As community rules are gradually eased, commuters will no longer be required to wear masks when utilizing public transportation beginning February 13.
As community rules are gradually eased, commuters will no longer be required to wear masks when utilizing public transportation beginning February 13.
This was one among the improvements to measures unveiled on Thursday by the multi-ministerial task committee fighting Covid-19.
This comes three years after the first Covid-19 incidence in Singapore was announced on January 23, 2020.
1. No masks required on public transport
Commuters will no longer be required to wear masks when utilizing public transportation from February 13.
The Health Ministry, on the other hand, will continue to compel visitors, workers, and patients in healthcare and residential care facilities to wear masks while dealing with patients. Hospital wards, clinics, and nursing homes are examples.
Settings at these establishments that do not entail patient engagement are not permitted. Retail and food and beverage establishments, employee rest spaces, and parking lots are examples of these.
Other government agencies, such as the Singapore Food Agency, may still require food workers to wear a mask or spit guard.
Businesses may also choose to keep mask use as a company policy for worker health and safety or business continuity.
Masks have not been necessary in most indoor environments since August 29, 2022.
2. Covid-19 vaccines remain free
Covid-19 vaccines and oral antivirals will remain free for individuals who qualify.
Under the National Vaccination Programme, all Singapore citizens, permanent residents, long-term pass holders, and certain short-term pass users would be exempt from paying for immunizations.
Until further notice, Covid-19 vaccines and oral antivirals will be entirely subsidized for clinically qualified public hospital patients and nursing care residents.
3. Treatment and testing no longer fully subsidised
Treatment in hospitals or Covid-19 Treatment Facilities for persons infected with the virus, regardless of vaccination status, will no longer be completely subsidized.
People with Covid-19 will no longer be obliged to reside in Community Isolation Facilities, as they are for other endemic infections such as influenza or chicken pox.
Some of these facilities will remain available for persons who desire to self-isolate, but their stay will be taxed.
Citizens and permanent residents will be unable to use government subsidies, MediShield Life, or MediSave to pay their fees since these establishments are not classified as medical facilities.
Any Covid-19 testing will be charged to all patients.
Protocols for people who tested positive for the virus will be discontinued on February 13, but citizens are encouraged to exhibit social responsibility.
Individuals infected with Covid-19 should follow the most recent general guideline for anyone experiencing acute respiratory infection symptoms.
According to Health
Minister Ong Ye Kyung, medical certifications for Covid-19 would not be distinguished from those for other disorders.
4. TraceTogether and SafeEntry no longer required
The TraceTogether app may be uninstalled by the general public, while the SafeEntry (Business) app can be uninstalled by businesses.
Infected individuals will no longer be required to provide TraceTogether data to the government.
The Health Ministry no longer collects SafeEntry data, and all identifiable TraceTogether and SafeEntry data has been erased from its systems and databases.
From February 13 to March 12, a TraceTogether token return exercise will be held. The public can return their tokens at any of the 108 community clubs.
5. Unvaccinated travellers entering do not need proof of pre-departure test
From February 13, all travelers entering Singapore who are not completely vaccinated will no longer be required to produce proof of a negative pre-departure test.
Short-term travelers who have not been completely immunized will no longer be required to obtain Covid-19 travel insurance.
6. Migrant workers no longer need to apply for pass to enter popular places
Migrant workers will be able to visit the community without obtaining a Popular Places Pass beginning February 13.
The Manpower Ministry will also match additional rules for these workers with other Singaporeans from March 1.
Migrant workers who test positive for the virus or have minor symptoms will be permitted to recover in their dorms or contact a doctor. Only vulnerable migrant workers or those with severe acute respiratory infection symptoms will be given Covid-19 testing.
Those experiencing more significant symptoms, such as chest discomfort, will be sent to a public healthcare institution's emergency room.