Need a recap? We've got you. Here’s everything you need to know about the latest Covid updates in Singapore.
Attention, Singapore: more good news awaits. After the last Covid update in Singapore in April, the government is further easing up on restrictions (yay, us!). Listen up, ’cause we’ve listed down what you can and can’t do from 29 August 2022 onwards.
All the latest Covid updates in Singapore
1. Goodbye, masks (kinda)
Wearing a mask indoors will be optional from 29 August. But don’t throw out your masks just yet. You’ll still have to wear them on public transport (including MRT and LRT, public buses, and boarding areas at bus interchanges and MRT platforms), healthcare facilities (hospitals and polyclinics including retail and F&B outlets within the building), residential care homes (welfare and sheltered homes for the aged), private primary care and dental facilities, TCM clinics, vaccination centres and emergency ambulances.
Food handlers will also be required to wear masks to uphold good hygiene standards.
Mask-wearing on private transport modes such as school buses, private bus services and taxis will be optional too.
2. No SHN or PCR test required for non-fully vaxxed travellers
From 29 August, non-fully vaccinated travellers coming to Singapore will not be required to undergo a seven-day stay home notice (SHN) or take a PCR test. However, they’ll need to present a negative Pre-Departure Test at least two days before arriving in Singapore.
Non-fully vaccinated Long-Term Pass Holders and Short-Term Visitors aged 13 and above will not have to apply for entry approval to Singapore as well.
3. In-person visits to hospitals and residential care homes just got easier
For hospitals, two visitors per patient at the bedside each time will be allowed. As for home, two visitors per resident are allowed for each visit (capped at one hour). These measures will kick off on 1 September. All visitors are also encouraged to take an ART test on the day of the visit and wear face masks with good filtration.
4. Get ready for more boosters
To stay up to date with vaccinations and stay vigilant for possible future infection waves, people aged 60 years old and above are now recommended to receive a second mRNA Covid-19 booster vaccine from five months after their first booster.
Those who are eligible for their primary series vaccination, first booster or second booster can receive their doses by simply walking into any of the 10 Joint Testing and Vaccination Centres (JTVCs).
Children aged five to 11 years old are recommended to receive one booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech/Comirnaty vaccine, from five months after they’ve received the second dose of their primary vaccination series. The exercise will begin in the fourth quarter of 2022 so stay tuned for more details.
Past Covid-19 updates if you need a refresher
5. Say adieu to group size limits
Planning a party? You don’t have to cap it at 10 guests – there’s currently no a limit on group sizes or the number of visitors you can have per household! F&B outlets are also able to seat big groups of fully-vaccinated individuals, and the sale and consumption of alcohol is allowed after 10.30pm (hooray for night owls!).
6. No more masks outdoors and in the workplace!
Optional mask-wearing in outdoor areas was such a welcome respite in Singapore’s perennial heat. Now, workers will also be able to remove their masks in the workplace – as long as they’re not interacting with other co-workers or carrying out any customer-facing jobs. Hurrah!
7. Say hello to large-scale social events
Holding a wedding, corporate D&D, or an upcoming birthday celebration? You’ll be pleased to know that large-scale social events can resume as long as there are no more than 10 guests seated together at each table. Random spot checks will be carried out to ensure regulations are adhered to.
8. We’re going back to the office
FYI, all workers can head back to the workplace. Split-team arrangements will no longer be required, though staggered start times and flexible work hours are encouraged. If you’re still working from home the majority of the time, make sure you’re well-stocked with these WFH essentials.
9. Safe Entry? We don’t know her
Always forgetting to take out your phone to check in via Safe Entry or TraceTogether? Great news: you’ll no longer have to scramble because check-ins won’t be required unless you’re attending a large event (with over 500 people), or going out to party in a nightclub. Safe-distancing will also not be required, so get in here for a hug – it’s been a long time coming.
These are the latest Covid updates in Singapore – check back for more information as and when announcements are made.
