In Singapore, February 13 marked the official end of travel restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), visitors to the republic no longer need to show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid test, and those who aren’t fully vaccinated aren’t required to buy short-term insurance to cover potential Covid-related treatments. Masks are not mandatory indoors, on public transportation or anywhere else, except in healthcare settings among patients.
The MOH cited “the stable global and local situation, the mild nature of the disease especially among vaccinated individuals, and the minimal disruption posed to our healthcare capacity and daily lives.”
But the Straits Times reports that restrictions put in place last year under the Vaccinated Travel Framework may return if there’s a surge in viral cases or the emergence of a more serious Covid variant.
“This will allow us to quickly adjust the risk classification of countries, as well as our border measures based on the travelers’ vaccination status, should the need arise,” said Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong said during a press conference.
According to the MOH statement, “Singapore’s Covid-19 situation has remained stable in recent months. This is despite increased travel over the year-end holiday period, the Northern Hemisphere winter season and China’s shift away from a zero-Covid policy.
“We are therefore able to step down the remaining few Covid-19 measures and establish an endemic Covid-19 new norm.”
