Part 7 of the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020, he added that it should be retired as the country has returned to DORSCON Green status.

Hence, Singapore should turn to the IDA to “manage new variants of concern or new pandemics” in the future.

With regards to this, Part 7 of the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020 will be revoked if the amendments made to the IDA end up being passed in the future.

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Lin Jiawen
Email: [email protected]