SINGAPORE — The Ministry of Health (MOH) says it is watching the global COVID-19 situation worldwide closely and stand ready to reinstate border health measures for selected countries if warranted by the public health situation.
This was stated by MOH in a press release on Friday evening (30 Dec) in relation to public concern about the high level of infections in China and the latest announcements to relax their border measures on 8 January 2023.
It had previously said on 28 December that it will maintain its prevailing Covid-19 rules towards incoming travellers from China after the opening of its borders.
Certain countries, such as India, Italy, Japan, Spain, South Korea and the US, have announced new testing requirements for all travellers from China while other countries are monitoring the situation.
MOH points out that the most important factor at this stage of the pandemic is population immunity.
“We cannot completely stop infections, and indeed the virus has continued to circulate in our communities, but we can ensure that infections result in few cases of hospitalisations and severe illnesses.” said MOH.
MOH notes that the local epidemiological situation has remained stable after the XBB wave, with a seven-day moving average of local COVID-19 cases at 729, the number of COVID-19 related hospitalisations staying below 100, and COVID-19 related patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) remaining in the single digits.
It also mentioned the introduction of paediatric and bivalent COVID-19 vaccines, to strengthen Singapore’s already high community hybrid immunity. Singapore also has its healthcare capacity bolstered with new COVID-19 Treatment Facilities and expanded Transitional Care Facilities.
On top of these, MOH is closely watching the global COVID-19 situation worldwide, particularly in China, with its new infection wave following the sudden drop of its zero-COVID policy.
The ministry highlights two specific concerns. First, the possible emergence of new and more dangerous variants and secondly, how travellers should not add significant burden to Singapore’s hospitals.
Currently, Singapore’s airport sees between 700 and 1,000 arrivals from China daily, or about 1 per cent to 1.5 per cent of total daily arrivals by air.
The majority comprise residents and long-term pass holders returning to Singapore. On a weekly basis, between 40 and 80 COVID-19 cases are detected from among these travellers. All of them exhibited mild symptoms, except one returning Singaporean who had become severely ill after recent travel to China.
MOH states it will take a cautious approach towards increasing seat capacity, taking into account the overall public health assessment as air travel between Singapore and China is progressively restored.
It also mentioned that Singapore still mandates a pre-departure test for non-fully vaccinated travellers entering Singapore within two days before departure, contrary to many countries which had previously fully lifted public health-related border measures.
Non-fully vaccinated Short-Term Visitors (STVs) are also required to obtain travel insurance with a minimum coverage of S$30,000 for COVID-related medical expenses.
All air and sea travellers are required to submit a health declaration upon arrival.
MOH points out that these measures reduce the risk of having severely ill imported cases, which can take up Singapor’s healthcare capacity.
“At this juncture, we will continue to maintain these prevailing vaccination requirements and border measures for non-fully vaccinated travellers.” said MOH.
MOH is, however, watching the situation closely, including both upstream developments and the loading on our own healthcare system.
“We stand ready to reinstate border health measures for selected countries if warranted by the public health situation.”
