SINGAPORE: Gojek and Premier Taxis are encouraging passengers and drivers to continue wearing masks, even though it will no longer be a requirement to do so from next Monday (Aug 29).
"While no longer a requirement, driver-partners and customers are encouraged to continue to wear a mask if they prefer to do so, especially if they feel unwell," the ride-hailing company said in response to CNA's queries.
“We remain fully committed to the health, safety and welfare of all our users and continue to remind them to remain vigilant and observe good hygiene practices, helping to ensure a safe ride environment for all.”
Premier Taxis also said it will continue to encourage both drivers and passengers to wear a mask to protect themselves and others, especially if they are feeling unwell.
ComfortDelGro, Singapore's largest taxi operator, pointed to the Land Transport Authority's (LTA) Facebook page when asked about the company's policy on mask-wearing.
LTA's Facebook post reiterated the announcement by the Health Ministry that masks will be optional from Aug 29, except on public buses and trains, as well as indoor public transport settings such as boarding areas within bus interchanges and after passing through fare gates at underground MRT stations.
Masks will be optional on private transport modes such as taxis, school buses and private bus services.
CNA has also contacted Grab and SMRT for comment.
TADA declined to comment.
Besides public transport, mask-wearing will still be required in healthcare facilities, residential care homes and ambulances.
Explaining the requirement for masks in these places, co-chair of the COVID-19 task force Lawrence Wong said these are "areas where essential services are being carried out in enclosed and crowded spaces, and which are frequently used by vulnerable persons".
Responding to a reporter's question about whether employers can mandate masks at the workplace, Mr Wong said businesses have the discretion to decide.
"That option remains because we are lifting the mandatory requirement for mask-wearing. But it is optional, employers may choose to decide. For that matter, in certain settings, industry regulators might also decide that it is a safety requirement," he added.
For instance, food handlers will still have to wear masks or a spit guard.
On flights, mask-wearing requirements will depend on the rules or laws in the destination country as well as the airline.
Singapore Airlines said on Wednesday that its passengers will not be required to wear masks on flights from Aug 29 unless they are travelling to and from destinations that mandate it.
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"While no longer a requirement, driver-partners and customers are encouraged to continue to wear a mask if they prefer to do so, especially if they feel unwell," the ride-hailing company said in response to CNA's queries.
“We remain fully committed to the health, safety and welfare of all our users and continue to remind them to remain vigilant and observe good hygiene practices, helping to ensure a safe ride environment for all.”
Premier Taxis also said it will continue to encourage both drivers and passengers to wear a mask to protect themselves and others, especially if they are feeling unwell.
ComfortDelGro, Singapore's largest taxi operator, pointed to the Land Transport Authority's (LTA) Facebook page when asked about the company's policy on mask-wearing.
LTA's Facebook post reiterated the announcement by the Health Ministry that masks will be optional from Aug 29, except on public buses and trains, as well as indoor public transport settings such as boarding areas within bus interchanges and after passing through fare gates at underground MRT stations.
Masks will be optional on private transport modes such as taxis, school buses and private bus services.
CNA has also contacted Grab and SMRT for comment.
TADA declined to comment.
Related:
Besides public transport, mask-wearing will still be required in healthcare facilities, residential care homes and ambulances.
Explaining the requirement for masks in these places, co-chair of the COVID-19 task force Lawrence Wong said these are "areas where essential services are being carried out in enclosed and crowded spaces, and which are frequently used by vulnerable persons".
Responding to a reporter's question about whether employers can mandate masks at the workplace, Mr Wong said businesses have the discretion to decide.
"That option remains because we are lifting the mandatory requirement for mask-wearing. But it is optional, employers may choose to decide. For that matter, in certain settings, industry regulators might also decide that it is a safety requirement," he added.
For instance, food handlers will still have to wear masks or a spit guard.
On flights, mask-wearing requirements will depend on the rules or laws in the destination country as well as the airline.
Singapore Airlines said on Wednesday that its passengers will not be required to wear masks on flights from Aug 29 unless they are travelling to and from destinations that mandate it.
Related:
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Download our app or subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on the coronavirus outbreak: https://cna.asia/telegram
Continue reading...