SINGAPORE: Workers in shopping malls and supermarkets as well as taxi and private hire drivers will be included in Singapore's COVID-19 "vaccinate or regular test" regime when it starts on Oct 1, said the Ministry of Health on Friday (Aug 13).
Last mile delivery workers, driving school and private driving instructors as well as public transport frontline staff will also be included in the regime, which was first announced last week .
The "vaccinate or regular test" regime requires unvaccinated individuals in some workplace settings to be tested for COVID-19 twice a week using antigen rapid tests.
Workers who are already under the regime include those in healthcare, eldercare and settings with children aged 12 and below. They also include those who interact with customers in high-risk mask-off settings, such as at Singapore’s borders or COVID-19 frontline work, as well as those in the public service, food & beverage establishments, gyms and fitness studios, and personal care services.
MOH also said on Friday that Singapore will open up vaccinations to short-term pass holders who are in the country for "long periods of time".
This comes after a "good majority" of Singaporeans, permanent residents and long-term pass holders have been vaccinated, the ministry said.
Eligible short-term pass holders will be notified through SMS progressively from Aug 18, said MOH. The ministry did not provide more details on eligibility.
MOH also announced that the number of public health preparedness clinics offering jabs under the national vaccination programme will be increased to more than 60 by the end of August, from 44 now.
This will make it more accessible and convenient for seniors to get their vaccinations, said the ministry.
From Aug 18, all Singaporeans, permanent residents and long-term pass holders aged 12 and above will also be able to walk into any polyclinic or participating clinic to get their first dose of a vaccine without a prior appointment.
Additionally, Singapore will also assist its neighbouring countries by donating or swapping of COVID-19 vaccines, said MOH on Friday.
"We have made good progress in our vaccination programme and have set aside sufficient vaccine supplies for our immediate needs," said MOH.
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Last mile delivery workers, driving school and private driving instructors as well as public transport frontline staff will also be included in the regime, which was first announced last week .
The "vaccinate or regular test" regime requires unvaccinated individuals in some workplace settings to be tested for COVID-19 twice a week using antigen rapid tests.
Workers who are already under the regime include those in healthcare, eldercare and settings with children aged 12 and below. They also include those who interact with customers in high-risk mask-off settings, such as at Singapore’s borders or COVID-19 frontline work, as well as those in the public service, food & beverage establishments, gyms and fitness studios, and personal care services.
VACCINATIONS FOR SHORT-TERM PASS HOLDERS
MOH also said on Friday that Singapore will open up vaccinations to short-term pass holders who are in the country for "long periods of time".
This comes after a "good majority" of Singaporeans, permanent residents and long-term pass holders have been vaccinated, the ministry said.
Eligible short-term pass holders will be notified through SMS progressively from Aug 18, said MOH. The ministry did not provide more details on eligibility.
MORE CLINICS TO OFFER VACCINATIONS
MOH also announced that the number of public health preparedness clinics offering jabs under the national vaccination programme will be increased to more than 60 by the end of August, from 44 now.
This will make it more accessible and convenient for seniors to get their vaccinations, said the ministry.
From Aug 18, all Singaporeans, permanent residents and long-term pass holders aged 12 and above will also be able to walk into any polyclinic or participating clinic to get their first dose of a vaccine without a prior appointment.
ASSISTING NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES
Additionally, Singapore will also assist its neighbouring countries by donating or swapping of COVID-19 vaccines, said MOH on Friday.
"We have made good progress in our vaccination programme and have set aside sufficient vaccine supplies for our immediate needs," said MOH.
Continue reading...