SINGAPORE: Workers in selected sectors will be required to undergo vaccination or regular COVID-19 testing, including those who interact with vulnerable groups within the population, said co-chair of the multi-ministry task force Gan Kim Yong on Friday (Aug 6).
This will take effect from Oct 1.
Unvaccinated employees under the “vaccinate or regular test” regime will have to be tested with an antigen rapid test kit twice a week, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) in a separate press release.
The Government will subsidise the COVID-19 tests for those who remain medically ineligible for vaccines.
This will be introduced for people working in the healthcare sector, eldercare sector and settings with children 12 years and below.
“This protects vulnerable segments of the population such as the elderly, children and sick,” said MOH.
Individuals working in industries that interact with customers in high-risk mask-off settings, such as at Singapore’s borders or COVID-19 frontline work, will also be subject to this regime. Other sectors include food & beverage establishments, gyms and fitness studios, and personal care services.
“This is to protect them and their colleagues, given the environment they are working in,” said Mr Gan, who is also Minister for Trade and Industry.
The last category of people to fall under this regime are those in the Public Service, who will “lead by example”, Mr Gan said.
“Although Singapore’s vaccination rates are one of the highest in the world, we need to continue to expand our vaccine coverage,” said MOH.
More details will be released by the respective Ministries overseeing the sectors, it added.
"We strongly encourage all employers to facilitate vaccination for your employees," said MOH.
"We will continue to closely monitor our vaccination rates and review the need to include other sectors in the future."
According to Mr Gan, about two-thirds of Singapore’s population have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccines.
When at least 80 per cent of Singapore’s population have received their full vaccination regimens, Singapore will be able to take the next steps towards opening up its economy, social activities and travel, said MOH.
“At that stage, we can consider further easing of restrictions, while continuing with differentiated safe distancing rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated persons.
“We will make these moves in a controlled manner, synchronising the easing with our vaccination coverage and seeking to minimise the incidence of severe illness and death,” it said.
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This will take effect from Oct 1.
Unvaccinated employees under the “vaccinate or regular test” regime will have to be tested with an antigen rapid test kit twice a week, said the Ministry of Health (MOH) in a separate press release.
The Government will subsidise the COVID-19 tests for those who remain medically ineligible for vaccines.
This will be introduced for people working in the healthcare sector, eldercare sector and settings with children 12 years and below.
“This protects vulnerable segments of the population such as the elderly, children and sick,” said MOH.
Individuals working in industries that interact with customers in high-risk mask-off settings, such as at Singapore’s borders or COVID-19 frontline work, will also be subject to this regime. Other sectors include food & beverage establishments, gyms and fitness studios, and personal care services.
“This is to protect them and their colleagues, given the environment they are working in,” said Mr Gan, who is also Minister for Trade and Industry.
The last category of people to fall under this regime are those in the Public Service, who will “lead by example”, Mr Gan said.
“Although Singapore’s vaccination rates are one of the highest in the world, we need to continue to expand our vaccine coverage,” said MOH.
More details will be released by the respective Ministries overseeing the sectors, it added.
"We strongly encourage all employers to facilitate vaccination for your employees," said MOH.
"We will continue to closely monitor our vaccination rates and review the need to include other sectors in the future."
According to Mr Gan, about two-thirds of Singapore’s population have received two doses of COVID-19 vaccines.
When at least 80 per cent of Singapore’s population have received their full vaccination regimens, Singapore will be able to take the next steps towards opening up its economy, social activities and travel, said MOH.
“At that stage, we can consider further easing of restrictions, while continuing with differentiated safe distancing rules for vaccinated and unvaccinated persons.
“We will make these moves in a controlled manner, synchronising the easing with our vaccination coverage and seeking to minimise the incidence of severe illness and death,” it said.
Continue reading...